A simple way to tell if something is safe enough for your bird is to do the hardware test: if you can bend or otherwise manipulate the o-rings connecting toys with your hands (especially smaller-gauge toy links) it is NOT safe for your bird to play with. Toys from brands such as JW are garbage because the metal components are weak, and for the same price you can get better toys from Feathered Addictions. They use high-quality stainless steel toy parts which lovebirds cannot bend open (and subsequently get a beak stuck). On the right you can see an example of a portion of one of our toy orders from Feathered Addictions.
If you don’t think your bird getting injured on a poor quality toy will happen, you are wrong. It’s only a matter of time. We’ve had it happen here from toys that looked perfectly safe. Stay away from sleigh (aka jingle) bells as well, easy for your bird to lose a toe in one (several years ago we had a male almost do just that, thank goodness I was home and was able to deal with it). Also be weary of holes in the clapper (the piece in the middle of the bell) as they can also get stuck on a bird’s beak. Be sure that none of the links on your toys are big enough for a bird to get their head stuck in – links should be no more than 1/2 an inch in diameter for lovebirds. Remember to replace worn toys regularly and examine all toys to be sure all parts are safe and in good working order. Doing this once a week during a cage rearranging is best.
Peachy Keen Aviary 