dying wood blocks

[Pharoh]

Is food coloring safe to dye wooden blocks for making bird toys?
If not what is used to dye raw wood for making bird toys?

[The Outlaw]

The absolute best dye for wood is Vitacritter Exquisite Colorant. Check out www.vitacritter.com. It was actually developed by Cheryl Mertins, a member here. Maybe she can fill you in. Its a bit pricey, but it just goes and goes. You mix it with straight isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and it dries almost immediately. You will NOT believe how fast it works and how vivid the colors are. Its totally safe for your birds. She is, in fact, a pharmacist.

[kp_in_scott]

I do not make toys professionally, but with as many parrots as I have, I'd go broke buying toys. So I make most of my own. I tried Kool aid, and food coloring and didn't get anywhere with it. My birds definately prefer colored wood in their toys. I bought the sample pack of VitaCritter dye over a year ago, and I still have plenty of dye left. These are some of the boxes of blocks that I have done.

[FeathersNFur8]

Kim, what are those rings?

[kp_in_scott]

I am able to get rolls of paper from the newpaper office(got connections) The paper comes on a super thick cardboard paper tube. My brother in law cut the tubes into rings about an inch wide. I strung those through cording. They didn't last too long. Hey but it didn't cost a thing, except the dye. Those don't color as well because they are kinda dark to start with and they absorb the dye fast.

[candi4me]

Dave and I wondered if that sample pac was worth the money... but I see that you have got a pretty bit out of it. I am impressed looks like I will be making an order. Hey speeking of toys can anyone recomend some good starter toys for baby rio.... We should have him home in 3 wks I know he won't be in his cage yet... but i do want to get started playing and teaching him asap. thanx Candy

[Mike B]

Vitacritter absolutly the best. Watch out for food coloring some have sugar in them.