Toy Questions

[MrFeathers2004]

Hello to everyone in the group.
I have two questions to through out there :
1- I know that the toys should be changed frequently. But does the toy have to be place back in the same cage it came out of or can it be place in another cage. I have Fids that shred the toys and some that don’t. Can I put the toy in another cage?
2- Latex toys, are they safe to give our Fids?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Danny

[Greymom721]

Welcome to BB! If you were to change toys to another cage you should make sure to clean them REALLY REALLY well first. Depending on what they are made of you could put them through a dish washer, clean them with a light bleach & water mix (make sure to rise REALLY REALLY well), some people clean with vinegar & water & others use grapefruit seed extract! As for latex it would depend on the durability and the type of bird! Hope this helps a little!

[The Outlaw]

Hi:

I keep spare parts and extra toys handy at all times. I run toys through the dishwasher about every other week, and hang the replacements in the cages in the meantime. I repair or replace damaged toys and pieces and sometimes create entirely different toys from the odds and ends. Since many of my birds play together on gyms all day long (my BGS especially) I don't worry about cross contamination. They are already naturally "immunized". Another thing I routinely do is simply change the birds around. I simply switch who is in which cage. Its a new environment for them and I don't even need to change the toys. I only recommend doing this with your own birds and make sure that everyone is healthy. I certainly wouldn't allow a visiting bird or sick bird to have access to anything the others are in contact with.

THE OUTLAW

[JoT]

I was wondering if you used dishwasher tablets or cleanser when you run your toys through the dishwasher? I wash mine with hot soapy water using antibacterial dish soap. I didn't know if the dishwasher stuff was bad for birds. I believe it is poisonous to humans if eaten - like by your adventurous toddler etc. I thought it might hide in some parts and not rinse well like from the dishes which are flat. I would love to know it would be lots easier that way. Maybe I have been overthinking :aiwebs_01 ?

[The Outlaw]

You can use either vinegar or GSE. I use GSE in the little cup. I use about half a capful. I would imagine that equals about a tsp. of GSE. I'd use about a cup of white vinegar.

THE OUTLAW