Are toys from China safe?

[trimblegirls]

I'm feeling a bit lazy and cheap. I don't want to make any shreddable toys but also would prefer not to pay a lot for them. I found some great ones on eBay but they say they ship from China. My gut tells me don't risk it because their standards are different than ours but I was hoping someone would be able to say I'm being overly cautious. I'd hate to make my guys sick or worse over a few dollars.

 

[wrench13]

That is a very good question. I am going to check next time I am shopping for toys, but my gut feeling is that all bird toys are made in China, just about everything is. And that scares me. Ever time I go there ( 2x a year) there is some new food scare , and thats for PEOPLE food. Things like fake baby formula, fake eggs, soy sauce made from barber shop sweepings, rice noodles made from used chop sticks - every time I go its something new. Who knows what they use for dyes on bird toys. SO yes, I am going to check.

 

[Scott]

Although I strive to buy toys made in the U.S.A, a large number at my favorite food/toy/cage storefront are made in China. I have discussed with management and am "assured" they are sourced from "reputable" factories using "approved" components and "safe" color dyes. Most of my birds prefer wood chew items, and those purchased seem to "bleed" in the water as expected. Of course the metal hardware may need to be replaced with stainless steel.

While making your own is best, not everyone has the time, inclination, or materials to do so.

 

[Taprock]

I can identify with just wanting to find some without making them. At Christmas time I was busy and ordered both dog and bird toys that I thought looked good and from a reputable pet company. The dog toys came with a chemical plastic smell and the bird chewing toys had paper on them that smelled like mold or mildew. They didn't get the toys! Now I'm really suspicious ordering and not actually handling toys. They were both made in China but like wrench and Scott said I think most are.

 

[Lacewing]

Many people buy these toys because the pet store carries them. Personally when giving my birds toys I want to feel secure knowing they are made out of safe products and will not cause injury. I am willing to pay more for this. Cheap bird toys = danger to your birds.

 

[wrench13]

At least the wood doesn't last long, so his exposure to them is short.