Toys for paper chewers?

[lethalfire]

There are also things called birdie bagels that they like to chew, and finger traps.

I know Suz just got done cleaning some corn husks and baked them and dried them and shredded them, I will let HER explain that though LOL.

[Suz Stickville]

Thanks Angela..
I did not even think of posting the pics of them...and the instructions on how I do it..

I got the idea from someone here last fall that did this for her budgie.....

I peel of the outer layers of husks and throw away....
then cut the very tip of bottom off and discard also..

Cut the top about 1 inch in from tip of corn.... toss the top end..
On the bottom cut to where you get just a bit of the corn ( so all husks now loose) save that end cause can also use for birds... just peel the majority of husk of... can be a foot toy for larger birds or another chew for tiels, fresh or dried..

careful unroll all husk from ear of corn .. rinse under tap water for first clean and to get any stray silk off...

I then clean the silk off corn and boil.. the either cut into rounds for fids when cool or cut corn off cob then cut the cob into rounds and oven dry on rack at 250 till try.. then can drill holes and use dried cob for birdy chew enjoy also..

OK.. back to those corn husks now...
After first rinse.. put in clean dishpan that has either GSE or ACV in and left soak for 30 min..

then pull out .. shake dry and start tearing the husk into strips..
I just stop before go all the way to bottom of husk where was attatched to stalk so can just put the strips thru side of cage later .. or finish tearing for small pieces...

This sound like alot of work.. but really is not...

I then put the husk in cardboard flats as I shred . to let air dry...takes about 2 days to dry.. the store in ventelated contaner..

Cardboard flat of the corn when just torn...



A couple of hours later... corn starting to dry and curl..



That night before bed....



2 days after starting to dry... before put in plastic bin to store that has one of those lap over tops... so is not air tight.. so if any moisture left will not mold..



And pics of some of the ways I have used with toys.

A few of the larger strips tied on sides of wicker plate holder playground I make.. this one only has a few.. but have almost covered rim before when doing this with corn husks and rafita...





the two toys on right.. have the corn husks used.. the husk and rafita tied onto a pieces of plastic chain.. and the other has small strip of husk and rafita stuffed into the wiffle ball for shred/forage.




One of the"free" bird toy shreds I use .... LOL

This is the amount of husks got off of 4 ears of corn.. that would have gone to compost pile.. but are now birdy shred...

[ROYJOY]

I use adding machine paper, hang the whole roll in the cage, as mentioned above. my birds love it, and it lasts a long time.

and the cherry wood mentioned above, i believe is on the toxic lists.

[Bonesy]

I used to tear (emphasis on tear, they love the edges) newspaper into half A4 squares and buy one of those Stainless Steel Keyring clips, hole punch sets of fifty sheets or so and hang/clip from the top or side of the cage.



that sort of thing but stainless steel for safety and durability, the thick gauge ones. :)

Cool idea on the phone book! Love that pic of the 'too laying into it! hehe

[sowilu]

I have lots of newspaper so I will be using that. Yesterday I cut some newspaper into strips and cliped them on a paper clip and hung them on their cage. I also put some on the millet clip holder which works great. ally seem attracted to it though, they have given a nibble here and their but they are more content taking naps or arguing. lol

[lethalfire]

here is a toy that I just made out of a paper towel roll. I cut of the glue strips and used the rest........



pretty simplistic and CHEAP.

[jessica313]

Originally Posted by Tiffany

I believe this is the toy you are talking about:



I have one for my tiels.

yes! the one on the left is the one shadow has and loves

[JavaJoy01]

Originally Posted by sowilu

I think so....but is the ink on it ok? Should I make it smaller? The book would take lots of room inside the cage unless I make it smaller.

You know I read about using phone books for parrots in Parrots for Dummies. I too wondered the same thing. I mean my Macaw LOVES to shred paper and if the phone book dye is safe then I will give it to my baby.

[JavaJoy01]

I also give my parrots this stuff..

Parrot Pinatas - The Birdsafe Store

I get mine in the local pet store and don't know the brand off the top of my head. I also get pinatas made for birds. I always think about opening them and filling them with chew toys and nuts.

[birdlady49]

I use the adding machine tape (make sure it's not the thermal tape!), bought some chain at Home Depot (or Lowe's or other hardware store) and thread it through the adding machine tape, then attach it to the cage with those plastic cable ties.

I saw some toys at Bird Brain that used coffee filters. But buy the unbleached filters if you do that.

Also I sometimes just take copy paper and ball it up.

I do NOT recommend giving them junk mail as chemicals are used to coat those pages!