Is "Cuddle Hut" really dangerous for parrot?

[sambath]

I just bought a Cage and cuddle hut for my parrot last few days. Then I just found some article on the Internet that mentions about "Cuddle Hut". They said this is the most dangerous accessory for parrot. Is that true?

Happy hut warning

Dangerous parrot accessories

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

It can be, but the danger is also manageable.

Main reason people cite danger is because of the material that Cuddle huts are made of, a bird with sharp claws (not been trimmed regularly) can get caught in the cuddle hut. Also, many parrots will 'nibble' on the inside of the cuddle which leads to frayed threads which can severely injure your parrot.

I personally, don't trust 'hanging' the huts. I set mine at the bottom of the cage for Skittles. I also inspect his cuddle hut daily and look for wear or tears. As soon as you see those, discard and replace. Don't wait til you have a replacement to discard the torn one. I also check his nails regularly, but he is pretty good at maintaining those.

Hope I helped.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

BTW, any cage toy can be a danger to a parrot. Skittles likes to chew on fabric, so I have a piece of an old tshirt hanging from the side of his cage that he can 'chew' on which usually means he won't chew on his cuddle hut.

Bottom line is - trust your instinct and common sense. However well intentioned, some of those articles/sites you see online are merely over-protective and scary. I've heard of people taking away a swing cause they were told the bird could fall off. It really all depends on your bird. Some things may be safer than others.

I know Skittles loves his cuddle hut and the vet told me it's fine for him to have one - but to inspect it regularly. He is only in his cage at night, so he doesn't go into it during the day.

 

[sambath]

Yes you are correct. I am new to parrot and I also worry too much this is why. I have less concern right now. Thank you

 

[JerseyWendy]

Opinions vary greatly on these things. I'd say, as with anything you place within your bird's reach, keep an eye on it, see how your bird does with it, and inspect it often.
http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/24662-snuggle-tent.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/cages/45023-pros-cons-snuggle-huts.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/38678-list-hazardous-toys-here-please.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/18371-happy-hut-alternatives.html

 

[Kyoto]

I opted for one without a bottom made of fleece with a perch. Kyo uses it and I see no signs of wear. I'll search for a link for you shortly, it's a great alternative in my opinion.

 

[TacoNTiki]

Like Kyoto, I opted for an alternative one too. Ours is made with seagrass and wire. The strings to attached on the top and be a hazard, but we attached it in a way that the strings do not dangle into the cage. If you search my post you can find pictures and a thread on it.

 

[Birdman666]

It depends on their propensity to be fabric chewers. My sun conure lived in his for 12 years...

My two little rescue conures destroyed theirs to the point where it became dangerous in a matter of weeks.

Depends on the bird.

 

[Kiwibird]

Depends on the individual (doesn't everything though). Kiwi had one for years and it eventually fell apart because it had been WASHED so many times, he never chewed it though. My moms 2 amazons have had them for years too, with absolutely 0 issues. My dads cockatoo, on the other hand, is not allowed to have a snuggle hut because he would chew it and that can be a danger.

It's one of those things that for some parrots is 100% safe and for others is a major hazard. If you want to try your bird with one, be sure to supervise the initial reaction and closely observe whether or not the bird starts chewing it. If your bird is a known fabric chewer, I wouldn't bother risking it, if not, it could be worth a shot. Many birds love them!

 

[Ann333]

I opted for a ferret hammock. I was worried about hormonal behavior I read that snuggle huts encourage nesting and hormones. Also the material for all the snuggle huts I found seemed cheap and easily snagged on a toe nail. I got a ferret hammock because it was better made with material that doesn't seem to fray the same way and is less likely to catch a nail. Ferrets are big chewers and destroyers so I figured that was my best bet. It has been in my birds cage for 7 months with no issues. But I do inspect it frequently. I always do a quick overview of all his cage furnishings every morning when I serve him breakfast. I think it's a good habit to get into.

 

[Mimsy01]

I'm sure common sense goes a long ways with this. Foofany has had her's for over 3 years and there is no sign of wear and tear. she sleeps in it, and will very gently groom it if she gets seed shells or something on it. I'm slightly paranoid so I check it all the time-still just in case she goes nuts on it for some reason.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I think everyone pretty much has 'summed it up'.

It depends on the bird

I did have to replace Skittles cuddle hut because he chewed a big hole in his old one, so I cannot stress enough how important it is to inspect it regularly.

I inspect Skittles cuddle hut in the morning and before he goes to bed.

A parrot can destroy something in a matter of minutes, don't underestimate that.

 

[Kyoto]

E-SB474 Peekaboo Perch Tent Medium by Super Bird Creations - HUTS/TENTS

this is Kyo's new tent. Made with much better fabric, and no bottom.

 

[sambath]

Depends on the individual (doesn't everything though). Kiwi had one for years and it eventually fell apart because it had been WASHED so many times, he never chewed it though. My moms 2 amazons have had them for years too, with absolutely 0 issues. My dads cockatoo, on the other hand, is not allowed to have a snuggle hut because he would chew it and that can be a danger.

It's one of those things that for some parrots is 100% safe and for others is a major hazard. If you want to try your bird with one, be sure to supervise the initial reaction and closely observe whether or not the bird starts chewing it. If your bird is a known fabric chewer, I wouldn't bother risking it, if not, it could be worth a shot. Many birds love them!

You are right. Thank you so much for suggestion

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I agree with Kiwibird.

Skittles has a major 'fabric fetish', as I like to call it - so the cuddle hut is always a concern for me, but I found a workaround and so far -it works.

He LOVES to chew on my tshirts, so I took a piece of an old one and hooked it to the side of the cage and it's too much of a temptation for him so he chews on that instead of his cuddle hut.

But like others have said, its really up to the bird and not all workarounds will work with other birds. I just found one for mine. If it didn't work, I'd remove his cuddle hut.

I may try that perched cuddle hut next time I have to buy one. I just wonder if Skittles would use it, since I hang his on the bottom.

I should also note, when Skittles is asleep in his cage, the majority of the time I am right next to him because hes by my bed - if he was sleeping in the other room, I'd be more concerned. It all depends on the situation.

 

[Bobioden]

Maxx has a Happy Hut in both his inside and outside cage. They have been in the cages for over 4 years, and I have NEVER seen a loose thread. I do check it all the time.

 

[StarryEyedGirl]

Harley has a cuddle Hut and thinks it's a tunnel. He doesn't sit in it long just cruises through it to get to his pellet food or water. I always check it at least three times a day because it's a high traffic area for his little feet. So far so good.