Have you ever wondered why Parrotdise Perch has such a huge variety of foot toys? It is because foot toys satisfy an integral need in Parrots - that is the need to learn how to use their feet in a multitude of ways.
The first toy I got for my Parrot that ended up turning into a favourite foot toy was a Klik Klac. He broke off the clacker balls and chased the balls around on the bottom of his cage and the floor having a great time. Since then, I began introducing many different types of foot toys, everything from small pacifiers to large wooden spools, which began to be his go-to favourite play things.
Foot toys are an important part of your Parrots’ toy collection. They provide needed exercise, build and maintain dexterity along with balance and strength. Foot toys can be placed anywhere your Parrot plays. From the top of the cage, in a toy box that is secured to the inside or outside of the cage or even in a bowl on the bottom of the cage. They allow for a simulation of their many natural activities, including foraging and shredding.
Parrots’ ZYGODACTYL feet are specialized for grasping and climbing and the reason why most Parrots are able to hold foot toys. They are relatively simple to introduce, and a great way for young Parrots to improve their coordination, learn how to chew something held in their feet and most importantly learn how to have fun.
An essential part of foot toys and why they are so popular is that they have a variety of colours and textures. They can be made with of materials such as plastic, wood, seagrass and cork for example and most foot toys are made with a combination of these materials. Some Parrots enjoy foot toys that make noise such as rattles and balls with bells/beads inside, while others prefer ones that are easily shredded and destroyed. This allows for your Parrot to have the beak pleasing pleasure of shredding, picking and preening in the palm of their foot.
Keeping the foot toys the proper size for your Parrot is also important to avoid a fear response from your Parrot. A good way to introduce a new foot toy is by having a couple of foot toys on a flat surface with you and your Parrot. Slowly start playing with each toy, showing your Parrot what to do. This encourages your Parrot to take the toys from you and figure it out themselves. Most importantly, the introduction and continual use of foot toys allows you to have more interactive playtime with your Parrot.