Toy safety

JerseyWendy

New member
Jul 20, 2012
20,995
24
If anyone has doubts and/or questions about the safety of a certain toy/toys, this is the section to post in. :)
Additionally, please feel free and share your toys with us here.
Our objective is to keep our fids safe from any possible harm. :)
 

crimson

New member
Oct 8, 2012
3,223
Media
5
6
Ontario,Canada
Parrots
Senegal-Martini,1 pineapple conure~ Kahlua,1 GCC~ Flare, spl/b, 4 Lovebirds Halo,Tye-Die,Luna,Violet,8 Cockatiels,Num Num&Tundra,8-Ball&Angus,Magnet&Sunkist,Pearl, Blush, 1 gouldian finch, 7 canaries
On behalf of Num Num, and Safari, THANK-YOU SO MUCH!!!

I am grinning from ear to ear :)
 

JennyB

New member
Mar 27, 2013
104
0
Northern Utah
Parrots
Cockatiel - Sunshine - 1990-2014; YSGC Conure - Jellybean - 11 months; Turquoise GC Conure - Jasper - Hatched 1/14
I have some questions about safe materials/supplies for home-made toys for a green cheek conure... I think I'm in the right thread this time!

First, would it be safe to string beads on pipe cleaners/chenille stems? They would be so easy to shape and could hang almost anywhere.

Next, are the flexible silicone cupcake cups safe for birds? I saw a picture in which someone strung several together with string, one on top of the other, and then placed little treats & toys inside each, like little baskets.

And finally, is the shredded, crinkled basket/gift bag filler paper safe for birds to chew?

Thanks so much! Any advice or input is appreciated!!!
 

Betrisher

Well-known member
Jun 3, 2013
4,253
177
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Parrots
Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
JennyB, I think some of these things are pretty much up to the individual. For example, I let my birds have all kinds of shredded papers because I know they don't swallow them - they only pull at the shred and discard it. Likewise, I'd probably let them have the silicon cupcake cups because they'd demolish them but not eat them.

The thing is, another bird might not. Another bird could ingest some of those materials and possibly get a lethal gut obstruction! The only solution is to watch your bird and get a feeling for what he might do with the toys. Everything you do is at your own risk. :(
 
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JerseyWendy

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Jul 20, 2012
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First, would it be safe to string beads on pipe cleaners/chenille stems? They would be so easy to shape and could hang almost anywhere.

I would NEVER use pipe cleaners. I tried researching what type of wire is used in those, and I haven't been able to find a definite answer. Pipe cleaners use 2 very thin strands of wire and chenille is twisted in between. I'd be afraid that a bird might accidentally ingest some of that chenille.

Next, are the flexible silicone cupcake cups safe for birds? I saw a picture in which someone strung several together with string, one on top of the other, and then placed little treats & toys inside each, like little baskets.

Hmm, I know silicone bakeware is safe to use around birds, but I don't know how safe it is to use for toys. I found no answers doing several searches.

And finally, is the shredded, crinkled basket/gift bag filler paper safe for birds to chew?

Yes, gift bag paper is fine. :)
 

JennyB

New member
Mar 27, 2013
104
0
Northern Utah
Parrots
Cockatiel - Sunshine - 1990-2014; YSGC Conure - Jellybean - 11 months; Turquoise GC Conure - Jasper - Hatched 1/14
Thank you both very much! I think I'll definitely pass on the pipe cleaners... she may be little, but she's fantastic chewer, so the chances of her ingesting the chenille are high! I had the cupcake cups drying on the counter last night and she was very curious about them, so I think I will give them a try tonight. She loves rubbery textures and chews on the "nubs" of non-slip hair bands for ever, but has never swallowed them to my knowledge!
 

jenphilly

Active member
Oct 15, 2013
1,950
23
Lehigh Valley, PA
Parrots
BE2 (Ivory), B&G Macaw (Max), Budgie Group,
Granbirds- tiels; GCC (Monkey & Monster); Sun Conure (Loki); Bare Eyed Too (Folger); Evil Green Monster YNA (Kelly); B&G (Titan)
You can also pick up cheap cupcake liners or the small candy liners. Yesterday we picked up a pack of cheap coffee filters at Ollies. All would make the same type of treat baskets without as much worry.

