My birds love this toy
6/7/2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Anika Schulz
Cockatiels love to chew, and this toy from pet supplies manufacturer Trixie is a firm favourite.
«What on earth is that?» Finni’s eyes go wide as I clip the chew toy to the aviary. Moments later, Rio hops over and sets to work on the husks with his beak, clearly enjoying himself – to my surprise.
Normally, my cockatiels are absolute scaredy-cats when it comes to new toys. They’ll stare at a toy for days before the first bird dares to go near it. With Trixie’s maize husk toy, it’s a different story. I’ve had to buy it again more times than I can count, because my little birdies shred the husks until there’s nothing left of them but scraps on the floor.
The toy’s lifespan? Four hours to four weeks – depending on how «chewy» they’re feeling. So, this is very much a long-term product test. And my cockatiels very much approve.
Safe dye and materials
Curiously, you won’t find it in the bird supplies section, but with the rodent products – for rabbits, hamsters and the like. But plenty of rodent products, such as wood and grasses, work just as well for parrots. Trixie’s chew toy is made from dried maize husks that have a nice rustle to them as they’re nibbled. The bunch is held together by a small string of colourful wooden beads. It’s all really rather simple.
When I asked, the manufacturer confirmed that the coloured beads pose no health risk: according to customer support, only non-toxic dyes that are safe for animals are used to colour the brand’s bird and rodent toys – and, depending on the product, food-safe or saliva-resistant dyes.
That’s reassuring, because I’ve had other experiences. My cockatiels once had another colourful toy that bled dye terribly. Every time one of my birds chewed on it, it would end up with a multicoloured beak. As you can imagine, I trashed it pretty quickly.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
What I also like about Trixie’s maize husks – from a human perspective – is that once the birds have taken them apart, I can reuse the string of wooden beads. I usually hang the beads over a branch so my cockatiels can play with them. Recycling on a small scale. I’m a fan.
Do your pets have a favourite toy, too? Let me know in the comments!
In a nutshell
Loads of chewing fun for cockatiels
My cockatiels love this toy from Trixie. They shred the maize husks until there’s nothing left. As a bird mum, I appreciate that the beads holding them in place are treated with safe, saliva-resistant dye. The neat part? As long as the flock is busy with the maize toy, they leave my wallpaper alone.
Pro
- Great source of entertainment for birds
- Makes a pleasant rustling sound when shredded
- Safe, non-toxic dye
- Reusable bead holder
Header image: Anika Schulz
Anika Schulz
Teamleader Editorial
Anika.Schulz@galaxus.deAs a child, I was socialised with Mario Kart on SNES before ending up in journalism after graduating from high school. As a team leader at Galaxus, I'm responsible for news. I'm also a trekkie and an engineer.
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