Materials to make bird toys

[indybirds]

I went to the craft supply store to get materials to make Lingo some toys. I hope I bought the right stuff! I a going to list the items here, and hopefully you all will let me know if there's anything I shouldn't be using....

A big box of craft sticks (popsicle sticks, natural, no color)
A small pack of non-toxic colored craft sticks
Natural wood stars
Natural wood spools
Natural wood beads and buttons
Plastic beads of all shapes and sizes
Feathers
Natural jute twine to string it all together
stainless steel clips to clip it to the top of the cage

Do these items sound alright?
I'm going to buy some food coloring to dye the natural wood items.

[The Outlaw]

Everything sounds great except the feathers. NEVER EXPOSE YOUR BIRD TO OTHER BIRDS FEATHERS. They may very well harbor avian diseases. That's another reason I don't buy or sell my birds' feathers on ebay. I suggest you return them and get some more beads.

THE OUTLAW

[danforth3]

I also use vegetable tanned leather in making toys. Tiels love leather strips and I make knots, etc., which they love to pick at.

[indybirds]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Everything sounds great except the feathers. NEVER EXPOSE YOUR BIRD TO OTHER BIRDS FEATHERS. They may very well harbor avian diseases. That's another reason I don't buy or sell my birds' feathers on ebay. I suggest you return them and get some more beads.

THE OUTLAW

That's weird, I'd swear I've seen feather toys for birds before. Even the color dyed feathers?

Not that it matters too much anyway... I wasn't really sure how I was going to attach them. <VBG>

[The Outlaw]

I'm sure you will see feather toys, but like so many other things, let the buyer beware. For many years, unsafe metals were routinely used to make bird toys, bells being a real bird killer. One of the worst diseases a bird can get is Pssiticine Beak and Feather disease.

THE OUTLAW

[Roo]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

For many years, unsafe metals were routinely used to make bird toys, bells being a real bird killer.

What are safe metals, then? I'm thinking stainless steel has to be ok. Aluminum? Definitely no lead, I'd assume.

There was a thread I saw on here where someone had gotten a gorgeous cage at a flea market as a decoration. It was made of something unsafe (brass, maybe?)--what is dangerous about that metal? Copper or zinc overload potential?

Just curious. :)

[Adi]

Originally Posted by Roo

What are safe metals, then? I'm thinking stainless steel has to be ok. Aluminum? Definitely no lead, I'd assume.

There was a thread I saw on here where someone had gotten a gorgeous cage at a flea market as a decoration. It was made of something unsafe (brass, maybe?)--what is dangerous about that metal? Copper or zinc overload potential?

Just curious. :)

Stainless steel is a great metal to use. Anything with Zinc or Lead are the ones to stay away from.

[indybirds]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

I'm sure you will see feather toys, but like so many other things, let the buyer beware. For many years, unsafe metals were routinely used to make bird toys, bells being a real bird killer. One of the worst diseases a bird can get is Pssiticine Beak and Feather disease.

THE OUTLAW

Well, no need for me to tempt fate. :icon_smil I'll get some more beads. The only metal at all on my toys will be the clasps that hold them to the top, also. I don't want to have to worry about metal problems, so I am not messing with bells.

[indybirds]

Originally Posted by ParrotletLover

Everything sounds good to me.

There is a very good coloring called available at www.vitacritter.com. It is a tad expensive, but I think it may last longer than food coloring (I'm not sure; just my deduction).

Have fun making toys! :icon_smil

By the way, thanks for that link - those are some really pretty colors! I might have to get some.

I'm pathetic... I don't even want to work today. I just want to go home and make toys. <VBG> :icon_mrgr