Parrotlets are intelligent animals that need a stimulating and interesting environment to be happy. You can’t expect them to stay cooped up in a cage the whole day with nothing to do.
That’s why it’s important to invest in pet toys. There’s a wide variety available: climbing toys, chewing toys, sound toys. You can even get bird gyms, a stand-alone play area with tunnels, swings and accessories.
Parrotlets Toys-Types of Toys
Sound toys include bells, rattles, and squeaky toys. Choose bells that are large enough that they won’t be a choking hazard if the parrotlet suddenly bites it off its rope. Keep away from those with holes, which can trap a beak or a claw. You should also make sure that the material is strong enough that it won’t crack under the bird’s strong jaws.
Rattles and squeaky toys come in all shapes and forms. The parrotlet will enjoy figuring out how to work the sound mechanism—and may even learn to mimic the squeaks and whistles. You can also use baby toys.
Ladders, ropes, hoops and rings are excellent for climbing, hopping, or even hanging upside down. They are absolutely necessary for active birds like parrotlets. You can even teach them to perform a few tricks on them. Choose climbing toys made of materials that won’t unravel when chewed. If these break off while you’re away, the loose strings may choke or entangle them.
There are also plenty of household items that can be transformed into bird toys! Save the paper towel rolls for peek-a-boo play. Place a mirror in the cage (make sure it’s shatterproof!). Leave pasta shapes.
Play gyms are like mini amusement parks where parrotlets can experiment with many toys. You will need to clear a space for it, though; they’re too big to be placed in the cage.
Parrotlets Toys-Play routines
Don’t put all toys in the cage. You’ll overcrowd the bird, and even confuse it by giving too many choices at one time. Instead, offer just 2 or 3 at a time, then rotate by the end of the week. You should also clean toys regularly. Give plastic toys a good wash, or wipe with a cloth dampened with a mild bleach solution.
However, toys should not replace good old-fashioned flying time. Your parrotlets will also need time outside the cage, so they can explore their environment. Just make sure that they’re supervised. They are very curious and may try to investigate the ceiling fan or the toilet bowl! They also have a habit of burrowing underneath pillows, so be very conscious of where you sit down—or what you sit down on!