tips/suggestions please!

[Snowy]

I just purchased a senegal baby yesterday. S/he is still being cared for at the store until I can get the cage ready and set up at home.

I have a dome top cage and got some appropriate tree branch perches, but that's about it so far. I was thinking of lining the side of the cage which sits against a wall with plexiglass to keep the wall clean. Is that a good idea?

I am also thinking about getting one of those plastic floor protectors you place under desks at office depot on the floor as well.

I will be getting some toys at the store when I pick up the bird (some time this week), but was hoping to make my own toys. I have seen several online places that sells toy supplies. Are the ones sold at such places have any special features just for birds? Can I use items I find at art/craft supply stores like Michaels? I don't want to risk any toxicity issues by using non bird specific stuff, but if it's all the same, I'd like to have that option.

The only birds I've ever owned is budgies, so the larger birds are new to me, so I would appreciate any advice/tips you can give me!!!

[dancelady]

www.CheepParrotToysNTips
This is a great place for making toys, and they give you very detailed instructions on how to do it. You can get a list and go to the store (and check around the house for doodads to use). Home Depot has rope and cotton for making toys, and they also have the hangers, etc. Good Luck!

[Monica]

I have a dome top cage and got some appropriate tree branch perches, but that's about it so far. I was thinking of lining the side of the cage which sits against a wall with plexiglass to keep the wall clean. Is that a good idea?
You could do that, but you might also want to consider putting some washable cloth hanging from behind the cage... such as a shower curtain, or otherwise. Or maybe lining the wall itself with plexiglass or some sort of wall saver (that goes up 3-4 feet and easy to clean).

I am also thinking about getting one of those plastic floor protectors you place under desks at office depot on the floor as well.
Perfect! I want one too! However, having to make due with some plastic painters stuff... If it's carpet the cage will be over, the floor protector ought to have little pieces sticking out of the bottom... if the floor is wooden or linoleum or something smooth, then the floor protector should be smooth on both sides. You could also use a piece of linoleum or what have you!

I will be getting some toys at the store when I pick up the bird (some time this week), but was hoping to make my own toys. I have seen several online places that sells toy supplies. Are the ones sold at such places have any special features just for birds? Can I use items I find at art/craft supply stores like Michaels? I don't want to risk any toxicity issues by using non bird specific stuff, but if it's all the same, I'd like to have that option.
Hardware and such sold at online bird stores are usually guaranteed bird safe. You can find stuff at craft stores and hardware stores, too, however a lot of this stuff isn't guaranteed safe for birds (i.e. certain metals, zinc coating, etc). Sometimes things sold at craft stores may be sprayed with chemicals, so it's just a matter of trying to figure out what IS and IS NOT safe.

[huntress]

Not all online bird stuff is guaranteed safe. Many do not use stainless steel links and many use nickle plated chain. Also, any leather must be vegetable tanned and not chemical tanned. Dyes and stains may be very toxic.