Cautions

• Inappropriate toys can cause injury. Buying a toy from a known manufacturer at a reputable pet store is not a guarantee that the toy is safe. Whether you make or buy a toy, make sure it is safe for your parrot's size and behavior.
  
  The most common types of injuries are caused when a talon or a beak get trapped in a toy. One way to prevent this is to consider the size of the parrot and the shape of the toy and its parts. Giving the parrot new toys when you have time to observe how it reacts and plays with them can help you decide if they would are safe or should be removed.
  
  

Risky Materials

• Making toys out of things you already have around the house is a satisfying and environmentally friendly project. Craft stores might have inexpensive items that can be combined to entertain your parrot.
  
  Parrots are generally happy to explore and play with almost anything, but some materials can be dangerous for them. Avoid Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), dyes and other chemicals. Avoid zinc, lead or other heavy metals.
  
  Flexible cotton rope toys, metal chains with small gaps in the links, loose threads, holes and gaps can all cause harm if their size fits the bird's talon, beak or head. Parrots have powerful beaks, and they can easily crack or break many objects that they might then swallow. Choose things that are suitable for the size of the beak and the way your parrot plays.
  
  If you use wire in the construction of a toy, file the ends, tighten, and tuck them so your parrot's mouth cannot be hurt. Remember that you have one set of pliers while your parrot has two feet with talons and a beak. If it can peel fruit and eat nuts out of a shell, it can undo some of your work.
  
  

So What is Safe?

• Sturdy acrylic beads and rings, natural rawhide pieces and appropriately sized sticks and wooden dowels can be good toys. A thick cotton rope or braided natural leather straps would be too stiff to entangle a parrot, and if the ends are covered, knotted and trimmed properly, they shouldn't be dangerous. Check the condition of all toys often, and remove any loose pieces that could become a hazard. Like anything else about animal welfare, if in doubt, consult a veterinarian.