‘Ello magpie enthusiasts! At Exotic Pet Toys, we recognize the incredible intelligence and social nature of magpies. Please ensure you either are doing this with a pet, or a magpie that is very comfortable with you – we do not wish to encourage seeking out random wild magpies, as they can be pretty vicious when disturbed. To make playtime a dynamic and engaging experience for these clever birds, let’s explore a range of toys and activities that cater to their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Many of these tips also apply to any sort of high intelligence birds (parrots, corvids and the like):

1. Puzzle Feeders

• Introduce puzzle feeders with compartments for magpie-friendly treats.
• Challenge their cognitive abilities by turning snack time into an interactive puzzle-solving adventure.
• Puzzle feeders stimulate their intelligence and encourage natural foraging behaviors.

2. Shiny Object Play and Exploration:

• Magpies share a fascination with shiny objects, similar to other corvids (and me lol). Provide reflective items or mirrors for them to collect or gaze upon themselves and contemplate “why?”.
• Hang shiny materials from perches or incorporate them into play areas. It’s a quest!
• The reflective surfaces provide visual stimulation and intrigue for magpies, and a good place for them to check themselves

3. Intelligent Foraging Toys:

• Offer foraging toys with hidden compartments for treats or items to discover.
• Encourage problem-solving and exploration as magpies work to extract rewards.
• Foraging toys provide mental stimulation and add an exciting element to playtime.

4. DIY Magpie Puzzle Toys:

• Craft homemade puzzle toys using safe materials like cardboard or natural fibers.
• Hide treats within the puzzles, promoting mental engagement and entertainment.
• Customizable puzzle toys allow for various difficulty levels, keeping them challenged.

General Magpie Tips & Fun Things to Do:

• Nesting Material Stations: Provide twigs, feathers, and other nesting materials for magpies to collect.
• Novel Object Exploration: Introduce new objects into their environment for investigation and play.
• Feather Tug-of-War: Tie feathers securely to a string for an interactive tug-of-war activity.

Smart Habitat Design: (if in a habitat that is, you can have small play areas or habitat sections for wild magpies as well)

• Create an enriched environment with perches at different heights.
• Incorporate natural branches and textured surfaces for climbing and exploration.
• Ensure the space allows for aerial activities, reflecting their adept flying skills.

Safety and Well-being Reminders:

• Choose toys made from non-toxic materials to ensure the magpies’ safety. Applies to all animals really, but it’s worth repeating.
• Monitor toys for wear or damage, replacing them promptly to prevent hazards. If plastic gets worn, it typically leaks BPAs in most low end materials so watch out. Additionally, if it becomes very scuffed, it can become particles that can be swallowed.
• Introduce new toys gradually to gauge the magpies’ comfort level.

Magpie Enrichment Strategies:

• Observe individual preferences and adjust toy choices accordingly.
• Spend quality time interacting with your magpies to build trust and strengthen the human-bird bond.
• Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest and prevent boredom.

Enhancing your magpies’ environment with stimulating toys and providing fun activities not only supports their mental well-being but also fosters their best selves by letting them learn and interact with the world based on their natural behaviors. Implement these suggestions to ensure your magpie marvel has an environment that captivates and entertains. For personalized advice and recommendations, consult with experienced bird keepers or avian behaviorists of course, but we hope these tips helped!