Last updated on April 28th, 2022 at 12:27 am
Parakeets love toys, and so do cats. But what is the difference between their toys? Can they be used interchangeably?
Parakeets can play with cat toys so long as the toys are durable and can withstand heavy chewing. However, toys that your parakeet can shred can be a choking hazard, and you should avoid toys that may develop exposed metals that can cause abrasions. You should also avoid toys with catnip.
Which Cat Toys Are Safe for Parakeets To Play With?
Cat toys that are chewable and durable are safe for parakeets to play with.
Just make sure you avoid giving your parakeet cat toys with small spaces where their toes could get stuck.
Like with certain bells, and toys with paints and glues that your parakeet could ingest.
Rope toys may seem like a good choice, but they can be dangerous if made from the wrong materials.
Cotton ropes can fray and cause the bird to choke, whereas nylon ropes can lead to cuts.
Also, a loose rope can be a hazard in that it may get wrapped around the bird’s neck.
If you want a rope toy, it’s better to invest in one specifically made for birds.
Toys with metal parts can be dangerous, even if the metal is not exposed at the start.
Birds may chew through the toy and expose the metal parts, then become hurt if the metal scrapes them.
Make sure that you avoid toys with catnip in them, too, as catnip can be toxic to birds.
Small amounts may not harm your bird, but continued play can make your parakeet woosy and interfere with the respiratory system.
Because parakeets are much smaller than cats, even a small amount can have a much greater effect on them.
The Ronton Cat Toothbrush Toy (available at Amazon.com) is an example of a cat toy that might be appropriate for a bird to play with.
Your parakeet can chew this durable, colorful toy without worry that small pieces will come off or be ingested.
Just make sure that you remove the catnip packets before giving the toy to your parakeet.
What Kinds of Toys Does a Parakeet Need?
A parakeet needs toys for chewing, climbing, and foraging. Toys should keep a parakeet mentally and physically stimulated.
Parakeets like color, so colorful toys can be great for capturing your bird’s attention. Toys that have bells attached and make noise are also a plus.
Chewing Toys
Parakeets love to chew. It’s good for their beaks to do so, so long as the material they’re chewing is non-toxic and non-abrasive.
A good example of a toy appropriate for a parakeet to chew on is this Jusney Bird Perch (available at Amazon.com).
It is a tightly woven, coiled rope that your parakeet can perch on while chewing. This colorful rope is attractive and beneficial.
Foraging Toys
Foraging toys are a great way to stimulate natural behavior in a parakeet.
Hiding food in a toy like the Oflao Bird Foraging Toy (available at Amazon.com) can encourage intelligence and prevent your parakeet from growing bored while it’s in the cage.
This particular toy is great because it’s made from safe materials and can be hung in the cage right out of the box without assembly.
Mirrors
Mirrors and other reflective toys are also a great choice for a parakeet, especially one with no partner or flock.
Parakeets are social birds and may think the reflection is company.
This keeps the bird stimulated and makes it feel like it’s interacting with more creatures throughout the day.
Any mirror will do, but the JW Pet Company Mirror (available at Amazon.com) fits right in the cage.
Swings
Swings are a great choice for parakeets who enjoy a little bit of movement, and they act as a sleeping perch.
This Sweet Feet Swing (available at Amazon.com) is a great example of a durable swing that parakeets can use to get a little bit of movement while perching.
It has a textured perch like a tree branch, which is comfortable to perch on and useful for trimming nails.
Bells
Bells are also a great choice for parakeet toys. Parakeets are attracted to the sound and will jingle the bell for entertainment.
Just make sure that you find a bell such as the SunGrow Parrot Bell Toy (available at Amazon.com).
It is a safe choice because it doesn’t have small crevices where your parakeet’s toes could get stuck.
Bells enclosed with small spaces are not safe for parakeets to play with.
Why Are Toys Important for a Parakeet?
Toys are important for a parakeet because they keep it engaged with its surroundings. They stimulate mental and physical activity, preventing stress and boredom.
This is especially important when the parakeet must be caged and cannot fly freely and explore.
Make sure that you provide your parakeet with a variety of toys and change out which toys are in the cage each week.
By rotating the toys in and out of the cage, you’ll give your parakeet the chance to experience each toy like it’s new again every time it comes back to the cage.
What Can Happen If Your Parakeet is Understimulated
If your parakeet is understimulated mentally or physically, it can start picking at its feathers and become bored and restless.
In the wild, parakeets spend hours foraging for food and playing.
It’s only in captivity where they’re offered food for free and forced to spend long hours in a small space.
Stimulation through playing has a positive impact on your bird’s mental health and its physical health.
Birds who play are less likely to become obese, and many toys act as nail files for the beak and nails.
Why You Shouldn’t Crowd the Cage
While toys are undoubtedly important for your parakeet, it’s important to remember that your parakeet also needs plenty of space in the cage to stretch out and move.
Don’t crowd the space with so many toys that your parakeet feels overly confined.
Instead, put just a couple of toys in the cage and switch them out periodically to provide variety.