I like to keep a stockpile of toys, both store bought and home made, at the ready. On days when I know I will be gone at work for an extended time, I like to be able to present a brand new toy (or two) to each bird. So sometimes I'll buy or make a toy, and I'll keep it in a bag for weeks before they get it, but I always try to have something. So I'm always making something.
Also, I find myself choosing toys at the store specifically because they have recyclable parts! Recently, I purchased a toy for $14 at the store, made of a whiffle ball, metal rings, beads, a chain and a bell. I gave it to my mini macaw. After she had her way with it for a few weeks, removing bell, beads and other small parts, I removed the largely still in tact toy, and vamped it up. The craft store was selling plastic buckets with the little shovels for the beach for $1.50. I bought 8 of them, removed the shovels, and attached them to the toys metal rings, and gave it to my Military Macaw. It was his favorite toy while it lasted!
I swear, we are like Santas Elves, making toys all year!!
but I would only give my bird a straw while I was there to supervise, and to make the straw more interesting, put it through a sharpener to make it twirly
