Toys advice

Ilovemygrey · Jun 2, 2013

Hi guys,

I have a question regarding toys. The pet shops here don't have much variety in toys. I have bought every fun toy I could find (ladders, dangling toys, bells etc.) But I could not find balls and other small rubber toys that parrots love. So my question is can I buy parrot toys from a kids toys shop? (They have a lot of variety). If yes, then, are there any precautions regarding toys for parrots? I know zinc, lead are toxic and stainless steel is okay. Toys with big rings (parrot head can get trapped and he can choke). Also plastics that crack are a no no. But what else? I don't my babies to die because of toxic toys. Please help!!!
Thanks

Regards,
Sarah

azdesertrhino · Jun 2, 2013

Toys are often found to be unsafe. Not sure about kids toys but hopefully someone with experience in that area will chime in.

Even toys & perches sold as Bird Safe don't always meet the grade.

Below is a perch we bought for Mac that he chewed on. The zinc plated rod was, in my opinion, leaching possible poisonous elements in to the perch.

Next is a "stainless rod" taken out of a toy we purchased for Mac. Note the rust forming.

We now make all our own toys.

Ilovemygrey · Jun 2, 2013

azdesertrhino said:
Toys are often found to be unsafe. Not sure about kids toys but hopefully someone with experience in that area will chime in.

Even toys & perches sold as Bird Safe don't always meet the grade.

Below is a perch we bought for Mac that he chewed on. The zinc plated rod was, in my opinion, leaching possible poisonous elements in to the perch.

Next is a "stainless rod" taken out of a toy we purchased for Mac. Note the rust forming.

We now make all our own toys.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I will make my own toys from now on

BillsBirds · Jun 2, 2013

You can use things like paper cups, paper plates, coffee filters, wine corks, wooden spoons, plastic measuring cups, small cardboard boxes, wooden spools, plastic drinking straws, playing cards, raffle tickets, natural loofah sponges, and so many others used for human consumption use. And, most baby toys are safe because it is expected that babies will put them in their mouths. If in doubt, yield to the side of caution.

BillsBirds · Jun 2, 2013

I have been questioned about using things like raffle tickets, playing cards, etc. for bird toys. In my research, I found out that most inks used today are made from soy. I have used the abovementioned materials for years with many birds, without incident. Other than for my own fids, I make many toys from these items, and donate them to several friends' rescues, shelters & sanctuaries. There has never been an issue. Most birds just chew these things to bits, and drop the pieces on the cage floor, without ingesting them. In my experience, these things are bird safe. If, for any reason, you are not confident about what you are putting in your birds' cage, by all means, please do not do so.

Ilovemygrey · Jun 4, 2013

BillsBirds said:
I have been questioned about using things like raffle tickets, playing cards, etc. for bird toys. In my research, I found out that most inks used today are made from soy. I have used the abovementioned materials for years with many birds, without incident. Other than for my own fids, I make many toys from these items, and donate them to several friends' rescues, shelters & sanctuaries. There has never been an issue. Most birds just chew these things to bits, and drop the pieces on the cage floor, without ingesting them. In my experience, these things are bird safe. If, for any reason, you are not confident about what you are putting in your birds' cage, by all means, please do not do so.

Thanks a lot for your advice. I appreciate it.

goalerjones · Jun 4, 2013

I like to use chinese finger traps stuffed with krinkle paper, and I cut poplar planks into 1x4 pieces then drill holes thru the middle. I always take parts left over like bells and small wooden bits from older toys and reuse them. I use leather strips to hang them with.

Toys advice

Ilovemygrey

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azdesertrhino

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Ilovemygrey

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BillsBirds

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BillsBirds

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Ilovemygrey

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goalerjones

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homemade bird cage

First time out: negative.

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