Bird bells from China

Snowbird

New member
Jun 13, 2018
37
4
California
Parrots
Green Cheek Conure
Hi, I was looking for bells for my cockatiel, Princess. I found a bell online that is stainless steel and has a receding clapper to prevent birds from messing with it. All of those things sound great to me. My problem is that it’s made in China and is an unbranded item. I have heard things about toys from China having led paint and some other things. I haven’t heard anything about problems with stainless steel toys from China though.

Does anyone think it would be safe to try and buy? Or do you think I should avoid purchasing this bell? Thank you for the taking the time to read and possibly respond to this post.
 

TiredOldMan

Active member
Apr 24, 2018
701
Media
1
239
South Central Texas
Parrots
CAG Hen-Gracie age unknown, U2 Rooster-Anakin 13YO
Most of what you can get is made in China. If you order from just about anyone you will be getting a China product.

If a magnet sticks to it good than it's not stainless or at least a grade that you want around your birds.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
The Chinese are perfectly capable of manufacturing world-class goods, the issue I've heard is *compliance* with specifications at the local level.

Slightly OT but somewhat related, I've purchased 2 stainless steel cages from China. One had mediocre quality steel, the other terrific. Biggest issue with the bell is the receded clapper; I typically remove unless absolutely certain it cannot be disengaged. Because birds often peck at the bell, it must be lead free. (they typically aren't painted)
 

WakaWaka

Supporting Member
Jun 27, 2017
415
Media
65
Albums
10
135
Baltimore Maryland
Parrots
Arika - Blue & Gold Macaw
Arika's large Stainless bell is sold by Caitec but I'm not sure of the actual manufacturer. I must say, it has survived considerable workouts from her without any sign of failure or corrosion. Overall a well made product.

This one is the plain round tube with recessed dinger and welded links. No bent sheet metal on the top of the bell like some of the more flimsy ones. Of course, since this is for a Macaw, it needs to be extra tough :) They do make smaller bells of the same design that would be more suited for a cockatiel.

Some grades of Stainless are non magnetic, 304 SS (Arika's cage material), other Stainless products are very magnetic, yet very corrosion resistant.

I just tested her bell with a magnet. The housing and chain are non magnetic so I would guess at a 304 grade SS. The dinger is slightly magnetic so most likely a different grade of SS.
This however is no guarantee that it does not contain any toxic materials. The only way to be sure would be to send out samples of the metal for testing or find some assurance from the manufacturer of the product.
 
Last edited:

wrench13

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Nov 22, 2015
11,383
Media
14
Albums
2
12,567
Isle of Long, NY
Parrots
Yellow Shoulder Amazon, Salty
The Chinese arecapable of making good stuff like a real 300 series StSt bell. They ae also capable making a brass nickle plated bell and it will be non magnetic too and look like stainless. if your that woried take a file and make a teeny flat somewhere. If it shows yellowish - brass nickle plated.
 

ChristaNL

Banned
Banned
May 23, 2018
3,559
157
NL= the Netherlands, Europe
Parrots
Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
As usual: when in doubt -> spend the extra penny ;)


Usually if you buy direct from China you get the same stuff as you would when buying via 'Ye Trusted Parrotshoppe' at a much lower price (but not always!)- but in the parrotshop you can raise a stink if it is not okay and get a refund...


... trail and error ...
Use the magnet, have a go at it with some pliers before giving it to your bird and use your common sense(s) when dealing with the real product.
 

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I would probably buy it, based in the description. Yes, things from China often do not adhere to the same regulations, but as it is being sold internationally, I assume they would be prosecuted for false representation of product/contents if what they said was not true. Maybe I am naive though...I am not saying it is ideal, but people give parrots dollar store toys all of the time, and those say nothing about their contents and often come from China as well....A lot of pre-made bird-toys most likely contain components that were also made in China, and birds seem to do okay.
Now, spices/human foods I know are often riskier----yeah, I eat them anyway, but I wouldn't give them to my bird.
 
Last edited:

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top