5 Best Bird Toys for Cockatiels in 2026

When selecting bird toys for your cockatiel in 2026, you want options that balance safety, stimulation, and durability—think toys made from natural, non-toxic materials like wood, cotton, and stainless steel that can withstand active chewing and play. Small to medium-sized toys with bright colors, moving parts, and varied textures help mimic natural behaviors and keep your bird mentally engaged. Getting it right can prevent boredom and potential danger—so let’s explore which toys make the cut.

Prevue Pet Products Physical & Mental Court Jester Bird Toy 62546

If you have a small or medium bird, like a cockatiel, you want to keep it happy and busy. The Prevue Pet Products Physical & Mental Court Jester Bird Toy 62546 is a great choice. It is colorful and has many parts that your bird can touch, chew, and play with. The toy is about 12 inches tall, just right for your bird to grab and balance on. It’s made with safe, non-toxic materials like cotton rope, wooden beads, and java wood. These materials help your bird do natural things like preening and chewing.

The toy helps prevent boredom and stops feather plucking. It keeps your bird’s body active and stimulates its mind. The quick-link attachments make it easy to put the toy into your birdcage or take it out when needed. You can easily swap it with other toys when it gets worn.

This toy is best for small and medium birds that like to explore and play.

Pros:

• Helps your bird preen, chew, and balance.
• Made with safe and non-toxic materials.
• Easy to attach and change in the cage.

Cons:

• Needs regular checking to make sure it’s not worn or damaged.
• Not suitable for larger birds.
• Size and shape can vary a little, which might affect some cages.

If you want to keep your bird happy and busy, this colorful toy is a simple, safe choice.

Bird Rotating Perch Toys for Small and Medium Parrots

Bird rotating perch toys are a fun and safe choice for small to medium parrots like cockatiels, parakeets, and budgies. These toys help keep your bird active and happy. They have six small wood wheels that turn easily. Your bird can walk or climb on them, which encourages movement and activity. The wheels are made from food-grade dyed wood, so they are safe for your bird to chew and play with.

The toys spin all around 360 degrees. This helps your bird learn to balance and coordinate its movements. It also keeps your bird busy and less bored. Wrapped around the toys are soft cotton ropes. These ropes give your bird a cozy grip for its feet, making it easier and more comfortable to stay on the toy. The toy measures about 8.26 inches square. It fits well into most cages and is strong enough for daily use.

This toy is best for bird owners who want a safe, fun, and engaging toy for small to medium parrots. It helps your bird stay active and healthy while having fun.

Pros:

• Made from natural, food-grade dyed wood, so it is safe for your bird.
• Rotates all around 360 degrees, encouraging movement and balance.
• Comes with six perches to give variety and keep your bird busy.

Cons:

• Measurements can be slightly different, so check your cage size first.
• Needs a cage that is at least 8.26 inches square.
• Might need regular cleaning to stay tidy, especially the wood and fabric parts.

In short, this bird toy is a good choice for keeping your small or medium parrot happy, active, and entertained every day.

Bird Toy with Colorful Rope, Chew Fun for Small to Medium Birds

Looking for a fun toy for your bird? A colorful rope bird toy is a great choice. It is made from pet-safe, strong cotton rope. This helps your bird enjoy chewing and keeps its beak healthy. The toy has a sturdy metal hook. This hook makes it easy to hang inside the cage securely. You don’t need to worry about your bird knocking it over or escaping. It works well for small and medium birds like cockatiels, lovebirds, and small parrots. The bright colors make the cage look lively and interesting. As your bird chews and plays, it stays active and happy. Plus, it gives your bird mental and physical fun during cage time.

Best For: Small and medium bird owners wanting a safe, colorful, and fun toy for their bird to chew and stay active.

Pros:

• Made from safe, strong cotton rope for long use.
• Has a metal hook for easy hanging.
• Bright colors add fun and look nice inside the cage.

Cons:

• Birds may chew through the rope quickly, so you might need to replace it often.
• Not good for very big or heavy chewers who can damage the toy.
• Sometimes you need to adjust the hook if it doesn’t fit your cage perfectly.

Bird Parrot Toys with Wooden Chew Blocks and Stainless Steel Cage Hanging Bite Toy for Large Birds

The Bird Parrot Toys with Wooden Chew Blocks and Stainless Steel Cage Hanging Bite Toy is made for large birds like macaws, African greys, and cockatoos. These birds love to chew, climb, and peck. The toy measures about 13.77 by 9.05 inches. It is made with strong pear wood, coconut shells, and nuts. All parts are natural and free from chemical dyes. The design includes hard wooden blocks, nuts, and metal pieces on stainless steel rods. This makes the toy durable enough for tough chewers. The stainless steel hook helps you hang it easily inside or outside.

