8 Intelligent Pet Birds That Love Interactive Toys

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Bird with toys
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Pet birds are not just delightful companions, they’re also energetic playmates that thrive on interaction. But a select few bird breeds are known for their love of toys, engaging with them in ways that showcase their intelligence and vibrant personalities. From the clever African Grey Parrot to the playful Lovebird, each species has unique preferences when it comes to playtime. Dive into the world of these eight birds and discover how they transform toys into tools for fun in ways unique to them!

African Grey Parrot

African Parrot with toys
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African Grey Parrots are renowned for their intelligence and curiosity, often ranking among the smartest of all pet birds. These birds thrive on mental stimulation, which is why they adore interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills. Puzzles that require them to unlock treats or manipulate objects are particularly appealing, especially when you consider the fact that African Greys enjoy foraging. Their enthusiasm for toys is matched by their ability to learn and play games with their human companions, making playtime a highly interactive experience.

Cockatoo

Cockatoo with toys
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Cockatoos are intelligent as they are vocal and social. They have an incredible knack for engaging with their toys, especially when it involves shredding and chewing. Cockatoos thrive on toys made from natural fibers, wood, and other materials they can tear apart. Their playful nature often leads them to enjoy hanging toys, swings, and anything that encourages climbing and exploration. These birds also love toys that make noise, as they are naturally vocal and enjoy expressing themselves.

Amazon Parrot

Amazon Parrot
Christopher Borges/Pexels

Amazon Parrots are known for their playful antics and robust personalities, making them enthusiastic players when it comes to interactive toys. They enjoy a wide variety of toys, from colorful balls that they can roll around to puzzles that stimulate their keen minds. Their social nature means they thrive on play that involves interaction with their human companions, such as games of fetch or tug-of-war with soft toys. Amazons particularly enjoy foraging toys, where they can dig for hidden treats, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated throughout the day.

Budgerigar (Budgie)

Budgerigar playing with toys
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Budgerigars, or Budgies, are small birds with big personalities. Their playful disposition makes them active participants in interactive play. Budgies love to explore and play with a range of toys, including bells, mirrors, and swings. They are particularly fond of toys that offer movement and sound, often entertaining themselves by swinging back and forth or hopping around. Foraging toys filled with seeds or treats are also a hit, as they satisfy their natural instincts. Budgies are social creatures and often engage with their toys in pairs or flocks, making playtime a lively event.

Cockatiel

Cockatiel eating from a person's hand
Jebakumar Samuel/Pexels

Cockatiels, or lap birds as they are affectionately called for their social nature, are known for their charming whistles and playful demeanor. They enjoy interactive toys that provide mental challenges and physical activities, such as ladders, swings, and climbing structures. Cockatiels are also fond of toys that mimic their natural environment, like those with feathers and bells that make noise. Foraging toys that require them to work for their treats can keep them busy for hours.

Conure

Green-Cheeked Conure
bluepaints/Pixabay

Conures are small, colorful birds bursting with personality and energy. They are known for their playful antics and love of interactive toys that keep them engaged. Conures often enjoy toys that they can manipulate, such as shreddable materials, ropes, and climbing structures. They love foraging toys that challenge them to find hidden treats, stimulating their inquisitive nature. These birds also enjoy noisy toys that squeak or rattle, as they love to vocalize while playing. Their enthusiasm makes playtime a vibrant and entertaining experience for both the birds and their owners.

Macaw

macaw
couleur/pexels

Macaws are majestic birds, which is easily put on show with their strong beak. But that’s not, as they possess a vibrant personality and an insatiable curiosity. Their size and intelligence make them particularly fond of interactive toys that provide both mental and physical stimulation. Macaws enjoy large, durable toys that can withstand their powerful beaks, such as wooden blocks, ropes, and puzzle feeders. They are keen foragers and will happily spend time exploring and manipulating toys to find hidden treats.

Lovebird

Lovebird
Jonathan Borba/Pexels

Lovebirds are small yet highly social and interactive birds known for their affectionate behavior. Their playful nature means they thrive on toys that promote interaction and bonding, such as swings, tunnels, and climbing structures. Lovebirds are particularly fond of foraging toys that encourage them to search for hidden treats, tapping into their natural instincts. They enjoy smaller toys they can easily manipulate and carry, often playing together in pairs or small groups. Their engaging personalities make playtime a delightful experience, filled with chirps, cuddles, and an abundance of joy.

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