How to Make Bird Toys at Home Using Recycled Materials
Birds are intelligent, active animals that thrive when they’re mentally and physically stimulated. While store-bought toys can help meet those needs, they can also get expensive—and let’s face it, birds can be picky. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend much (or anything) to create engaging toys for your feathered friend.
Using items you already have at home, you can make safe, fun bird toys out of recycled materials. It’s budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and a great way to bond with your bird through enrichment.
Here’s how to do it.
🧠 Why DIY Toys Are Great for Birds
Birds, especially parrots, parakeets, and cockatiels, are incredibly smart. Without enough stimulation, they can become bored, anxious, or even aggressive. DIY toys help:
Prevent boredom
Encourage natural behaviors like chewing and foraging
Build trust through play and interaction
Save money while reducing household waste
And you don’t need to be “crafty.” Most toys take only a few minutes to make.
♻️ Basic Materials You Can Reuse
Before throwing something away, ask: Could my bird play with this? Here are safe, bird-friendly materials you can collect:
Cardboard (toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, cereal boxes)
Paper (plain paper, paper bags, cupcake liners)
String or twine (natural cotton, sisal, jute – no frays or dyes)
Bottle caps (plastic, clean, no sharp edges)
Popsicle sticks (non-colored or natural wood)
Old T-shirts or cloth (washed, no loose threads)
Small boxes or baskets
Plastic straws (cut short, no sharp edges)
Important: Always clean materials and remove glue, ink, staples, or anything sharp. Avoid anything treated, painted, or coated with chemicals.
🧻 1. Cardboard Roll Treat Dispenser
What You’ll Need:
Empty toilet paper or paper towel roll
Bird-safe treats
Paper strips or tissue
How to Make It:
Place a few treats or seeds inside the roll.
Stuff both ends with crumpled paper or tissue to close it up.
Let your bird shred, roll, and dig to find the reward.
Why it works: It activates foraging instincts and gives your bird a fun, destructive outlet (for the roll—not your furniture).
🥚 2. Egg Carton Foraging Box
What You’ll Need:
Cardboard egg carton (clean and dry)
Seeds or chopped veggies
Paper or small toys
How to Make It:
Place a small treat in a few of the egg slots.
Cover each compartment with crumpled paper or a small toy.
Close the lid and let your bird work to open it.
Bonus: Add multiple layers of challenge by tying the carton shut with string or adding a pop stick as a “lock.”
🎨 3. DIY Hanging Toy with Straws and Bottle Caps
What You’ll Need:
Plastic straws (cut into 2–3 inch pieces)
Clean plastic bottle caps
Natural string or cotton thread
How to Make It:
Poke small holes in the bottle caps.
Thread straws and caps onto the string, alternating shapes and colors.
Tie knots between pieces to keep them from sliding.
Hang it from your bird’s cage.
Why birds love it: The varied shapes, colors, and textures engage curiosity and encourage climbing and pecking.
🧺 4. Mini T-Shirt Rope Perch
What You’ll Need:
Old cotton T-shirt
Scissors
Safety clips or metal rings
How to Make It:
Cut the shirt into long strips.
Braid the strips tightly.
Secure both ends with knots or rings to attach to the cage.
This can double as a swing, perch, or climbing rope.
Note: Check regularly for fraying or loose threads that could wrap around toes or be swallowed.
📦 5. Cereal Box Puzzle Toy
What You’ll Need:
Empty cereal or cracker box
Paper
Favorite treat
How to Make It:
Place a treat inside the box.
Fill the rest with crumpled paper or strips of cardboard.
Seal the box and poke a few small holes for ventilation and scent.
Place the whole box in your bird’s play area or hang it in the cage using string.
Great for larger birds that enjoy shredding cardboard and solving puzzles.
🐦 6. Paper Chain Swing
What You’ll Need:
Plain paper or paper bags
Scissors
Natural string
How to Make It:
Cut the paper into strips.
Create loops and link them like a chain.
Tie the ends to a perch or cage bars.
This lightweight toy makes a great interactive swing and shredding toy for small birds like budgies or finches.
🔒 Safety First
Bird safety is the top priority. Follow these basic rules when making or offering DIY toys:
Avoid toxic materials like pressure-treated wood, chemically dyed fabric, or printed paper with ink.
Remove all metal, glue, tape, or plastic wrap from recycled items.
Supervise your bird the first time they try a new toy.
Regularly inspect for wear and tear—replace anything that’s falling apart or fraying.
If your bird starts eating non-food materials, remove the toy immediately.
🔁 Keep Things Fresh
Even the best toy gets boring after a while. To keep your bird engaged:
Rotate toys every week or two
Combine toy types—like adding a foraging twist to a swing
Adjust the difficulty based on your bird’s skill and curiosity
Use different textures and materials to maintain interest
Variety is key to keeping your bird happy and mentally active.
Making bird toys at home with recycled materials is easy, sustainable, and rewarding. It’s a great way to reduce waste while giving your bird the enrichment they need to thrive.
You don’t have to be an expert crafter. With just a few simple items, you can create toys that:
Stimulate natural behaviors
Encourage physical activity
Provide mental challenges
Help you bond with your bird
Start with one or two simple toys and see how your bird reacts. Chances are, they’ll love the effort—and so will you.
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