How to Make Your Own Toys for Lovebirds

Many bird owners are not aware that their flying house guest is actually quite intelligent and must be supplied with a constant source of entertainment to keep it from becoming bored, which can lead to potentially destructive behavior and excessive noise from the otherwise docile bird. Store-bought lovebird toys can be expensive, and there is no guarantee a fickle bird will give these playthings the time of day. Homemade lovebird toys can be constructed at a fraction of the price and will offer the same mental stimulation.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Utility knife
  • Hole punch
  • Yarn
  • 8 to 10 wooden beads
  • 20-oz. plastic bottle
  • Twigs
  • Plastic beads
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Instructions

  1. Hanging Bead Toy

    • 1

      Cut 8 to 10 squares of cardboard, 1 inch by 1 inch, with a utility knife.

    • 2

      Punch holes into the center of each cardboard piece with hole punch.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of yarn into a 1-foot section.

    • 4

      Tie one end of the yarn into a knot. This will help prevent the cardboard and beads from slipping.

    • 5

      String a wooden bead through the knot-free end of the yarn. String a piece of cardboard through the yarn.

    • 6

      Continue to string the beads and cardboard alternately through the string.

    • 7

      Tie the end of the yarn to the bird's cage.

    Plastic Bottle and Beads

    • 8

      Rinse out a 20-oz. plastic soda bottle.

    • 9

      Collect several twigs outside and break them up into several small pieces. These pieces should be small enough to fit into the top of the bottle.

    • 10

      Fill the plastic bottle three quarters full with brightly colored plastic beads and the twigs.

    • 11

      Place the bottle into the bird's cage and watch as the bird attempts to pull out the beads and twigs.