Birdie Baskets

[The Outlaw]

Just had a thought: why not check out Goodwill or Salvation army and look for some little baskets for your birds. Then, you can fill them with shredded paper (shred your bills, it will make you feel better) and hide "stuff" in the shredded paper! I know that the macaws would love nothing better than the search through the junk and destroy the baskets. I know that all of the craft stores will have tons of little baskets and I always have a bunch left over from flower arrangements.

I would recommend washing them well and allowing them to air dry before giving them to the fids. Especially ones that had flowers in them. Also, if you have excelsior (that's the shredded wood that looks like Easter grass) that would make a great filler. Or, plain old straw or hay.

[Greymom721]

I already have my fildren's basket...got them at the dollar store in case anyone is looking! And began saving toilet paper rolls last night for your last suggestion as a way to fill them LOL!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas all the time! I truly look forward to your posts...you have such terrific suggestions. My children & I spend time together making the toys for our babies! They love your ideas too!!!

[Doris]

I too have seen this idea. I think it is a great way to have fun with your bird. You can carry the basket from room to room while you are working around the house. The ideas are unlimmited as to what you could put in the basket and tie on as well. This is the first play thing I am planning to have ready when ouer new baby is ready to come home.

[CACPioneer]

I did something similar...I got a wicker basket from Walmart for about $2, attatched a perch and some toys, filled it with pine shavings, and my birds love it! They love to get down in the chips and toss them out of the basket with their legs (think like a dog digging). My female, Lexi, LOVES to chew wicker, so not only is it a playplace, it's also a chew toy! :icon_smil

[Regina U.]

All of you are so cleaver with ideas and creative. Great idea.... I am going to try it..... Thanks for the idea.... :eusa_clap

Regina

[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by CACPioneer

I did something similar...I got a wicker basket from Walmart for about $2, attatched a perch and some toys, filled it with pine shavings, and my birds love it! They love to get down in the chips and toss them out of the basket with their legs (think like a dog digging). My female, Lexi, LOVES to chew wicker, so not only is it a playplace, it's also a chew toy! :icon_smil

Excuse me, but from all I've read, Pine shavings are toxic to birds. Maybe you could use some shredded or ripped up newspaper or plain white paper towels inside instead.
Linda & HRC~

[Greymom721]

Actually redwood and cedar are toxic but pine and aspen are OK to use! Thank you for helping look out for our fids! The paper idea is a great one...that is what I am using in mine too!

[CACPioneer]

Actually, the reason I use pine is because I'm hesitant to let my birds chew on any paper products. Here's my little schpeal on paper products.

My father works at a paper mill and always told me to NEVER chew paper. He said that not only are there tons of chemicals that go into the paper coating, but he's seen co-workers spit, urinate, and toss in various articles of trash (used paper cups, napkins, snotty tissues, etc.) into the pulp and chemicals. However, I do not know if this is true of toilet paper tubes, birdie pinatas, or bird shredders (so until I here otherwise, I'll let my birds play with these objects). I'm sorry if I grossed any of you out, but I just thought I would share my reasons as to why I don't allow my birds to chew on paper products.

[The Outlaw]

Pine is actually a preferred wood to offer birds. I wouldn't be surprised at all to find exactly what you've described in paper production. I have witnessed the bald mountain tops in Cumberland, Maryland where a paper factory used to reside. The fumes coming from there were disgusting. I never really gave paper much thought, only the ink. However, I'd be a liar if I told you I won't give them paper. I will.

THE OUTLAW

[ilaurya]

Originally Posted by CACPioneer

Actually, the reason I use pine is because I'm hesitant to let my birds chew on any paper products. Here's my little schpeal on paper products.

My father works at a paper mill and always told me to NEVER chew paper. He said that not only are there tons of chemicals that go into the paper coating, but he's seen co-workers spit, urinate, and toss in various articles of trash (used paper cups, napkins, snotty tissues, etc.) into the pulp and chemicals. However, I do not know if this is true of toilet paper tubes, birdie pinatas, or bird shredders (so until I here otherwise, I'll let my birds play with these objects). I'm sorry if I grossed any of you out, but I just thought I would share my reasons as to why I don't allow my birds to chew on paper products.

Ew, gross!!!! *Regrets chewing on paper as a child*

No more chewing on paper for Riven. Ick!

Thanks for the info.