Bird Expo Question.

[suncon97]

There is a bird expo coming up in my area.My grey likes to destroy wooden toys and all the pet stores near her have the same stuff for months at a time. It doesn't bother Pearl because as long as she gets to attack it she's happy but I would like to get some more fun interesting toys.I went to the website of the expo and there is supposed to be many bird toys but there will also be birds. I would love to go get Pearl some new toys but I'm worried if I can bring any illness home to her.I won't have any contact with the birds. It I'm slightly scared to go.Am I just being paranoid or is there a risk?I know there is a risk at pet stores but with many birds in one area I keep thinking of all the things I could bring home and not even know it.
Thanks

 

[cockatielfan17]

there may be a risk if u make contact with the other birds or if the toys are used other than that or if u are planning to take ur bird with u it will be way more riskier

 

[suncon97]

She only goes out of the house to the vet.Maybe it would just be better to keep doing what I am.

 

[MikeyTN]

You find some awesome and less expensive toys at the bird expo! I'm pretty finicky about purchasing toys, even at the store. I wonder if baking the toys would be all right??? Of course you can't bake plastic toys....

 

[Remy]

When I get new toys I started spraying them with vinegar (kill germs) or hydrogen peroxide (also kills germs).

I take Puck all over the place. He actually gets grumpy if I don't take him out of the house regularly. Taking your bird to an expo increases the likelihood of catching something, but I don't think it's very likely, especially if he doesn't have contact with other birds. Just like going to an expo would increase US getting ill. You can also use a lot hand sanitizer, or even spray alcohol or something down where you set him down.

 

[MikeyTN]

I had no idea that vinegar kills germs??? I know they're great for cleaning and getting rid of odors and such....I have hand sanitizers all over the house and I do not use peroxide or spray alcohol on their toys as I can weary of such chemicals or any chemicals where my birds chew on....

 

[Spiritbird]

Of course your bird likes to destroy toys. It is actually very east to recycle toy parts and add new ones to make yourself. I always keep the chains and anything that is left from the toy that is still good. Then add safe items that the birds can have. There is a whole world of items you can use and found in good will stores, craft stores and such. If you have a drill for making holes better still. Some web sites sell toy parts.

http://www.birdtoypart.com/

 

[suncon97]

Okay thanks everybody!I could use my steamer to disinfect toys.That would also to be cool to make my own toys so I can be sure it's made of the things pearl likes.

 

[roxynoodle]

I do the same as Spiritbird with the toys that have chains. Some of the preening type toys don't, and those I replace. I love bird expos as there seem to be a lot more choice than what I can find locally in pet stores. If you go near or handle any of the birds, take a shower and change clothes when you get home. I would not take my birds with me to one though. I know sometimes they have groomers there, but I just don't trust bringing my baby to a place with a bunch of different birds, coming from a bunch of different breeders.