B&G pulling down toys to the bottom

[blah006]

I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me what I can use to hang toys with? I use links that came with his old toys. Other than that I've tried using leather to hang, but after a few minutes the ones hung using leather are usually at the bottom.

Are there safe wires/chains/links or anything else I can buy at homedepot/michaels that can withstand a destructive macaw? Please tell me the material and name of anything you suggest, so I don't purchase anything that's unsafe for him.

Thanks

[Bonesy]

I use large sisal ropes tied in various styles of knot. (look up ship knots, if they can hold a ship, they can withstand a macaws beak) change the knots every day so he doesn't learn how to untie them in a week.

Try to find out WHY he wants them on the floor. Does he prefer to play with them there? or is he just being destructive?

I offer rubber balls and squeaky toys for dogs to larger birds to put on the floor. Make sure it's easy to clean though.

You could also try a detraction method. Get a rattler or something noisy. Some rocks in a tin or a plant mister set to high to let a little jet of water out.

Something to make him look away and stop it as soon as he hears the rattling or feels the little jet of water. Reward him for stopping the behaviour.

This method worked well on a grey I had in last month who kick out and tore up any bedding she had in the cage.

Hope this helps :)

[Copper]

What works for a grey isn't strong enough for a macaw.
I couldn't tell you the weights off hand but even the quick links need to be heavy duty and Stainless Steel... you can get them at Home Depot. The C-type that have the self screw are still easy pickings when it comes to manipulating them to open. Leather is a tasty treat, Sisal holds up pretty good, but they also need to be praised for figuring it out. Misting them, or spraying them to keep away from a puzzle also creates anxiety and resentment.

[FoxysMom]

My B&G, Harley is a magician at getting all toys to the bottom of the cage. But isn't that the point? Entertainment? I use the heaviest stainless quick links and stainless steel chain and heavy sisal rope to hang them. But he enjoys taking things apart so much, my friends and I have just as much fun constructing new toys for our birds to take apart. We have monthly toy meetings where we all get together and make toys for our fids. Keeps us busy and our birds happy.

[KimM]

Hi. I can absolutely relate ! My Harlequin Macaw disassembles "everything" in his cage including some of his doors which I now have to bolt shut - LOL! But he has so much fun! The best toy I ever bought for him was suggested right here. I bought him a stainless steel bucket from a horse feed store (about 10 inches high) that has hooks and hangs on the cage. I fill it with hand toys and treats for him to forage. Yes I have to pick up the toys he's pulled from the bucket, but it's his favorite toy. Also, I use very hard plastic toys, or very large bolts and nuts. If they get dirty, I throw them in the dishwasher to sanitize them so the toys are safe. He has not been able to pull the bucket down either.

[MaryG1959]

One of my birds needs all of her toys hung on stainless steel chain---it is the only thing she wont immediately break.

[raddaughter]

Lowes and Home Depot sell SS clips. They are about 1 1/2" and are heavy duty. If you've ever seen the clips that cliff hangers use, this is what is looks like. They have an opening that pushes inward and automatically clips back in place. It's great, as Harley can't open it or break it.