Introduction
Birds need more than just food and water. They crave stimulation, movement, and fun. Just like us, they get bored. And boredom can lead to stress, feather plucking, and other health issues. Buying new toys can get expensive. But the good news? You can make your own bird toys using safe, recycled materials right at home.
I’ve tried it. And trust me, it works. It’s fun, affordable, and gives your bird something new to explore. Plus, it keeps old stuff out of the trash. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 simple bird toys you can make with things you probably already have.
1. Toilet Paper Roll Shredder
What You Need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Untreated paper or tissue
- Bird-safe string or paper rope
How to Make It:
- Stuff the roll with shredded paper.
- Fold the ends so the paper stays inside.
- Thread it with paper rope and hang it in the cage.
Why Birds Love It: They enjoy tearing and chewing the cardboard. It mimics foraging.
Safety Tip: Use rolls free from glue or ink.
2. Cardboard Stack Toy
What You Need:
- Thin cardboard pieces
- Plastic bottle caps
- Wooden beads (untreated)
- Bird-safe rope
How to Make It:
- Cut cardboard into squares.
- Punch holes in the middle.
- Thread them with beads and bottle caps.
- Tie knots to secure.
Why Birds Love It: Birds enjoy climbing, chewing, and tossing the stack around.
Safety Tip: Avoid waxed or printed cardboard.
3. Muffin Cup Forager
What You Need:
- Paper muffin liners
- Small treats
- Non-toxic glue or natural paper twist ties
How to Make It:
- Place a treat in the cup.
- Crumple and tie the top.
- Hang several in different spots.
Why Birds Love It: It mimics food searching. Great for mental stimulation.
Safety Tip: Only use plain paper liners, no wax or dye.
4. Paper Rope Climber
What You Need:
- Brown paper bags
- Scissors
How to Make It:
- Cut the bag into long strips.
- Twist tightly into a rope.
- Tie several together to form a climbing net.
Why Birds Love It: They climb, perch, and nibble at the paper rope.
Safety Tip: Don’t use colored or printed paper.
5. Spoon and Bead Rattle
What You Need:
- Old plastic spoons
- Plastic beads
- Cotton string
How to Make It:
- Tie beads between two spoons.
- Make sure it rattles softly.
- Hang at perch level.
Why Birds Love It: The sound and movement keep birds active.
Safety Tip: Avoid cracked spoons or sharp edges.
6. Bottle Cap Carousel
What You Need:
- Plastic bottle caps
- Small bell or bead
- Bird-safe wire or string
How to Make It:
- Punch holes in caps.
- Thread them with wire or string.
- Add a bell in the center.
- Hang horizontally.
Why Birds Love It: The spinning motion keeps them curious.
Safety Tip: Rinse caps well. Remove sharp parts.
7. Paper Chain Garland
What You Need:
- Unprinted newspaper or packing paper
- Scissors
- Bird-safe glue or folding technique
How to Make It:
- Cut paper into strips.
- Loop and secure each strip through the last.
- Drape in the cage.
Why Birds Love It: They chew each loop like peeling bark.
Safety Tip: Check for loose pieces daily.
8. Sock Swing
What You Need:
- Clean old sock (cotton)
- Wooden dowel or small branch
- Safe twine
How to Make It:
- Cut the sock into strips.
- Tie them to the dowel.
- Hang like a swing.
Why Birds Love It: They perch and bounce on the soft base.
Safety Tip: Make sure the sock has no threads that can wrap around toes.
9. Pinecone Treat Ball
What You Need:
- Clean, dry pinecone
- Unsweetened peanut butter or coconut oil
- Birdseed
How to Make It:
- Spread oil inside the cone.
- Roll in birdseed.
- Hang it using a string.
Why Birds Love It: Great for foraging and pecking.
Safety Tip: Use pinecones free from pesticides or resin.
10. Crinkle Cup Puzzle
What You Need:
- Small paper cups
- Crinkle paper
- Tiny toy pieces or treats
How to Make It:
- Layer cups with paper and treats.
- Stack them.
- Let your bird explore and dismantle.
Why Birds Love It: Solving the puzzle builds confidence and keeps them busy.
Safety Tip: Supervise at first. Avoid plastic wrappers.
Why DIY Bird Toys Matter
Store-bought toys can be pricey and short-lived. Birds destroy toys fast. Making toys yourself is cheaper, creative, and gives you control over materials. Plus, recycling helps the planet.
Most birds—budgies, cockatiels, conures, and parrots—need new things to explore weekly. If they don’t get it, they may act out. Chewing furniture, screaming, or plucking feathers are all signs of boredom.
That’s where homemade toys save the day.
Tips for Safe Bird Toy Making
- Use bird-safe rope: Cotton, jute, sisal (no frays).
- Avoid toxic glues and tapes.
- Stick to natural items. No ink, wax, plastic film, or rubber.
- Supervise new toys.
- Rotate toys every 5–7 days.
FAQ Section
Q: Are recycled toys safe for all birds?
A: Yes, if made from bird-safe items. Avoid sharp or toxic parts.
Q: How often should I rotate my bird’s toys?
A: Weekly is best. It keeps them mentally fresh.
Q: Can I use newspaper for bird toys?
A: Only if it’s black-and-white print. Avoid glossy or colored ink.
Q: Are plastic parts okay?
A: Small, smooth plastic is okay. Check for cracks daily.
Q: What should I avoid completely?
A: No metal clips, rubber bands, toxic wood, or tape.
Final Thoughts
DIY bird toys don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be safe, fun, and engaging. With the list above, you’ll never run out of ideas. Try different combinations and see what your bird enjoys most.
You’ll save money, keep your bird happy, and reduce waste. That’s a win-win-win.
Start with one toy today. See your bird’s eyes light up.
They’ll thank you in chirps and cheerful flaps.
