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Step 1
The species of parrot should be the first indicator when selecting a toy. A parakeet will need toys that are in the extra small-to-small range while Macaws and Cockatoos need toys that are large to extra large. When choosing a toy with rings, the size of the rings should either be small enough not to get the head caught, or big enough for the whole bird to fit through. Check toy parts to make sure the parrot cannot accidentally swallow toy parts. Pony beads are a big no no for larger species of parrots.
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Step 2
Parrots like shiny items. When selecting a toy with metal chain or metal parts, the metal should either be nickel- plated or stainless steel. Zinc and copper plated metal parts are a hazard to parrots and when ingested, can result in death.
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Step 3
Leather must be vegetable tanned and free of chemicals. Parrots spend hours chewing and could ingest the chemicals causing illness and possibly death. Once the parrot soils the leather parts, pitch them. Bacteria can grow and also cause illness.
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Step 4
Wooden toys come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. There are several types of wood that are unsafe for parrots such as oak. Choosing toys made of pine, poplar, java or manzanita will provide the parrot with hours of safe chewing.
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Step 5
Rope toys are also a favorite among parrots. Keeping the parrot's toe nails trimmed will prevent injury from getting their toe nails caught in the rope. Also, the rope should be short enough so the parrot cannot get wrapped up in it. Many parrots have hung themselves due to ropes being too long. Cotton or sisal ropes are safe as long as they have not been chemically treated.
