DIY Toys

[JenJen]

On the heels of a very expensive yet informative shopping splurge (in preparation for bringing home my quaker), I became convinced that making my bird's toys would not only be more cost efficient but also quite rewarding (I do so love making things). My only question is, how do I know what is safe to use in these DIY/home made toys?

For instance, tonight I picked up a bag of large plastic buttons (in many different shapes) and plastic beads from Walmart. I also picked up a spool of cotton twine (the kind you'd use as a laundry line).

Are these likely to be safe for my quaker? Can I use them only under supervised play or am I equally safe at putting the finished toys in his/her cage along with the store bought toys?

And lastly, are there any good sites that show/give ideas on the types of toys one can make?

As always - thank you!

JJ

 

[MarciaLove]

buttons and beads are ok as long as they arent coated with something you can chip off easily and arent glass as for the twine should be safe smell it to be sure if you smell anything funky dont give it to him also I lick it i know gross but its an accurate way to check for chemicals. As for sites there are so many but you can google image search homemade toys and get some ideas!

 

[mrgoogls]

for the most part over time and research you learn what is safe and what isn't. beads and buttons are safe as long as they cant chip. twine is good as long as it isn't coated or their toes cant get caught in it.

 

[JDlugosz]

On the heels of a very expensive yet informative shopping splurge (in preparation for bringing home my quaker), I became convinced that making my bird's toys would not only be more cost efficient but also quite rewarding (I do so love making things). My only question is, how do I know what is safe to use in these DIY/home made toys?

See what's used in overpriced store-bought toys, and what's sold for the purpose in bulk on bird sites.

I'd pass on the cotton twine. Modern string is probably too strong and the threads could cause problems if they got loose/frayed. You can by sisal, hemp, etc. and find that at hardware stores too. I think the really cheap brown twine that is all harry looking is good (if not coated with something) but I've not checked into it yet. In this case cheaper is better.