The Best Parakeet Toys

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 3, 2023
© Vyaseleva Elena/Shutterstock.com

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Having a pet parakeet can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to see their silly antics as they play with toys. Finding toys for your parakeet means looking for things that provide enrichment, keep their beaks healthy, and provide plenty of stimulation. Parakeets and other pet birds benefit from things that make their environment more interesting. It can keep them from getting bored, which ultimately makes them happier and healthier throughout their lifetime.

There are plenty of great parakeet toys out there and most are very budget-friendly. One of the best things you can do to take care of your pet parakeet is to provide a couple of toys and switch toys out periodically to keep your bird from getting bored. Parakeets love the novelty of new toys to explore! They also love to chew and preen at toys. Many are even made for this purpose. This means that you will need to replace them periodically. Don’t worry — chewing and destroying a toy is a sign that a parakeet loves it!

We’ve researched and reviewed the best parakeet toys for your bird to enjoy.

  1. Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy
    • Designed specifically for smaller birds like parakeets
    • Will simulate preening behavior
    • Also comes with plastic beads and a bell
    • The different textures keep your pet entertained
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy
    • Budget-friendly option
    • Features a bell enclosed in a ball
    • Can add food and treats to the ball
    • Very easy to attach to the cage
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Super Bird Creations Flying Trapeze Bird Toy
    • Part toy and part perch
    • The mat is chewable for birds
    • Helps with balance and coordination
    • Features colorful plastic chains with toys
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. JW Pet Activitoy Birdie House of Mirrors Toy
    • Includes three mirrors
    • Three different distorted images
    • Stimulates your bird
    • Very easy to install
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Best Parakeet Toys

#1 Overall Best: Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy

In our review, the best parakeet toy is the Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star toy.

This toy is affordable, adorable, and provides plenty of enrichment and stimulation for your pet bird. It is specifically designed for smaller birds like parakeets. The center ball is made of natural vine. Your bird can safely peck and chew all day. Paper crinkles extend from the center, creating a multi-colored star shape. Birds can pluck these out, simulating the preening behavior that they would exhibit in the wild.

The toy also has plastic beads and a bell on the bottom. Many birds enjoy seeing and hearing the bell ring as they play with the toy. This is a small toy and is best for smaller birds like parakeets. It measures around five inches in total, including the chain to hang the toy. This toy is meant to be destroyed as part of your bird’s natural behavior. Expect to find paper crinkles and other debris in the cage. This is a sign that they are engaging with and like the toy. You will likely need to replace it within a few weeks or months, depending on your bird’s habits.

Pros and Cons of the Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy

ProsCons
This toy is specifically designed for smaller birds like parakeets.You may need to replace it within a few weeks.
The center ball is made from natural vine.
It has paper crinkles which are designed to be able to plucked out by the bird.
It encourages natural behavior.
Overall Best
Super Bird Creations Crinkle Crinkle Little Star Bird Toy
  • Designed specifically for smaller birds like parakeets
  • Will simulate preening behavior
  • Also comes with plastic beads and a bell
  • The different textures keep your pet entertained
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy

Parakeets can sometimes destroy their toys pretty quickly so you don’t want to be paying a lot for something that you may need to replace. Therefore, the best budget option is the JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy.

This budget-friendly bird toy is simple but effective. It has a bell enclosed in a ball that dangles from a chew-proof chain. Your parakeet can spend hours playing with the ball, making the bell ring, and moving the chain around. The safe rubber ball has an open weave, making it perfect for adding food and treats. As they moved and explore, your pet bird will be able to peck at the food inside. This allows them to solve problems and stay engaged in their environment.

The holes in the ball are on the larger side so this isn’t the best option with young or small parakeets. However, for large parakeets this is a great toy.

Pros and Cons of the JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy

ProsCons
This toy consists of a bell enclosed in a ball as a simple yet effective toy.The holes on the ball are quite large so it is not suitable for smaller birds.
There is a chew-proof chain to hang it with.
The ball has an open-weave design so treats can be added to it.
Best Budget Toy
JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Features a bell enclosed in a ball
  • Can add food and treats to the ball
  • Very easy to attach to the cage
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Premium Toy: Super Bird Creations Flying Trapeze Bird Toy

For birds who love to swing or hang around, the Super Bird Creations Flying Trapeze Bird Toy is a fun addition to their cage.

