Recreational Equipment

A cage would not be complete without some interesting toys or other playthings.

Swings
Standard swings are provided in most cages. A very interesting swing can be made from a string or rope. Loosely stretch the string from one side of the Gage to the other, so the bird may rock to and fro, as a bird in the wild would land on a telephone wire.

Peck Toys-Such As Dumbbells and Bounce Back
Toys that move or can be moved attract small birds. Owners will have to purchase several of these toys to find the best ones for their bird. These toys also intrigue large birds, but unless designed and built to be rugged, they will be quickly destroyed. Unused toys should not be left to clutter the cage.

Musical Toys-Bells and Musical Perches
Bells seem to be one of the most popular toys for small birds. When they peck at them, both the movement and the sounds hold their interest.

Reflection Toys
Mirrors, spoons, or any shiny object which might reflect an image fall into this category. The reflected image is assumed by your bird to be the friendly face of another bird. It is the kind of acquaintance that has all the qualities that one would like to see in himself-hospitable, non-aggressive, devoted, intimate, The bird may sit in front of the mirror for long periods of time with such enrapture that he will seemingly almost forget everything else. More information on page 30.

Chew Toys Such as: Cork, Bones, Wood, Balls, Paper, Fresh Branches, Spools
Chewing is a natural quality in many birds. The curved beak of the psittacine family (all birds with a hooked bill) is meant for chewing.

Climbing Toys Such as: Ladders, Ropes, Chains
The rope or chain can be hung from the top of the cage and can be anchored or free swinging.

Playgrounds
Commercially manufactured or home-made playgrounds consisting of swings, ladders, balls, jungle gyms, monkey bars and shallow ponds are interesting for the birds if enough room is available.

Action Toys
Good examples of action toys are merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, elevators and rocking toys.

Hollow Tub Toys
Playthings of this type are home made from an empty can or carton and hung from the top of the cage.

Bits and Pieces
Soft billed birds may enjoy emptying containers filled with paper ball or other paraphernalia.

Hanging Toys
Almost anything hung from the top of the cage might hold an interest for the bird. This includes bells, balls, boxes, keys, trapeze.

Toys to Hide Under
Parakeets and some other birds enjoy hiding their heads.

Puzzle Toys
The psittacine bird with its agile tongue and tremendous control of its beak enjoys unlocking cage doors, removing val clamps from homemade cages or key chains.

Pull Out Toys
Plastic sticks inserted through a container can be removed by the bird.

Bead Toys
Beads hold a remarkable fascination for many birds.