Happy/Cuddle Hut Alternative

[Dex]

Considering getting a Happy/Cuddle hut for your little feathered friend? Please don't, they are way too dangerous. Many birds have gotten tangled up in stray threads resulting in injury or death... It isn't worth the risk!

However, birds love them and I wanted to share what I did for my little Kiwi as an alternative. She LOVES it and my avian vet gave two thumbs up.

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Rabbit fur.

Rabbit pelts have no strings and are readily available at craft/hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby & Michael's. They are also available through Amazon. Prices range from $7.00+ (USD).

Just attach a piece to the side of the cage (where the perch also attaches). I did this as well as attached a piece to a portable perch I made from a paper towel holder. There is no reason you can not use a bit of non-toxic glue and paste the pelt to some thin craft wood and construct a little hut. I saw some "critter caves" for guinea pigs and reptiles (hollow log halves); those might work ok too.

Kiwi nuzzles right up and will even run to her little snuggle bunny if she is frightened by something.

(--- Of course this is after she saw it the first time and attacked the living daylights out of it for about five minutes. After it didn't do anything, she stopped, stared at it for a bit, cautiously tested out her preening skills on it, then decided the furry thing would make a great forever friend. LOL ---)

Anyway, I just wanted to share.



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(Note: I am not a supporter of the fur industry for human vanity, but there are legitimate uses for leather and fur. If you have issues with supporting this industry by purchasing leather or fur, consider going to a thrift store and picking up a used clothing item, such as a coat with a fur hood or a fur neck warmer. Your bird will love you for it!)

 

[Flboy]

Nice idea! FYI, hobby lobby, 40% coupon for any one item always available on their website. Can be used over and over, new one each month. Photo on phone works!

 

[Piasa]

There can be some nasty chemicals used in tanning, that's why bird toys use vegetable tanned leather. Fur is no exception. It might be worth looking into naturally brained tanned furs, or seeing if your local taxidermist uses these methods.

 

[Kiwibird]

I only say this on this subject- if your bird is a chewer or you simply feel it is too risky, there is no need to provide any kind of 'snuggle hut' at all. Adequate indoor temperatures during winter should be enough (plus cage cover will hold in extra heat, if used). Parrots also have built in insulation when they puff up, as their down traps pockets of air and insulates against body heat loss and most will naturally pack on a few extra grams as temps drop. My dad's cockatoo cannot have anything in his cage like a snuggle hut because he'd rip it up. He's managed all those winters without any kind of 'hut' to sleep in. While it is certainly not recommended for domestic parrots, in many species native ranges nighttime temperatures can dip into the 50's, so they are well equipped to deal with temperatures in the high 60's low 70's we humans like to keep our homes at

 

[Teknogeddon]

I've heard of the sea grass alternative. Are those any good?

 

[wrench13]

Yes, anyone have comment on sea grass? I was considering this, as a hut material. I used a hut for my last parrot, Maxie, but he was only interested in pooping in it, not a bit of chewing. I got rid of the hut for that reason. I think Salty might like a hut, he loves to crawl into tight places and play pee-a-boo.

 

[Piasa]

My guys love seagrass. I never made a hut with it, but I don't think it would be too difficult.

 

[Teknogeddon]

This is what im talking about:
Prevue Sea Grass Snuggle Hut | Pet Bird Nests & Nesting from DrsFosterSmith.com

I've thought about ordering one because from what I understand it will be digestible and safe. But I want to be sure. :/

 

[Dex]

I only say this on this subject- if your bird is a chewer or you simply feel it is too risky, there is no need to provide any kind of 'snuggle hut' at all. Adequate indoor temperatures during winter should be enough (plus cage cover will hold in extra heat, if used). Parrots also have built in insulation when they puff up, as their down traps pockets of air and insulates against body heat loss and most will naturally pack on a few extra grams as temps drop. My dad's cockatoo cannot have anything in his cage like a snuggle hut because he'd rip it up. He's managed all those winters without any kind of 'hut' to sleep in. While it is certainly not recommended for domestic parrots, in many species native ranges nighttime temperatures can dip into the 50's, so they are well equipped to deal with temperatures in the high 60's low 70's we humans like to keep our homes at

Yes! I definitely would never recommend this for any chewer - especially cockatoos.

My suggestion is merely for smaller birds like Green Cheek Conures, Budgies, etc. Of course, I would not recommend this either if your conure or budgie is a known chewer.

As for temperature - my feeling is your home should be climate controlled enough and your bird kept away from drafts regardless if they have a hut or not, but that is just me.

The reason I wanted this for Kiwi is because it is the equivalent of a teddy bear - i.e. it is for comfort, not for warmth per se, although she does look all cozy & warm all snuggled up to it

At this point, Kiwi does not have a birdy friend except for my dove - and they are indifferent to each other except when Squeakers gets on Kiwi's play top ... then Kiwi lets me know she would like me to remove her as promptly as possible. :18: Unless Kiwi doesn't want to be up there at the moment, in which case she is doesn't care where Squeakers is...

Anyway, because birds are so social and are rarely away from their mates, I wanted to give Kiwi something to cuddle. Of course I spend an enormous amount of my day with her & I do preen and cuddle with her in a healthy way, but - I am not her mate, nor a bird, and she does not sleep with me.

When I adopted her she did not have a hut or any kind of snuggle item and she was an only 'child' with her previous owners - sadly not getting the attention she needed. Of course once I adopted her she started getting the attention she needed and really began to thrive, but I just felt so sad for her having to go to sleep alone...

In short, she really loves her little snuggle bunny and there is no doubt in my mind that she is much happier & less lonely at night than without it. If she shared a cage with another bird, I wouldn't bother with it - and I most definitely wouldn't make one into a hut since I want to avoid anything that would encourage nesting.

As for the grass huts, I know other people have made those and say they are great. However, as I shared above - this is a comfort item for Kiwi to 'snuggle' and a grass hut just wouldn't really work for that. I shared for those people who want to provide a cuddle hut for the same reasons (comfort) not warmth.

If you just want a warm little 'hut' for your birds, a simple bird safe grass basket turned on its end attached to the side of the cage with a perch running into it would also work. It just depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what you think your birds would like.




As for TANNING chemicals. Yes. That is something to consider, especially if your bird might chew it.

 

[Dex]

It just occurred to me that using a small plastic storage 'basket' would work as a great 'base' and then you can weave bits of bird edible things in the spaces ... like hay, oat sprays, edible leaves, small twigs etc... Just an idea.

 

[Teknogeddon]

I was going to get one of those willow branch tunnel things for a rodent and flip it over, then hang it to create a swing and a basket both. Creates a roost and hide from mommy spot/peekaboo spot.

 

[Violet_Diva]

I found this online and it looks to be a fleece material.
It's called Polly's Love Nest
Has anyone tried one of these or does anyone have an opinion on them?
I'm considering buying one...

 

[SteelGypsy]

Lilly had a heated perch that I only used in the winter & she hopped on and off when she wanted. I loved those toasty little feet on chilly mornings as much as she did

 

[Loko]

I fold a face towel (a little over a foot long, but obviously size depends on bird) in half long-ways, cut two holes at the top on each side to hang it from, and hang it perpendicular to perch. My sun LOVES it. He can get out of the openings on each side and also on the top in between the two pieces of rope holding it up (abput 10in wide for safety depending on bird). It also snuggles up to him when he goes in, and he wont sleep in anything else. Just make sure theres no excess rope that can make a loop or anything to get caught in. Super safe and cheap, and fun!