Some parrots naturally chew everything they see, while others need a little help learning what is safe and fun to chew. Encouraging healthy chewing is one of the best ways to keep parrots happy, active, and mentally strong.
Easy Ways to Encourage Chewing
Provide chewable toys: Place toys made from wood, rope, or paper both inside and outside the cage.
Rotate toys often: Switching toys every week makes playtime exciting and prevents boredom.
Use foraging toys: Hide treats inside paper rolls or wooden blocks so your parrot has to chew to get to the reward.
Join in playtime: Show interest in chew toys yourself—parrots are flock animals and copy their humans.
Benefits of Encouraging Chewing
Prevents destructive chewing on furniture, wires, or unsafe items
Gives mental exercise, like solving puzzles or shredding for treats
Reduces stress and prevents boredom-related behaviors
Strengthens the bond between you and your parrot through shared play
Extra Chewing Tips
Place chewing toys in different spots around the home
Mix natural toys with store-bought ones for variety
Offer both soft shredding toys (paper, palm leaves) and harder toys (wood, rope)
Always check toys are safe for parrots before use
Final Thought
Chewing is a natural part of parrot care. By giving safe toys and encouraging healthy chewing, you make life more fun and prevent problems caused by stress or boredom.