Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Every EKO Wings toy is handcrafted from palm leaf, coconut fibres, and food-grade plant-based dyes. No plastics. No chemical coatings. No synthetic glues. No metal edges near beaks.

Absolutely. We use food-grade binders and pigments with no azo dyes, no heavy metals, and no toxic colorants. These are the same safety standards used for bird-safe food-contact items.

We avoid metal wherever possible. If hardware is absolutely necessary, we use stainless steel only - never zinc-plated or galvanized metal, which can be dangerous for parrots.

To keep your bird safe, we completely avoid:

• Treated or varnished wood
• Plastic beads or chains
• Cotton rope (risk of crop impaction)
• Leather that isn’t vegetable-tanned
• Chemical non-food grade glues or adhesives

Our promise: If it’s not safe for beaks, it’s not in our toys.

Most brands emphasize natural materials. We go beyond materials to ensure:

• Material traceability (origin mapped to community clusters)
• Safety transparency (dyestuff, fiber types, hardness levels)
• Chew index & play-purpose tagging (Shred • Chew • Forage • Preen • Foot
  Play • Climb)
• Bird-size suitability (from budgies to macaws)
• Ethical, community-first manufacturing

We don’t just claim “natural” - we prove it.

• Place it outside the cage or beside a favourite perch for 24–48 hours
• Pair it with a familiar treat
• Speak to the toy, touch it gently, let your bird watch you interact with it
• Once comfortable, hang it inside the cage at eye level, not above the bird

Rotation prevents boredom. We recommend:

• Weekly rotation for highly intelligent species (African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws)
• Bi-weekly rotation for smaller species (Budgies, Lovebirds, Parrotlets)

Rotation helps mimic natural exploration patterns in the wild. (EKO Wings will soon offer an email-based Rotation Reminder.)

Replace toys when:

• Fibers are excessively frayed
• The core structure becomes loose
• It becomes wet
• Any part looks unsafe for continued chewing

Natural toys are meant to be destroyed - that’s how enrichment works!

This varies by species and chewing intensity:

• Budgies/Lovebirds: 2–4 weeks
• Conures/Cockatiels: 1–3 weeks
• Eclectus/African Greys/Amazons: 3–10 days
• Cockatoos/Macaws: Sometimes a single enthusiastic afternoon!

Destruction = mental stimulation + stress relief.

Yes - safe shredding fibres are part of instinct-driven enrichment. If your bird is sensitive, choose lower-dust toys like coconut rope, or woven palm bundles.

Use our Play-Need Tags:

• Shredders – for birds that love tearing textures
• Foragers – hide treats to stimulate natural searching
• Chewers – durable blocks for beak conditioning
• Preeners – soft fibres for comfort behaviours
• Foot Toys – improve dexterity and confidence
• Climbers – ropes and ladders for active birds

Each product page contains: play need → suitable species → difficulty level → material list → care rule

Yes - as long as the wood is:

• Untreated
• Hardwood (or safe softwood species like pine)
• Free from varnish, polish, or chemical finishes

All EKO Wings wooden components follow this strict standard.

Completely normal. Try:

• Moving the toy to a different cage position
• Demonstrating play by touching or tapping it
• Using millet or nuts to encourage interaction
• Starting with smaller, less intimidating toys

Some birds need trust-building time.

Yes - every product includes a clear “Best For” list such as:

• Budgies
• Cockatiels
• Conures
• Indian Ringnecks
• Senegal Parrots
• African Greys
• Amazons
• Cockatoos
• Macaws

We also specify chew hardness, fibre thickness, and difficulty level.

Choose toys safe for the largest species and place them:

• Inside the big bird's cage
• Outside the little bird’s cage for supervised play

Never give a small bird a toy designed for macaw-strength beaks.

Because natural fibres absorb moisture, cleaning must be gentle:

• Wipe with a barely damp cloth
• Sun-dry thoroughly
• Never soak palm leaf, bamboo, or coconut fibers
• Avoid detergents

If heavily soiled, retire the toy.

Yes, but avoid prolonged humidity or rain. Outdoor use is best when supervised and in dry conditions.

If you suspect that your bird has ingested any part of the toy and is showing signs of discomfort or unusual behavior, contact an avian veterinarian immediately. Prompt medical attention is important to ensure your bird’s safety and well-being.

We currently ship to:

• India
• Europe – EKO Wings @ Amazon.de
• USA – @ Amazon.com

Other Regions to follow

Yes - every EKO Wings toy is hand-braided, hand-woven, or hand-assembled by artisans in community clusters. This supports rural employment, women-led micro-enterprises, and fair wages.

Yes — for:

• Retail brands
• Aviaries
• Bird rescues
• Breeders
• Speciality stores

Custom sizes, shapes, and material combinations are available

Because birds in the wild chew bark, leaves, branches, seedpods, and fibres - never plastic.Our toys replicate this instinctive relationship with nature.

• Plant-based materials
• Zero-plastic policy
• Ethical production clusters
• Recyclable packaging
• Biodegradable toys
• Minimal waste generation in manufacturing

Every step protects birds and the planet.

Our production model uplifts rural clusters by providing:

• Stable income
• Skill training
• Women-led employment opportunities
• Village-level economic support

Your purchase enriches lives beyond your home.

Yes - choose soft shredder toys and foot toys. Avoid harder chew blocks until beak strength improves.

Natural micro-shreds are normal. Large pieces should be monitored; if swallowed, remove the toy immediately and consult a vet.

Because birds are:

• Foragers
• Chewers
• Explorers
• Problem-solvers

Natural toys fulfil their neurological, emotional, and physical needs.