DIY toy supplies - grass rope?

[DexMom]

I'm super paranoid about using items purchased anywhere other than bird safe suppliers. I know many people buy parts in the dollar store and the craft store, but I don't trust myself to choose safe materials and would rather buy from an expert in bird safety.

I follow a DIY bird toy page on FB and one of the users found this item in Lowe's, so I went to check it out. Visually it appears untreated and the labeling says "natural." It feels like dry grass and smells like hay (yes, I stood in the store sniffing ropes). Would you use this to make toys?

Shop 0.125-in x 50-ft Twisted Grass Cord Rope at Lowes.com

 

[plumsmum2005]

I am just the same as you and if I cannot answer all the questions that go through my head just walk away. I would want to know if there are any dyes or chemicals involved in the manufacture of it. Sorry hope others can be more use to you LOL .

 

[Christinenc2000]

I'm super paranoid about using items purchased anywhere other than bird safe suppliers. I know many people buy parts in the dollar store and the craft store, but I don't trust myself to choose safe materials and would rather buy from an expert in bird safety.

I follow a DIY bird toy page on FB and one of the users found this item in Lowe's, so I went to check it out. Visually it appears untreated and the labeling says "natural." It feels like dry grass and smells like hay (yes, I stood in the store sniffing ropes). Would you use this to make toys?

Shop 0.125-in x 50-ft Twisted Grass Cord Rope at Lowes.com

I use it. Bought some some from lowes months ago and its great and not treated though I don't have the label with me. They are selling about 5 kinds of natural rope now. They also have a coconut rope Pic below . Rope on left hand side
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/59754-new-toy-i-made.html

 

[DexMom]

Thanks! I saw the coconut rope too, but it looked so rough I was afraid it would chew up my hands. How was it to work with?

 

[Christinenc2000]

Rough lol. Hung a few things with it and he likes to chew it and preen. I try to keep a variety of rope around for him.

 

[SailBoat]

Always note the Country of Origin! The further away, the greater the likelihood of added chemicals to halt or kill bugs. This would also be true for different regions of the World i.e. Hotter / Wetter climates.

Commonly, if a good nose cannot pick-up an unusual scent, its likely gone. So, that means that if my dear wife states its OK, then its is. Mine is just not to that level of sensitivity! As a general precaution, you could always string it out, open it up, and allow it to air out prior to use. Time line: 1 to 5 days.

The term Natural is so over used (abused) that, in and of itself, it has little merit. It should only be seen as an indicator that the product was not formed Chemically.