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If you keep a feathered friend, you already know they’re more than a pretty face — they’re curious, clever, and easily bored. The right bird toys do more than occupy time; they prevent boredom behaviors like feather plucking, screaming, and destructive chewing. Think of toys like mental vitamins: short daily doses keep a bird’s beak busy, brain engaged, and mood happier. Looking for the best places to buy and what to choose? Let’s walk through practical picks and where to score them across top US stores.
Not all shops are created equal when it comes to bird supplies. Some focus on price, others on specialty gear for parrots, and a few offer handmade or eco-friendly toys. Below are reliable US stores where most bird owners shop, with a quick flavor of what each store does best.
PetSmart is a go-to for many because it’s easy to find in most cities and suburbs. They stock a wide range of toys from swings and ladders to chewable wooden blocks and foraging toys. Prices tend to be mid-range, and you can often find seasonal sales. If you want to physically inspect materials and size before buying, PetSmart’s in-store availability is handy.
Petco mixes popular brands with slightly more premium options. They often carry enrichment items geared toward training and foraging, which are great for intelligent species like cockatoos and conures. Their staff can sometimes offer basic advice about choosing toys for different bird species.
Chewy is loved for online convenience and subscription options. Their catalog spans budget toys to higher-end handcrafted items, and they’ll often have customer reviews that tell you whether a toy lasts more than a week with a macaw. If you’re restocking regularly, Chewy’s autoship feature saves time.
Amazon is basically a treasure hunt: you can find everything from cheap plastic foot toys to artisan wooden creations. The upside is variety and quick shipping; the downside is inconsistent quality. Always check customer photos and look for mentions of safe materials and solid construction.
For house birds with mild chewing tendencies or for small birds like budgies and cockatiels, Walmart and Target offer inexpensive swings, bells, and foot toys. They’re especially useful when you need a low-cost replacement or a trial toy before investing in pricier items.
Pet Supplies Plus combines local store service with decent brand selection. If you prefer in-person shopping with friendly staff who know small birds, these stores are helpful. They often carry unique items not stocked at the biggest box stores.
Etsy sellers often build toys from natural wood, hemp rope, and food-safe dyes — ideal if you want an artisan touch or eco-friendly options. Prices can run higher, but you’re paying for craftsmanship and the ability to request custom sizes or materials for specific species.
Across all the stores above, certain toy types repeatedly earn rave reviews from bird owners and behaviorists. Here are five categories to prioritize, plus when to pick each one.
Foraging toys hide treats inside pockets or compartments that birds must figure out how to access. These are excellent for intelligent birds like amazons and macaws. Foraging toys reduce boredom and encourage natural hunting behavior; use them during quiet times or to prevent afternoon squabbles. Typical sizes range from about 4 to 12 inches across depending on species.
Birds love to chew. Look for toys made from untreated hardwoods, compressed coconut shells, or safe leather strips. Chew toys help maintain beak health and relieve stress. For medium parrots, blocks around 1 to 2 inches thick are great; for larger macaws, look for sturdier pieces six inches or larger.
Puzzle feeders and treat dispensers force birds to figure out mechanisms to release food. These increase activity levels and can be used at mealtime to slow down greedy eaters. Plastic and wood puzzles both work — just ensure pieces aren’t small enough to become choking hazards.
Small birds love picking up and manipulating foot toys, which are lightweight and often inexpensive. Hanging swings and bungee perches keep birds moving and provide short bursts of exercise. Foot toys typically measure under 3 inches; swings and perches should match your bird’s wingspan and weight capacity.
Some modern toys include mirrored surfaces, safe bells, or low-voltage moving parts that react to pecks. Use these sparingly — too much noise can be overstimulating — but they’re brilliant for short bursts of engagement, especially during long workdays when you’re away.
Safety is non-negotiable. A pretty toy that breaks into sharp pieces isn’t worth the risk. Use this checklist when comparing products across PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon, and other retailers.
Choose toys labeled “non-toxic,” “food-safe,” or made from natural, untreated wood. Avoid zinc, lead, and copper in metal parts. Bright paints should be water-based and labeled safe for pet use. If a seller doesn’t list materials, ask — many Etsy sellers will provide a materials statement.
A toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard for larger birds; one that’s too big is frustrating for smaller birds. Measure beak width and wingspan in inches and compare to the toy dimensions. Also consider the bird’s bite force: macaws need beefier construction than parakeets.