This toy helps birds use their natural instincts. It keeps their beaks healthy and gives them hours of safe fun. When birds play, they stay happy and active.

Best For: Large and medium parrots like macaws, African greys, and cockatoos. They enjoy chewing, climbing, and pecking with this toy.

Pros:

• Made from safe, natural materials like pear wood, coconut shells, and nuts.
• Strong and durable with stainless steel parts, built for active chewers.
• Encourages behaviors like pecking, chewing, and climbing. It helps keep the beak healthy and minds busy.

Cons:

• Some metal parts may need a slight change, like bending wingnuts, for safety.
• Small metal balls or parts could be a choking risk if chewed free.
• The toy’s durability depends on your bird’s size and strength. You might need to replace or fix it over time.

8 Pcs Parakeet Bird Toys, Cage Accessories Swing Perch Chewing Toy

Looking for fun and safe cage accessories for your small bird? The 8-piece parakeet toy set is a great choice. It has everything your bird needs to stay busy and happy. There are two toys you can chew on, three toys that hang and make fun sounds, two swings to relax or exercise, and a mirror for company. Made from natural wood and tough plastic, these toys can handle your bird’s pecks, chews, and climbs. The bright colors catch your bird’s eye and encourage play and mental activity. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, these toys are a good deal. Your bird will thank you with happy chirps!

Who is this for? Small to medium bird owners who want durable, fun, and affordable cage toys that help keep their birds active and thinking.

Pros:

• Made from natural wood and strong plastic, safe and long-lasting
• Bright colors and different toys grab your bird’s attention
• Includes a variety of toys—chewing, swinging, bell, and mirror—for full fun

Cons:

• Needs to be hand washed to stay clean
• Not for very big or heavy birds
• Might need replacing often if your bird plays a lot

This set is simple, fun, and perfect for keeping your bird active and happy.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bird Toys for Cockatiels for Enrichment

When selecting toys for your cockatiel, you’ll want to take into account their size and whether the toy is compatible with their cage layout to prevent any accidental injuries. Safe materials matter too; look for non-toxic, chew-proof options that can withstand your bird’s curiosity, which sometimes seems endless! Plus, offering a variety of textures and vibrant visuals keeps your bird engaged, all while ensuring the toys are easy to attach and switch out—because no one has time for a birdy toy wrestling match before breakfast.

Size and Compatibility

Choosing the right size and making sure toys fit your cockatiel is very important. First, pick toys that are about 9 to 11 inches long. These are big enough for your bird to play with but not so big that they could choke. Choose lightweight parts that your bird can hold easily. Avoid parts that are too heavy or hard for your bird’s beak and feet. Check your cage size. Toys should fit inside easily. They should not block your bird’s access to food and water. The toys should attach securely to the cage bars. Make sure that parts are not too big for your bird to swallow. They should also not be so small that your bird can swallow them whole or chew them easily. Picking toys that are the right size and fit makes your cockatiel happy and safe. It also keeps your bird healthy during playtime.

Safe Material Selection

Choosing the right toys for your cockatiel is important for safety and longevity. Pick materials that are safe for birds. Untreated wood, natural cotton, and food-safe dyes are good options. These materials won’t release harmful chemicals. Avoid toys with artificial paints, dyes, or chemicals. These can make your bird sick. Fasteners should be made of stainless steel or quick-link connectors. They are strong and unlikely to break. Chewing parts should be tough enough to avoid splinters. Splinters can cause injuries or be eaten by your bird. Check toys often. Look for fraying or damage. Throw away broken or worn toys. Keeping toys in good shape keeps your cockatiel safe. Remember, a safe toy makes for a happy bird. Always choose the safest options for your pet’s health.

Variety of Textures

Offering different textures in your cockatiel’s toys helps keep them happy and healthy. Toys made from wood, rope, or plastic give your bird new feel-good surfaces to touch and peck. These textures mimic things they find outside, so your cockatiel doesn’t get bored. Different textures also help keep their beak strong and healthy by making it wear down naturally. Toys that look like bark or woven fibers make your bird curious and encourage them to play more. It’s a good idea to change out these textured toys often. This keeps your cockatiel interested and eager to explore new surfaces. Mixing different textures gives your bird mental challenges and keeps their body healthy. It’s like a never-ending pile of tasty pecking treats for your feathered friend.

