Unusual DIY question

[Cyrinaluna]

So when I play video games, Lizzy immediately flies to me and starts playing and chewing on playstation controller. I was thinking about making a bird safe one for her to play with so she doesn't chew up my really expensive one.

It's getting to the point now where if she sees it she drops everything to get it. Even if it's put away in the tv stand. She'll tap on the glass for it....

But I have no idea how to go about making a fake one. I have an old gutted controller but I'm sure the rubber on the joy sticks can't be good for her (although that's the part she goes for first). Any ideas on what I can do?

Thanks

 

[Kiwibird]

The rubber isn't bad for them to chew up (as long as she isn't swallowing it). If it were, many a parrot would be dead from phones, remotes and game controller buttons

You could remove the buttons, drill holes and the tie (on the inside) some wood or plastic beads or buttons (like for clothing) over where the rubber would be if it concerns you. In fact, drilling holes all over and tying things to the "shell" of the controller would probably make for a fantastic, and unique "busy board"! It's not as if she wants to play video games with it and may like if hers had more fun things than yours!

 

[Cyrinaluna]

Oh! That sounds like something she would go nuts over!
Ugh if I wasn't at work I would start asap! Lol

She doesn't swallow the rubber thankfully. I just wasn't sure how safe it was. But you make a good point about the phones and remote buttons she ripped through my old phone case once and seemed pretty pleased with the mess =P

 

[Kiwibird]

Be sure you post pics when you're done! Sounds like a fun birdie toy!

 

[weco]

When you take a controller, keypad, phone or other device apart, be sure you watch for & remove the little carbon buttons/pads, springs & plastic scissors from the cases & plastic skins, our birds can ingest those before you even see them.....good luck.....

 

[Cyrinaluna]

I'll remove everything except the plastic casing to make sure it's safe although it may be a few days. My drill broke I have to borrow my dad's when I see him next.

 

[Allee]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create. You'll have to post pics, all our birds will want their own custom controller.

 

[Cyrinaluna]

(Hope that image worked)
Started it turns out I won't need the drill because after all of the buttons are removed it leaves lots of holes to attach things to! Hopefully I'll finish by the weekend. I work a lot this week :/

 

[Cyrinaluna]

I finished it last night (and someone stayed up a full hour after her bedtime to "help" me) but this is the first moment i've had to post

I decided to leave the joysticks in because that is what she plays with first on my controller. The only issue was getting them to stay up since i had taken out all of their internal support. I eventually rigged a way to keep them mobile but up by tying them together then tying that to the controller. It looks a mess, but it all gets covered in vet wrap lol




Started adding toys!




She flew over to investigate. Already a hit and not even done yet!




Hey! Give that back! I wasn't done yet!




Oh, you were gonna use this bead? Too bad. Its mine now.




Finished! She kept dropping beads off the table... Hadn't realized i gave her back her new toy lol




Look at that happy little beak

 

[Selestine]

Oh my gosh, so cute! And I love the picture of her hoarding that one bead, like daring you to try and take it from her. Looks like your project was a real success!

 

[Cyrinaluna]

Thank you! I'm pretty please with how it turned out. And I think she is too!

 

[MrsKay]

hah, I know what you mean. The first thing Larry goes for is my cell phone. He likes the cover. When I give him a yogurt-covered sunflower seed he forgets the rest of the world