I do use foam for our birds, couple of them love to shred foam, but like was mentioned, just watch and make sure whatever you use is just being shredded.
 

JennyB

New member
Mar 27, 2013
104
0
Northern Utah
Parrots
Cockatiel - Sunshine - 1990-2014; YSGC Conure - Jellybean - 11 months; Turquoise GC Conure - Jasper - Hatched 1/14
So this afternoon I made a foraging toy using the silicone cups since I already had some. They turned out O.K. and I filled them with millet, Birdie "Salsa", and Nutriberries because she loves these & I knew she'd be more willing to try it out... SUCCESS!!! She warmed up to it in no time and was climbing up & down the cage to check each one out. I'll refill them and leave them on the outside for a few more days until I'm sure (or as sure as you ever can be) that she can't get herself in trouble with them! Also, I strung some beads and stretchy fleece on plastic lacing and tied that to the top of the cage. She is currently "cussing" it out and shaking the you-know-what out of it, so that's 2! I'm so proud of my brave little bird!!!
jennyb-albums-jellybean-picture11256-silicone-cupcake-cups-foraging-toy.jpg

She still won't try the coin rolls, though!
jennyb-albums-jellybean-picture11258-paper-coin-rolls-stuffed-nutriberries-shredded-paper-she-won-t-play-yet.jpg
 
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Ninjette

New member
Sep 10, 2014
94
0
California
Parrots
Red-Headed Amazon - Melon,
Jenday Conure - Halo,
Budgies - Mickey and Pluto
I bought these today. Please advise if you think these are safe or not. Thanks!

All Living Things® Waffle Ball Bird Toy | Toys | PetSmart (Melon loves it)


Insight Activitoys Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy | Toys | PetSmart
(the brand I bought is JW, Melon doesn't like it much)

All Living Things® Palm Leaf Tower Bird Toy | Toys | PetSmart (Melon loves it, but I can tell this can be destroyed very quickly)

I also have this one
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HICVEY/ref=asc_df_B004HICVEY3388753?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextagcom0f-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B004HICVEY&ascsubtag=-8826336171725905642"]Amazon.com : Sweet Feet and Beak Large Treasure Chest : Pet Toys : Pet Supplies[/ame]

Also, will parrots eat rope strands and wood pieces?

Thanks!
 
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JerseyWendy

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Jul 20, 2012
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.....

Insight Activitoys Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy | Toys | PetSmart
(the brand I bought is JW, Melon doesn't like it much)



Also, will parrots eat rope strands and wood pieces?

Thanks!

I'd be careful with this one (Hol-ee Roller) because of the bell inside.

If you see rope strands (frayed or chewed rope), I'd cut off the frayed pieces to possibly prevent tangled toes, or tangled limbs.

Mine don't 'eat' rope or wood pieces, but they sure love making toothpicks out of anything wood.
 

Ninjette

New member
Sep 10, 2014
94
0
California
Parrots
Red-Headed Amazon - Melon,
Jenday Conure - Halo,
Budgies - Mickey and Pluto
.....

Insight Activitoys Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy | Toys | PetSmart
(the brand I bought is JW, Melon doesn't like it much)




Also, will parrots eat rope strands and wood pieces?

Thanks!

I'd be careful with this one (Hol-ee Roller) because of the bell inside.

If you see rope strands (frayed or chewed rope), I'd cut off the frayed pieces to possibly prevent tangled toes, or tangled limbs.

Mine don't 'eat' rope or wood pieces, but they sure love making toothpicks out of anything wood.

Thanks! I planned to return the JW one because Melon doesn't like it.. prolly because of the smell of the rubber

Melon loves to chew on rope, wood, metal..... anything.. just don't want him to eat them
 

Puck

New member
Mar 8, 2015
802
4
Oh my goodness, I am so thankful for this thread! Sammy's cage has both a snuggly hut and a toy will a bell on it! Yikes!
 