Strings and fibers can tangle toes and beaks. Avoid toys with long dangling threads unless they’re tightly braided and inspected daily. Small bells and beads should be secured so they can’t be easily removed and swallowed.
Every bird species has different needs and strengths. Here’s a quick guide to match toys to common pet birds you’ll find in households across the US.
Small birds love swings, foot toys, and lightweight shreddables like paper or palm leaves. Look for toys under 4 inches and lightweight wood blocks. These species enjoy bright colors and smaller-sized chew toys to keep their beaks trimmed.
These medium parrots are busy and clever. Foraging toys, puzzle feeders, and sturdy chew blocks work well. Aim for toys in the 6 to 8-inch range with multiple textures to challenge their curiosity.
Large parrots need heavy-duty toys: thick hardwood, solid metal link chains (stainless steel), and large foraging platforms. Avoid thin plastic or weak wooden dowels. Toys for large parrots should withstand hours of chewing — think pieces at least 6 inches across and engineered for strong beaks.
Want to save money or make a custom toy? DIY can be a win if you use safe materials and supervise testing. Here are simple ideas that require only basic household items — all in imperial units so you can measure quickly.
Flatten a clean toilet paper roll and fold in one end. Stuff in a strip of millet or shredded paper and fold the other end. Adults usually take 15 to 30 minutes to make and cost pennies. For larger birds, use paper towel rolls, roughly 11 inches long, for a bigger challenge.
Drill a 1/4 inch hole through untreated hardwood blocks about 1 to 2 inches square, thread them on a stainless steel chain, and hang. Add leather strips or hemp for texture, but keep leather strips no longer than 2 inches to avoid tangles.
Cut a small corrugated box into 6 by 6 inch sections and staple them together to create layers. Hide treats between layers. Cardboard is digestible in tiny amounts and perfect for short supervised play sessions.
Price doesn’t always equal quality, but it often reflects durability. Here’s how to compare and decide where to buy depending on budget and need.
If you need simple swings or small foot toys for under $10, Walmart and Target are the quickest places to check. Great for trial-and-error or as temporary replacements between sturdier purchases.
These stores usually land in the mid-range price band — $10 to $40 for most toys — and offer a good mix of safety and durability. Check for store brand toys that offer value without sacrificing materials.
Chewy and Amazon cover the full spectrum from $5 foot toys to $100+ heavy-duty macaw puzzles. Use search filters and read multiple reviews; photos from other bird owners are gold. Chewy’s autoship can save if you go through a ton of toys quickly.
Etsy prices vary widely, typically $15 to $60 depending on size and materials. You’ll pay more for higher-quality woods and handcrafted designs, but you’ll also often get materials transparency and the option to customize.
Toys aren’t “set it and forget it.” Regular inspection and rotation keep things fresh and safe. Treat rotation like changing the decor: swap a few toys every few days to keep interest high.
Check for cracks, splinters, loose parts, and frayed ropes. Replace toys that are missing chunks or hanging by a single thread. For heavy chewers, plan to replace wooden pieces every 2 to 6 months depending on damage.
Many solid plastic and stainless steel toys can be washed in warm, soapy water weekly. Wooden toys need spot cleaning and occasional deep cleaning if they become soiled — allow to air dry completely before returning to the cage to avoid mold.
When shopping across stores, keep these simple habits to get the best toys without overspending or risking safety.
Owners often note whether a toy survives a macaw’s daily grind or if a conure dismantled it in a week. Prioritize reviews from owners of the same species as your bird.
Mix chewable, foraging, and interactive toys in the cage to stimulate different behaviors. A one-trick toy gets old fast; variety keeps the bird engaged.
Try budget options for initial testing. If a toy becomes a favorite, invest in a higher-quality version that will last longer and be safer over time.
Choosing the right bird toys is part science, part trial, and a bit of art. Shop where you trust the materials and price points — PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Pet Supplies Plus, and Etsy each offer advantages depending on what you need. Match toy types to your bird’s size and temperament, prioritize safety, rotate regularly, and don’t be afraid to try DIY options. With the right mix, your bird will stay mentally sharp, physically active, and happily occupied for hours.
| Bird Toys | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Coco Bundles | $ 10,15 |
