How to Make Foraging Toys for Parrots

Wild parrots entertain themselves by foraging in their natural environment. A parrot that is caged for most of the day should have foraging toys available at all times to remain stimulated when it is not receiving direct attention. Foraging toys do not have to cost money; they can be made at home from many simple and easy-to-find household items. Creating a new toy for your pet parrot will only take a few minutes of your time, but will provide hours of enjoyment for the bird.

Things You'll Need

  • Small package of almonds
  • Dried vine ball (typically used as a vase decoration)
  • 3 shoelaces
  • Wiffle ball
  • Apple slices
  • Thin, paperback book or booklet (must be unwanted, as it will be used for chewing)
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Instructions

  1. How To Make A Booklet Forager

    • 1

      Find an old paperback book that is around 100 pages.

    • 2

      Cut a hole through the middle of the book and tie it to one end of the shoelace.

    • 3

      Place the book, spine side up, in the parrot's cage.

    • 4

      Pull the shoelace up through the top of the cage so the spine of the book is firmly secured, then tie a knot on the outside of the cage to secure it. Any excess shoelace can be cut off. Your parrot will enjoy chewing at the book.

    How To Make A Wiffle Ball Forager

    • 5

      Push a few almonds and thinly sliced apples through the holes of a Wiffle ball.

    • 6

      Tie a shoelace through one of the holes on the ball so it can hang from the shoelace.

    • 7

      Place the ball inside the birdcage and tie the opposite end of the shoelace from the top of the cage. It should hang in an area where the parrot has easy access to forage in the ball. Any excess shoelace can be cut off.

    How To Make A Vine Ball Forager

    • 8

      Purchase a medium-sized vine ball from a local craft store. They can typically be found with the vase decorations.

    • 9

      Push a few almonds between the vines so they are near the center of the ball. The almonds should be free to come out of the spaces again when the parrot plays with the ball.

    • 10

      Tie a shoelace through the vines on the ball. Place the ball within the birdcage and tie the opposite end of the shoelace to the top of the cage. It should hang in an area where the parrot has easy access to forage in the ball. Any excess shoelace can be cut off.