Lullx

New member
Mar 6, 2015
299
1
Central New York
Parrots
Nephele - Baby CAG | Genevieve & Phaedrus - Green Cheeks | Lucy - Lutino Cockatiel | Ludo, Zero & Anzu - Budgerigars
I haven't had any issues with bells for my guys, but I always supervise playtime with those sorts of toys.

Some places sell stainless steel "safety bells", which I plan to eventually buy and use for toy making.
I love the sound of chimes and bells, so I encourage my flock to play with those sorts of things. I also plan to get some stainless steel cups and measuring spoons and the like to hang up for some fun, safe noise making.
 

Mamaof3

New member
Jan 25, 2016
191
7
Queens, NY
Parrots
Twix-Female Parakeet, Twizzle-male Parakeet, foster mommy to my mom's galah- Rosey
Hi I've read on birds of beauty that using PVC pipes for foraging toys is a big no no because of the chemicals. Is this true? I was all set on getting some PVC pipes and making some foraging toys and Than I read this.
 

Crazy

New member
Dec 25, 2013
66
0
Central Florida
Parrots
Buddy ❤️ - Cinnamon Cockatiel (1 y.o)
Sol - Budgie 😋 (17 y.o)
R.I.P. Luna 2002 - 2012 (Budgie) 💖💕
Hi I've read on birds of beauty that using PVC pipes for foraging toys is a big no no because of the chemicals. Is this true? I was all set on getting some PVC pipes and making some foraging toys and Than I read this.

PVC pipes are safe for birds. The PVC pipes that aren't safe are the black PVC pipes. They leak formaldehyde. The chemicals used in MAKING PVC pipes are extremely toxic, but once the PVC pipe has been made already and makes it way to the stores, they aren't toxic. So the white/gray ones are safe.. The black ones (called ABS) are not. I hope this helps!! :D

EDIT: After some research, PVC pipes are safe so long as your bird isn't chewing on the actual pipe. By doing this, the bird chews on the glues in the PVC pipe. You can wrap it in vet wrap or hemp rope (hemp rope is recommended) to protect your birdy.
 
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DexMom

New member
Jul 18, 2015
429
0
New Jersey
Parrots
Dexter, SI Eclectus
I've seen some homemade toys using wicker baskets or mats to create a play wall of sorts, by attaching various items to the mat using leather ties or plastic links. I'd like to make something similar for Dexter.

I'm wondering how to tell if a basket or grass mat is bird safe. I was going to pick a basket up from the craft store as a base, but I was concerned that the materials may have been sprayed or treated with chemicals during manufacturing. Is there some type of labeling to look for? Is there a way I could treat it first to remove toxins? Or can I just assume it's OK as long as it's not colored, painted or varnished?

Also, what about plastic or wooden items? I've seen homemade toys made with plastic household items, dice, wooden blocks, playing cards, straws, pieces of foam, etc. How can I tell if an item is safe to use for toy making?
 

Christinenc2000

New member
Oct 8, 2014
3,320
4
North Carolina
Parrots
Big Bird _ Blue & Gold Macaw
Be careful of wicker mats or grass from craft shops. Its not only the fact they may have been treated but some contain thread kinda like fishing line . You don't want that in your cage.

Straw's I use all the time. Actually the dollar store is a great place to buy them. Also playing cards. I would not use foam but someone else might speak up about that.
Coffee filters are great for making a shredder for them and at $1.00 per 50 its a good deal. Also the Grape vine wreaths are fun for them. The one i buy says it is untreated indoor use only . <--

No you can not remove toxins. If it has been treated i would not take the chance.
 

DRB

Well-known member
Jan 23, 2016
1,024
75
Ohio
Parrots
Perjo - Female CAG hatch Nov 2015
I've bought a couple wood toys for Perjo and she really chews them up, and I cannot tell if she is trying to eat them. There are pieces of the wood on the bottom of the cage, but it's too difficult to tell if all of it gets spit out by the bird. I've removed those toys for now.
 

Loz

New member
Nov 16, 2017
144
0
UK
Parrots
Dora - Green-rumped parrotlet ♀

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