Does your Fayette County bird grow tired of new toys fairly quickly? If so, you might be able to save a bit of money by making Polly some homemade toys. The great thing about using DIY toys is that you can make enough so that you can change them out frequently, so your bird never gets bored. You’ll also be able to replace toys your bird destroys without spending a fortune.

Here are a few suggestions on DIY toys for your pet bird:

Birdie Gift Basket

Get a large woven basket with a handle that is large enough for your bird to use as a perch. Wrap the handle with cloth or rope so your bird is comfortable on it, and you can hang something from the handle as well. Fill the basket with goodies for your feathered buddy. Toilet paper rolls, bottlecaps, a few treats … anything your bird can play with will work.

Popsicle Sticks

Birds can actually have quite a bit of fun with popsicle sticks. Just make sure the stick is clean and dry, and that it doesn’t have any broken or chipped edges.

Egg Carton Surprise

Take a cardboard egg carton and in each cup put a little treat or toy for your bird. They don’t have to be fancy; golf balls, bottle caps, and wooden thread spools are a few options. Close the lid and let your bird tear into his goody bag. Just make sure Polly doesn’t eat the carton.

Game Chip Toys

Birds actually love playing with game chips, the type you may see in a poker game. You can make holes in the chips and hang them from strings, or just give your bird a few. Make sure to use chips that are strong enough so your feathered buddy can’t bite through them.

Phone Book Toys

You can punch holes in the side of a black and white phone book, and then hang it from the corner of the cage. Your pet bird will really enjoy tearing up the phone book.

These are just a few ideas. You can look online for many other DIY bird toys. If you’re handy, you can even make perches, ladders, and jungle gyms for your bird. Don’t use anything that has been chemically treated, and stay away from items small enough for your bird to choke on. Make sure to use materials that are safe for birds, such as bird-safe cotton for ropes. If you are buying wood, get wood that has no sealant or coating on it.

Please visit our site for more articles from your Fayette County vet on birds and bird care.