If you own a bird, you know that no matter how sturdy a toy appears to be, your feathery companion will eventually chew and shred it apart. Instead of throwing away those toy scraps, why you repurpose them into something new and exciting for your bird? Here are some inventive ways to repurpose your birds toys.
If you’re a bird owner, you know that no matter how durable a toy claims to be, your feathered friend will eventually chew, shred, or dismantle it. Rather than tossing those toy remnants in the trash, why not turn them into something new and exciting for your bird? Here are some creative ideas on how to upcycle destroyed bird toy parts.
1. Create a New Toy
One of the simplest ways to reuse toy parts is to create a new toy. Collect all the salvageable pieces—like balsa bits, vines, chains, wooden blocks, and plastic rings—and use them to design a fresh toy. You can string the parts together with bird-safe rope or leather strips to make a custom toy that suits your bird’s preferences.
Tip: Mix and match different textures and materials to keep your bird engaged and curious about their new creation.
2. Foraging Toys
Birds love a challenge, and foraging toys are a great way to keep them entertained while satisfying their natural instincts. Use leftover parts like small containers, wooden blocks (make sure this wood is bird-safe wood as some birds also chew the box), and paper strips to create a foraging toy. You can hide treats inside the toy, making your bird work to access their reward.
How-To: Attach a small cup or container to a sturdy base, fill it with treats or food, and cover it with shredded paper or other toy remnants. Your bird will enjoy the process of digging and foraging through the toy.
3. Perch Decorations
Destroyed toys often have leftover pieces that can be used to decorate perches. Adding different textures to your bird’s perch can make it more interesting and stimulating for them. Wrap leather strips, beads, or small pieces of wood around the perch to create a more engaging environment.
Note: Ensure that all materials are securely fastened and safe for your bird to chew on.
4. Shredding Fun
Birds that love to shred things will appreciate a toy made entirely from leftover shreddable parts. Gather paper, cardboard, and any other soft materials that your bird can safely shred. Combine these materials to create a toy that’s perfect for your bird to tear apart.
Quick Idea: Stack pieces of cardboard and paper, then punch a hole through the middle. Thread a string through the hole and hang it in your bird’s cage for hours of shredding fun.
5. Foot Toys
Foot toys are small, easy-to-grip toys that birds can pick up and manipulate with their feet. If you have small leftover parts like wooden beads, palm pieces, or corks, you can easily turn these into foot toys. Simply make sure they are the right size for your bird to hold and safe for them to chew on.
DIY: Take a small piece of rope, thread it through some beads or blocks, and tie it off. This simple creation can provide hours of entertainment.
6. Bird Room Décor
Why not use those destroyed toy parts to decorate your bird’s play area? String together colorful pieces and hang them around the cage or play gym. Not only does this make the area visually stimulating for your bird, but it also adds a personal touch to their space.
Pro Tip: Rotate decorations and toys regularly to keep your bird interested and engaged.
7. Training Tools
Toy parts can also be repurposed as training tools. Small balls can be used to teach your bird tricks like fetching or placing objects in specific locations. This is a great way to bond with your bird and give those toy pieces a second life.
Training Idea: Use a small ball to teach your bird to retrieve objects or place them in a specific container. Reward your bird with treats for successful attempts, turning training sessions into a fun and interactive experience.
Final Thoughts
Reusing and repurposing destroyed bird toys not only saves you money but also reduces waste and provides your bird with new and exciting challenges. With a little creativity, you can turn those leftover toy parts into something your bird will love. So next time your bird dismantles a toy, don’t toss it out—upcycle it into something new!
Have any creative ideas for upcycling bird toys? Share your tips in the comments below!