A bird can easily become unhappy by sitting in an empty birdcage all day. Birds have solid beaks and active minds that need to be occupied to keep them happy and engaged. Boredom is the leading cause of plucking in birds, which results in birds pulling out their feathers. This is why it's important to choose the best swings and toys for your pet bird. When choosing swings and toys for your bird, consider the following:
Size- When picking a swing or toy for your bird, make sure that it is the appropriate size. Some swings and toys are designed for tiny birds and aren't safe for your large bird. Larger pet birds have more powerful beaks, which can easily damage toys meant for smaller birds. Broken pieces from these toys can be a possible choking hazard.
Types- Bird toys are available in different forms with different functionalities. Some toys require foraging, some encourage exercise, some are puzzles, some make noise, and some are foot toys. Some toys are meant to comfort your pet birds, while others are intended to minimize rage and frustrations. Get your bird different types of toys to keep him/her entertained. Different types of toys will also keep your bird challenged, release aggression, and keep fit.
Personality- You can know your bird's toy personality through observation. This will help you to choose the most effective swing and toy for your pet bird. Which types of materials, textures, colors, and/or shapes does your bird choose? Observe how your bird interacts with different toys, shades, and materials, and use your findings to make the best bird perch and toy selection that will keep your pet entertained.
Safety- Avoid improperly built perches and toys at all costs. Also, stay clear of toys with areas that could trap your birds' head or pinch your bird's toes. Keep in mind that a bird can get his little beak into anything, so ensure that the toys and perches you get are tough enough. This will avoid the risk of them breaking them, or even your bird swallowing the damaged pieces.
Toy rotation- Similar to kids, birds also get bored quickly; that is why it's essential to rotate their toys. Do not put all the toys in the cage. Rather, put a few and rotate them occasionally. Also, ensure you hide the others where he or she can not see them. After a week or so, replace the toys in the cage with the hidden toys. Rotation also gives you a chance to clean up the toys without bothering the bird.
Shop at NextPaw in Salt Lake City, UT for a wide selection of bird perches, toys, swings, and ladders for all sizes and types of birds. To learn more on bird perches and toys, feel free to call us first at (970) 261-4186, and a member of our team will be happy to help you.