Creating a Bird Play Gym and an Enriching Environment with DIY toys

If you’ve ever watched a bird climb, chew, hang upside down, or shred something with total joy

you already know this: Birds are not cage-only pets.

They are intelligent, curious, social, and incredibly active.

And without enough enrichment, that energy doesn’t disappear, it turns into screaming, feather plucking, or destructive behavior.

That's why I've created this play gym for my conure, Trixie.

The best toys support our birds natural instincts, which are climbing, foraging, chewing, and exploring.

In nature, they spend hours every day:

• climbing branches

• stripping bark

• searching for food

• solving little problems with their beaks and feet

  
  

A play gym gives them:

• mental stimulation (which reduces stress and boredom)

• physical movement (important for joints, balance, and coordination)

• and choice (important for a bird’s emotional wellbeing)

When creating a play place or gym for your bird, consider:

• Vertical Space

Include multiple height levels so your bird can move, not just sit.

Increases birds confidence. Higher perches make them feel safe and in control.

That’s why wall-mounted gyms like this are amazing:

• birds can climb up and down

• choose where to perch

• and engage their core and feet naturally

• Climbing zone

  • ropes, ladders, natural branches

    
    

• Chewing zone

  •  soft woods, shreddable toys

  • natural wood perches for resting

    
    

• Foraging zone

  • cups, baskets, puzzle toys

  • hanging toys and baskets for chewing and foraging

It is important to also remember safety.

Use:

• untreated natural wood

• natural fibers (hemp, sisal)

• stainless steel hardware only

Avoid:

• zinc or galvanized metals

• pressure-treated or painted wood

• cheap plastics that crack into sharp edges

If your conure can chew it, it must be non-toxic.

Stability matters. If it wobbles, your bird may lose trust in it.

Safety check rule: If a toe, beak, or head could get stuck, change it.

What Makes a good Toy

• Shreddable Toys

Birds love to destroy things.

Shredding:

• relieves stress

• satisfies their instinct to strip bark and foliage

• prevents redirected aggression

Great materials:

• palm leaves

• paper vine

• soft wood

• cardboard (ink-free)

• Foraging Toys

Toys perfect for hiding:

• pellets

• dried herbs

• safe veggies

  
  

• Puzzle Toys

Birds are problem-solvers.

They love toys they can:

• hold with one foot

• manipulate

• open or spin

  
  

DIY Bird Toy Ideas:

You can make amazing toys using:

• paper towel rolls

• cupcake liners

• untreated wood beads

• vegetable-tanned leather strips

Just remember:

• no glue

• no staples

• no dyed paper unless bird-safe

  
  

Cleaning & Safety

• wipe perches weekly

• wash food cups daily

• rotate toys every 1–2 weeks

• remove anything damaged immediately

  
  

In the video below, I am creating a gym with mostly paper towel rolls.

Why Paper Works So Well:

• Soft enough to shred safely

• Feels natural and rewarding

• Encourages appropriate destruction

• Perfect for sensitive or anxious birds

  
  

Watch this video to see my diy play place and toys for my bird, Trixie, and how I made it.