Safe Materials for bird toys?

[jj287]

Hi all, I have a question....

I have recently become a mommy to a lovely CAG. I've quickly learned that buying all of her toys can get very expensive. My SO is a carpenter and has all these great ideas for homemade toys, but first we want to know which types of wood/other materials will be safe for her?

[Alan]

There are all kinds of things out there that are bird safe. Just do a search for bird safe wood and you will get a whole list of woods you can use. I also use wood shims that you can get from the hardware store. SS chain, wood beads, popsicle sticks, ic spoons, plastic, pvc as long as the writing is sanded off. There's a whole list of things you can use. With a flock of 10 and another coming in next month i have to make all my own toys.

[Chief's Mom]

Here's the link to the most commonly used safe/unsafe wood list I've seen... Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Parrots. Parrot cages. Just keep in mind that if you do use wood from trees outside that you are sure that they were not treated with any chemicals which is hard to do unless they're on your property. Lots of us with the bigger birds just go to Lowe's/Home Depot and buy the untreated pine boards, chop them into various sizes, drill holes, and string them up. Not sure if your CAG will go through wood quite like that though

There are quite a few websites that sell bird-safe pieces for toymaking as well. California Bird Nerds--Simple Joys and Safer Bird Toys and Bird Toys by Grey Feather Toy Creations. Parrot Swings, Bird Boings, Bird Toy Parts, Bird Play Gyms, Natural Parrot Food, Stainless Steel Hardware, Oxine, Bulk Toy Parts & More! are my two favorites. It's recommended that you stick to stainless steel for your metal pieces and that can be hard to find at your local hardware store sometimes (although your SO may have better connections due to his occupation). For my birds, one of my best investments have been the stainless steel tube bells. They cost a little bit, but they're industructable (and at least they have a prettier sound than the cheaper ones), so when one toy is destroyed, we just add it to another toy. My guys love bells!

If your bird likes shredders, I make toys with the unbleached coffee filters. I just cut a small hole in the middle and string them up between two blocks of wood. You can also buy the paper rope at most craft stores for them to shred.

There are many members here who have made some very creative play stands for their birds from PVC and dowels. PVC is easiest to clean by wiping it with alcohol. It takes the writing right off. You may have to cover PVC with vet wrap or sand it to make the surface a little rough for your CAG to be able to grip it though.

With 11 birds, I've tried my best to become very knowledgeable in the toy-making department (or else I'd be bankrupt ) I'd be glad to help you with ideas or questions about toys. Congrats on your new birdie!