s-hooks

[Drumphan]

So I'm going to try my hand at making some toys soon. Hopefully it will serve as a creative outlet for me as well as stimulation for my birds.

I was thinking about using stainless steel s-hooks to hang them, since I have some of them lying around.

1.) Is this ok? I would make sure the ends of the hooks are completely closed to prevent things from being caught on them. And...
2.) Would it be better to go smaller presumably so things can't fit into the hole and get caught, or larger so that the hole is too big for something to get stuck in?

I also kind of like the idea of the hooks being a "permanent" attachment so that toys can be changed easily or treats can be hung from them, or they can be used like those climbing rings at the playground.

-Bob

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi Bob I would be ever so careful using the SS "S" hooks, as your birds bands can get caught in them.

They look like a great idea, easy to use, easy to refill or switch out, but like I said, I know MY fids would get into trouble with them.

 

[Drumphan]

That's true.

If anyone else has experience with them, I'd still like to hear it, but I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks =)

-Bob

 

[Kalidasa]

My bird removes s-hooks within the hour and they crash to the floor. . The only thing I have luck with are those screw-clasp hooks or keychain rings, something that closes all the way, or she figures it out and they're history.

 

[weco]

Bob, you can use a pair of vise grips to close an S-hook, but I often use 2 pair, especially if I want to open one.....you can also use a small bench vise or possibly a drill press vise - sits flatter than a bench vise.....both should be available for $20-$30, though I might I might go compare both.....Lowes has both on their website, not sure what they might have in a store.....also, if you have a Harbor Freight store nearby, take a look at their offerings.....

 

[noodles123]

You also need to make sure that the metal is stainless. Even if a bird just mouths something like nickle, copper, zinc etc, they can get metal poisoning, so make sure you get stainless hardware.

Wood surfaces are really hard to clean, and they can be chewed to expose whatever is under them.