Some questions about things for toy parts

[hacatta]

So i was wondering ,i have seen loofah been used in toy making.
Is there any kind i should watch out for?
I saw this one on ebay:New 1pcs Natural 10" Loofah Luffa Loofa Bath Shower Sponge | eBay

It's really cheap so i can buy loads ,so i need to know is this one safe?

Also recently i bought Popsicle sticks in a craft store,a whole pack with a hundred.
But they didn't knew what kind of wood it was.
It costed 2 dollars,would that mean it's made of pine ?i would say if it was any other kind of wood it would be more expensive?
Also are they safe to give to gccs?i'm kind of afraid that when they chew on it they poke each others eyes out with it.
Does anyone has any experience with it?

And i saw these willow sticks at the local pet store they are meant for rabbits and other critters.
Would those be safe to use as toy parts?there aren't any safe trees here so they would be great for nibbling

Also i know that steel chains are a safety hazard,does this also include plastic chains?they do have a little bigger holes between them.

And what kind of carton rolls would be good for birdie bagels.
I can't buy those in my country and the shipping is to much,so how would i know what is safe to use?

Thank you for reading my many questions.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Loofa is great for birds - howeve, mine doesn't care much for it

I would assume the popsicle sticks are pine but it would be best if you contact the manufacturer and make sure. They'd make great toys if they are made from a safe wood. There's very little chance that your fids will poke out any eyes unless the sticks have sharp ends (which you could just sand down).

I believe willow is safe but double check that. Also make sure they are not treated in any way.

Plastic chains are great as long as they are sturdy plastic and the links are not of a size than can trap your bird. I use plastic chains in 'out of cage toys' so that I can supervise.

Regarding 'replacement bagels' - read this thread : http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/38658-what-birdie-bagels.html?highlight=birdie+bagel

Good luck! I know the challenges of making toys in a country where such supplies are difficult to find . Not to promote my own threads, but have a look at this too :
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...shops-pic-heavy-long.html?highlight=safe+wood

 

[hacatta]

thanks,i ordered the loofa
With the Popsicle sticks i'm afraid that when they chew bits off it will become to sharp,or am i to paranoid?
I did find all kind of sizes carton rolls on my work and napped them.
Funny how i never noticed that,i have really thick ones.

Also today i came across a package of monstrous big plastic straws.
I have never used those before,but i couldn't resist.
Is there something i should watch out for with those?
I remember that as a child i made it my mission to try to bite bits off but never managed.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Whether the popsicle sticks would be safe for your birds, is dependent on their play style. Mine don't eat (as in swallow) wood at all, they break off pieces and spit it out. I think most birds play this way but check yours while they're playing, you will soon see what they do.

LOL!! Yes, it is amazing how your eyes just see potential toy parts everywhere!!

Lots of people make toys with straws. Again, as long as your birds are not swallowers, it should be fine. My budgie loves playing with straws. If you do a google search for 'parrot toys with straws' you will find some ideas. Coincidentally, my amazon likes straws too but - they must be wrapped like the ones you get at fast food places. I buy him a pack every so often from a supplier and give him one to play with. He rips off the paper and tosses the straw...which I then use for the budgie's toys

 

[hacatta]

Mine don't eat it thankfully.
I googled the straw toys,i know what i will do tomorrow.
Especially since i got my buttons today,which will go nicely with it.
They are 75 cm long so that's a lot of toys.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Can't wait to see PICS!!

 

[Kalidasa]

thanks,i ordered the loofa
With the Popsicle sticks i'm afraid that when they chew bits off it will become to sharp,or am i to paranoid?
I did find all kind of sizes carton rolls on my work and napped them.
Funny how i never noticed that,i have really thick ones.

Also today i came across a package of monstrous big plastic straws.
I have never used those before,but i couldn't resist.
Is there something i should watch out for with those?
I remember that as a child i made it my mission to try to bite bits off but never managed.

I let mine chew Popsicle stick and wood craft bow ties. It's usually if we're hanging out and I hold it for him while he scratches himself and chews it. It does splinter but its soft and they know what they're doing.

 

[hacatta]

Well i made one,didn't turn out as i envisioned it.
But it's not like they know,so don't tell them.
I'm also making some toys for Valentine for my fids.
Can't wait to see if they like them.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Looking good!! Let us know what the fids think, ok

 

[hacatta]

They are deadly afraid of it...
Can't blame them it looks like a bad disco ball.
But knowing them tomorrow it's not so scary after all.

 

[hacatta]

Does anyone know whether birch wood is safe?
Just found 200 Popsicle sticks for 7,50 dollar.
That will last a while.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200-Disposa...all_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item25893cfe21

 

[arlady]

I was recently given 2 Green Cheek Conures and am just learning about them. I grow loofas and was looking to see if I could give them to my babies. I am happy to see I can. Now my question is can they also have the loofa peel? Or, do I need to peel it. What about the loofa seeds, can they eat those?
Thanks
Mary