Getting a parrot interested in playing with toys

[jducky426]

I cannot find a thread on this with a really basic search so here goes....
I may come to regret this in the end (because I'll have to buy more toys lol), but does anyone know some good ways to get a parrot more interested in playing with toys? My greenie Sissy doesnt pay much attention to the ones she has in her cage right now other than to use them to scratch her pinnie covered head lol. I'd love to get a beak box and have her play with them/destroy them etc. Thanks guys!

 

[JosienBB]

Try toys with lots of balsa. My conures all love to destroy balsa.

 

[Tanya]

Cork is good too. It took about three months before Rhubarb would touch a cork. Now I can't seem to buy them fast enough!

 

[webchirp]

Balsa and cupcake papers...foraging stuff. Let her watch you put her favorite treat in something....and I have not had a bird turn down a Hachi ball yet. Posted the how-to in the toys and cages section.

Jingles? Just a stainless chain with buttons and beads and a bell...mine all love that. I also just bought some of these and even gave Hachi one...1467 Ball Clanger Bird Toy by BonkaBirdToys on Etsy Although I need to figure out how to attach it better. Hachi actually ripped the ball of the chain!

 

[Monica]

You can place treats and toys in, on and around the toys! Gives them a little foraging activity! Balsa is easy to do that with, as you can stick seeds straight into the soft 'wood' of it! You can also get wooden toys and perches with holes and slots in them (or make them yourself) and stuff those with treats!

The Fantastic Foraging Perch from Things for Wings
Wood Block Forager « Foraging for Parrots


You can also use egg cartons as a great foraging item! Stuff with some shredded paper, nutriberries, nuts, dried fruit, or other 'bird safe' things!

Amazon.com : 100 Egg Cartons EG01T-P100 (Paper Unmarked) 12ct CC Only Brand : Poultry Egg Handling Equipment : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Amazon.com : Blank Egg Cartons - 50 Egg Cartons : Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[Kellie728]

Mine love balsa and any toys with bells.

 

[gibsongrrrl]

finger traps with crinkle paper stuffed in with a favorite treat. Let them see you put the treat in and I bet you will get some interest. Might have to make it easy and visible at first.

 

[gibsongrrrl]

like these Aussie Bird Toys Crinkle Sticks Foot Toys 6pk

 

[jducky426]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Is there a site where you can buy some balsa, maybe a part off a bird store site that has a make your own toy section?

 

[JosienBB]

Largest Selection of Bird Toy Parts on The Web CA Bird Nerds

My guys especially like their dyed balsa 1" cubes, 2"x0.5" slats, and 3"x0.75" slats.

 

[Jamy]

How about something like this if you maybe put some treats in between the rings.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Yucca and balsa and toys that have lots of paper or are easily shredded.

 

[jducky426]

I will look into that site @JosienBB, thank you!

 

[calibird]

Largest Selection of Bird Toy Parts on The Web CA Bird Nerds

My guys especially like their dyed balsa 1" cubes, 2"x0.5" slats, and 3"x0.75" slats.

Thank you

 

[SueA555]

Joey's favorite toy is a box that he can chew.

 

[Lady Jane]

You can also have some toys out on a table and you play with them while your bird watches. Curiosity will come into play.