Building our own toys and perches.

[clawson]

We've been going to Hobby Lobby and other stores buying blocks, spools, wooden toys, etc. What type of twine/rope is best? Nylon or natural? I'm using food coloring for the toys but it's dull. Are there any non~toxic paints out there that can be used? Oh yeah.... Driftwood makes excellent perches and can save all of you hundreds if you take the time to find it.

 

[IcyWolf]

The ToyMaker Make Your Own Pet Bird Toys - Bird Toy Materials and Safety Tips

Safe Coloring Methods

Submitted by: Diane Trifilo - October, 1996
Bird toy can be used for Large Size Birds

I make most of my bird toys, too, and here's what I was told are some safe methods:
1) Jello mix (unsweetened) or food coloring. Soak wood pieces or clothespins or whatever in jello mix and water for several hours or overnight. This give natural wood soft pastel coloring.

2) For bolder color - I like the method of using the confectionary coloring paste sold in bakery supply stores or where baking accessories are sold in department stores. This thick gel substance makes very bold coloring when only a few drops of water are mixed with a small glob of the paste. I brush this on the wood like paint and the colors are striking.

3) I was told by Gillian that tempra paints sold in all kids craft departments are also nontoxic and safe to use. I bought some pretty florescent color ones and painted those on a few wooden baby blocks I bought at a flea market. Emily, my CAG, LOVES these as hand toys.

 

[triordan]

i use wilton food coloring, you can get it at Michael's or AC Moore
Icing Colors - Wilton

I add 1 cup of boiling water and then 3 cups of rubbing alcohol~nice bright color and it dries fast

I use a chain for most of my homemade toys, I get wood from home depot and drill holes but some things already have a hole and its too small so I use sisal

 

[ScottRoberts]

Thanks for these great ideas.... I guess I have a new project tomorrow..

 

[YNAMomma]

I never actually thought to use my wilton cake colors. I used to teach the cake classes and have TONS of those cake decorator dyes. Thanx for the info guys! I also use those plastic strings you can buy in bulk at the dollar store. They are often used to make like woven key chains and jewelry for kids but they are non toxic and come in tons of colors, and my birds love the tear them to pieces.

 

[clawson]

Great stuff!! This may sound weird but I use leather strips to bind my perches instead of bolts. It's cheaper (bag of strips super cheap at craft store) and easier to replace chewed up areas. It also saves the hassle of drilling holes and replacing pieces of wood if they split while drilling.

 

[BillsBirds]

I make a lot of bird toys because I send them to a few shelters and sanctuaries, and I use them wth my birds. I use a lot of natural leather strips, or laces. Also, cotton rope (used for clotheslines), natural jute rope (sold for packaging), and nylon rope and plastic chain. And, things like wooden spoons, wine corks, paper towel tubes (and toilet paper tubes), paper cups, plastic straws, wooden spools, large plastic buttons, paper plates, and wiffle balls. Or anything else that looks like they'll enjoy it.

 

[lene1949]

Great stuff!! This may sound weird but I use leather strips to bind my perches instead of bolts. It's cheaper (bag of strips super cheap at craft store) and easier to replace chewed up areas. It also saves the hassle of drilling holes and replacing pieces of wood if they split while drilling.

How do you bind up the perches without drilling holes?

 

[clawson]

Hi lene, it's mostly alot of luck and trial and error. I get the strips wet and wrap them and allow them to dry. Sometimes it looks like ALOT of strips but eventually it holds. I'm still trying new things.