| What you need to know
Parrots need toys to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They are intellegent creatures that need toys to play, chew, and destroy. Please use caution when choosing or making a toy for your bird. Examine it for ways that it may cause harm. |
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| The best toys are made of natural materials that can be chewed and destroyed safely. Plastics and rubber coated toys/perches can be hazardous, especially when damaged. Avoid small parts that can be accidentally swallowed, as well as loops, rings, chain, nylon rope or other material in which your bird can become entangled. Stay away from fabric – they can easily get their claws caught. Some cotton rope perches can be dangerous as well, sisal is usually a better choice.
Make Your Own Parrot Toys Considering making my own bird toys? There are a few things you should know; Rope (cotton, sisal and coconut) should be untreated and uncoated. Most rope and leather carried at hardware, craft stores and discounters is treated, and not safe for pets. Leather should be vegetable-tanned and approved for birds. Rawhide for pets is great, as long as it’s natural and unflavored. Natural undyed products are best, though visually boring. If you prefer color, choose pieces of wood, leather, vine or rope that have been dyed with water soluable, food-grade dyes (food coloring). Because they are water soluable, the color will bleed if they get wet. Beware if you mist or spray your bird and avoid wetting bird toys with dyed parts. Avoid household products like toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Some are scented, and all have non-food grade glue. Instead, try Birdy Bagels. They are thick colored cardboard tubes made in several lengths from 1″-6″. Along with using to build toys, they can be threaded over perches, and the chains on swings and other toys. Birds love chewing on them, and they last a long time. Look for wood and other plant material that’s approved safe for birds. Good choices include manzanita, ribbon wood, bamboo, cholla, grape vine, palm, and wood blocks or shapes made specifically for birds (pine, fir, etc). Many people make natural perches and toy parts from outdoor trees and plants. Use caution. Never use branches, palm fronds or vines that have been sprayed, or are near areas that have been sprayed with pesticides. Elm is a bird-safe wood, but due to the prevalence of Dutch elm disease, it may be difficult to find a tree that has not been treated. Apple is also safe, but often treated. When you have found an untreated bird-safe tree or plant, avoid those that are bug infested, or ones with mold or fungus growths. Remove all bark (except vine), thoroughly wash, inspect and dry before use. Parrot Toy Safety Most bird toys are not made to last forever. In fact, most toys are made to be chewed up, beaten, thrown, hung from, and everything in between. That is why you should make toy inspection a weekly safety practice. Look for loose strings, parts, knots, or anything that could potentially entangle your bird or even cause injury. Check clips, hooks, and screws used to attach the toy to the cage or play stand to ensure they are secure. By taken these steps weekly, you will ensure your bird’s playtime is fun, happy, and most importantly, safe! |
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