https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/health-and-wellness/paper-is-it-safe-for-my-bird
*Your bird’s health goes beyond feathers. The Bird Health & Wellness Education Hub offers guidance on signs of illness, grooming basics, avian vet visits, and environmental safety - so you can give your bird a long, happy, and healthy life.
Chewy editorial team sheds light on the curious habit many birds have of chewing on paper and other objects in their environment.
Birds are naturally inquisitive and tend to explore the world with their beaks, often shredding paper for fun, nesting behavior, or simply enrichment.
While paper is a common item in bird cages and play areas - used as liners or toys - most birds engage with it safely without actually ingesting it.
In rare cases, especially among young or weaning birds, swallowing paper can lead to crop or intestinal impaction, a potentially serious condition.
Fortunately, birds generally do not produce saliva rich spitballs like mammals, making accidental ingestion less likely.
Their strong natural instinct to chew rather than swallow non-food items appears to be an important safeguard.
Still, some risks do exist, such as the adhesives found on cardboard rolls, which may contain harmful substances like zinc.
Close observation is essential - if a bird seems to be swallowing paper or parts of toys, it is best to remove those items.
Beyond paper, other hazards in a bird’s environment can include toxic molds on peanuts, unsafe plastics, frayed rope toys, or small parts that could cause choking or injury.
Creating a safe space for your bird means understanding these risks and staying attentive to how your bird interacts with its surroundings.
The team encourages bird parents to use this knowledge to ensure their feathered friends stay healthy, stimulated, and safe.
