Homemade Bird Toys

Bird Swing Toy    
Bird Rope Toy    
Bird Chew Toys    
Bird Pine Cone Toy    
Bird Rattles    
Bird Perch Stand    
Bird Toy Box    
Bird Toys on Ebay    

Avi-Cakes Gourmet Bird Food for Macaws and Cockatoos

Bird.com Parrot Towers

Tire Swings Bird Toy


Hotsy Totsy Bird Toy


Pinata Bird Toy

Pine Cone Toy : Homemade Bird Toys

I can't remember where I first saw this idea for a make-your-own bird toy. It's a really easy one to implement, especially if you happen to live near a forested area where there are pine trees!

The idea is to use something natural to pique your bird's interest - in this case a simple pine cone. During the correct season, pine trees will drop the cones on the ground for easy collecting. Choose medium sized pine cones that won't take up that much space in your bird cage. If you don't live in an area where there are pine cones readily available for your bird, you can either order them online or purchase them at craft stores. Watch for holiday sales which is when you can pick them up for cheap. Try and avoid the ones that have too much glitter or are "painted" with snow. A plain pine cone will do fine.

Now simply attach the pine cone to a string made out of safe materials and tie that to the top of the cage. Keep the pine cone higher up so it doesn't interfere with the bottom of the cage. Because birds are inquisitive by nature and like to play "hide and seek" with their food, you can use the crevices within your new homemade bird toy to put bits of food. Some good candidates are shelled sunflower seeds or small peanuts. You just stuff them into the spaces between the pine cone seeds and let your bird find them.

If you do use pine cones found on the ground for your bird toy, you'll want to make sure they are completely clean. It doesn't hurt to rinse them off in water and let them dry to rid them of dirt and any potential parasites. Make sure you get all the bugs off of them if possible.

Warning: While pine cones are natural items so they are for the most part safe, you'll want to keep a close eye on your bird. You probably should choose pine cones that are opened, but firm, and that have seeds that are still firmly attached. As always, keep an eye on your bird when he's first playing with his new pine cone toy. You'll also want to introduce the toy gradually so as not to scare him.