Part toy and part perch, it allows your parakeet to sit or perch while engaging in the different textures and pullable parts of the toy. Woven seagrass makes up the trapeze portion. It hangs in the cage by colorful plastic chains with toys attached at the bottom of them.

The mat is chewable for birds who like to chew and preen. It also moves with your bird’s motion, helping them develop their balance and coordination. This is a great enrichment tool while also providing plenty of fun. Unfortunately, customers have reported that they have needed to replace this toy after a few months as their pets chewed through the perch portion.

Pros and Cons of the Super Bird Creations Flying Trapeze Bird Toy

ProsCons
This toy allows parakeets to sit on the perch while playing with the other parts of the toy.Some birds chew through the perch section.
It hangs from colorful plastic chains.
The perch section is made from woven seagrass which is chewable.
This toy helps parakeets with their balance, coordination, and motion.
Best Premium Toy
Super Bird Creations Flying Trapeze Bird Toy
  • Part toy and part perch
  • The mat is chewable for birds
  • Helps with balance and coordination
  • Features colorful plastic chains with toys
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Mirror Toy: JW Pet Activitoy Birdie House of Mirrors Toy

A great way for parakeets to play in their environment is to look at themselves or other birds in mirrors. We recommend the JW Pet Activitoy Birdie House of Mirrors Toy as the best mirror toy.

This toy includes three mirrors and each provides a different type of view: wacky, short, and tall. Watch as your parakeet moves up and down and from side to side to check themselves out. This toy is great for relieving boredom and can simply be attached to the side of the cage for hours of fun.

However, some owners reported that their birds took some time to adjust to the distorted reflections, especially if they were used to a regular mirror.

Pros and Cons of the JW Pet Activitoy Birdie House of Mirrors Toy

ProsCons
This toy includes three mirrors.Some birds may take some time to adjust to the distorted reflections.
Each mirror provides a different view — wacky, tall, and short.
It is great for relieving boredom.
It can be attached to the side of the cage.
Best Mirror Toy
JW Pet Activitoy Birdie House of Mirrors Toy
  • Includes three mirrors
  • Three different distorted images
  • Stimulates your bird
  • Very easy to install
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

To make the most of your pet bird’s environment, consider your budget, your bird’s enrichment needs, and your space limitations when selecting a toy for your pet parakeet.

Budget

Most toy companies design toys for destruction, either by chewing or preening. Because of this, you should plan to replace your parakeet’s toys periodically. Even if they do not destroy the toy completely, it is a good idea to provide new and novel toys from time to time to keep their interest. All of these can get expensive if you always opt for the fanciest toy (which is often the most expensive). Plan for a mix of toys that will work within your budget.

Enrichment

Toys enrich your parakeet’s development. In the wild, birds get plenty of enrichment from their natural environment. When kept as pets, it is up to you as the owner to replicate those experiences as best you can in their cage with toys. Not only does it keep them happier but it also ensures their healthy development and life. Look for toys that give parakeets opportunities to engage in preening, chewing and exploration. Toys and perches that allow them to develop their balance and coordination are also great additions to their cage.

Space

Parakeet toys tend to be on the smaller side because these birds themselves are smaller. Make sure that you have space in their cage for a couple of toys at a time, as well as perches for them to rest on, places for them to eat, and water stations. You should avoid putting any toys that are too large for your parakeet to engage with or that pose hazards to their safety.

The Different Types of Parakeet Toys: Pros and Cons Compared

Most parakeet toys work for chewing, plucking, and destroying. Some options are there for permanent or semi-permanent use. Here are the pros and cons of each type.

Chew Toys

ProsCons
Great for the parakeet’s development.They will need to be replaced eventually.
There are many options available.They can create a mess.

Permanent or Semi-Permanent Toys

ProsCons
They re designed to last longer.Not all birds like them.
They can be reused.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Parakeet Toys FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the most important things to consider when choosing a toy for a parakeet?

There are a few factors to consider, and the most important thing is to ensure that it fits in the cage without taking up too much valuable space.

What are the best types of toys for parakeets?

Parakeets love exploring new things, so in all likelihood they will love whatever toy you purchase.  However, some of the most popular toys include mirrors, bells, and balls.

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