Pony Beads

[masondoggy]

My son had to do a school project that required pony beads and so now I have two big bags of them. Are they too small to use for toys for conure sized birds? Not sure if they'd be a choking hazard or not.

I do have lovebirds so I'll use them for their toys but I have so many of them!

 

[hacatta]

I would like to know that too.
Was actually wondering that today, thanks for asking.

 

[Betrisher]

I think pony beads are fine so long as you know for absolutely certain your bird will never ever be able to unthread them and get them into his mouth. I thread pony beads on coathanger wire, which seems to be a good diameter for them. If you do that, you have also to be absolutely certain the bird can't get to the coathanger wire by completely covering it tightly with beads. It is a toxicity risk, so be sure you understand that before proceeding. You can wrap the wire with something like thin paulie rope or fine cotton string to help cover it for safety.

Pony beads look nice strung on wire to make a swing, for example. I string them on paulie rope for my lovies and they enjoy 'counting' with them, pushing them from one end of the rope to the other. If you're strong enough, you can thread a couple onto a stainless steel split-ring along with a couple of those plastic pacifiers. This makes a nice jingly foot toy. Or, you can put a few in a clear plastic jar which you then hang from the top of the cage: it makes a nice rattle for your bird to play with (a good alternative to metal bells).

 

[Birdbrain91]

The local parrot rescue had a toy making workshop not to long ago and I thought it would be a good intro to toy making. They used regular pony beads for toys that they give to Lovebirds, all Conures, Cocktails and even a Pigeon. Just looking at my GCC he looks to small to choke on one, even if it is broken in half.

I hope this helps. Can't tell you 100%

 

[masondoggy]

Thanks! I'll go ahead an use them.

 

[hacatta]

thanks,just went on ebay and bought a lot of them.
Now to wait 3 weeks...