Visual Stimulation

Have you noticed how some bird toys immediately catch your cockatiel’s eye? Bright colors and different shapes make their eyes stay focused. Moving parts like spinning wheels or dangling pieces help keep your bird interested and watching. Lots of colors and patterns can remind your cockatiel of things in nature, like food or danger. Toys with many parts and textures stop boredom and keep your bird busy. Toys that look like natural places, such as trees or leaves, can help your bird think and behave naturally. When choosing toys, think about how they can tap into your bird’s natural instincts. This makes playtime fun and good for your cockatiel’s mind and body.

Ease of Attachment

Have you ever hung a toy and watched it fall into your bird’s water bowl? That can be annoying and stop your bird from playing. When picking toys, choose ones with quick-link attachments or hooks. These hooks should be strong enough to hold the toy so it doesn’t fall. Make sure the hooks can be moved or turned easily without needing tools. This makes it simple to change the toys or clean around the cage. Also, check that the attachment points are safe and won’t come off by accident. This way, toys stay in place and don’t fall on the floor or into the water. Easy-to-use fasteners make it simple to take toys off and put them back. This keeps your bird happy and playing, without any trouble for you.

Durability and Wear

When choosing toys for your cockatiel, look for ones that are strong and last long. If your bird likes to chew hard, pick toys made from safe, tough materials like wood, stainless steel, or natural fibers. These materials can handle lots of biting. Toys with thicker or reinforced parts are less likely to break quickly. Check the toys often for signs of wear or damage. Broken or worn pieces can be dangerous, so replace the toy if it shows damage. Make sure all parts are attached tightly. Loose pieces can come off and cause harm during play. Picking durable toys keeps your cockatiel safe, happy, and busy for a longer time.

Bird’s Natural Behaviors

Knowing how your cockatiel acts naturally helps you pick toys that make them happy. These birds spend a lot of time searching for food. Toys that hide treats or have different textures help keep their minds busy. Cockatiels like to chew and preen. Safe toys like wood blocks or soft ropes give them a place to do these things. They also like to climb, perch, and balance. Toys like ladders or uneven surfaces encourage them to move and stay active. Cockatiels are social birds. Toys like bells or mirrors help them play and stay interested. Using many kinds of textures and shapes makes them curious and helps them explore. These toys keep your cockatiel happy, healthy, and full of life.

Ease of Cleaning

Choosing bird toys that are easy to clean helps keep your cockatiel healthy. Pick toys made from safe, washable materials like cotton, wood, or silicone. These materials are safe to chew and easy to wash. Stay away from toys with tiny or broken parts. These can trap dirt and be hard to clean well. Check toys often for cracks or deep grooves. Trash any that look worn out or dirty. Go for simple shapes and smooth surfaces. They are quicker to clean and stay safe for your bird. Also, see if the maker suggests how often to clean the toys. When you clean the toys regularly, your bird stays healthy and happy. It’s quick and easy to give the toys a scrub. This keeps your bird safe and makes cleaning easier for you.

FAQs

What Safety Features Should I Look for in Bird Toys?

When choosing bird toys, you should look for non-toxic materials, sturdy construction, and avoid small parts that could cause choking. make certain the toys are appropriately sized and free of sharp edges to keep your cockatiel safe and happy.

How Often Should I Rotate Cockatiel Toys?

You should rotate cockatiel toys every one to two weeks to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Observe your bird’s interest; if they lose interest sooner, feel free to switch toys more often to keep them stimulated and happy.

Are There Specific Toys for Encouraging Exercise?

You want toys that boost exercise, so focus on sturdy and colorful items like swinging ropes, climbing ladders, and puzzle toys. Incorporate variety to keep your cockatiel active and engaged, preventing boredom and promoting overall health.

How Can I Tell if a Toy Is Too Small or Large?

You can tell a toy’s size by ensuring it’s appropriate for your cockatiel—it’s too small if it can swallow or get stuck, and too large if your bird can’t comfortably grip or interact with it. Always prioritize safety and comfort.

Do Toys Help With Kissing and Social Behaviors?

Toys can definitely encourage kissing and social behaviors by providing stimulating environments. You notice your cockatiel interacts more, mimics sounds, and enjoys bonding sessions, helping to strengthen your connection and positively influence their social skills.