wiffle ball foraging toy *tutorial*

[Macawlover12]

Ok, so I was experimenting again and made an awesome foraging toy. I think it may be my favorite yet.
you will need coffee filters, wiffle ball, nuts/treats. I would only add the treats to 4 or 5 filters, so the bird really has to put in some effort in finding the food.

start out by folding the coffee filter in half and add the treat or nut.

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Begin rolling the coffee filter into a cone shape.

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It should look like this when done.

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Now insert it into the wiffle ball and fluff the other half.

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After filling all the holes you will have.

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[LauraBear]

That's awesome! Totally going to do that... Maybe with a smaller wiffle ball though. I have a feeling that Seamus my GCC might be overwhelmed with a large wiffle ball but who knows! thanks for sharing.

 

[Terry57]

love this and I just happen to have coffee filters and wiffle balls...YAY! Thanks for sharing

 

[Mariahh0721]

Did you dye the filters the same way wood would be dyed??

Im gonna try this today

 

[Macawlover12]

Yes, I used the same method to dye them as I would with wood. 4oz of alcohol and .25oz of food coloring. You may need to double or triple the recipe because the filters will soak up a lot of liquid.

 

[getwozzy]

Looks awesome!!! I'll have to try that with chili!

Have you tried making the coffee filters tye-dyed?? I was thinking you could put the solution in a squirt bottle and squirt it on the filters (May not use up as much solution this way, too)...do one color at a time, or if you happen to have multiple squirt bottles lol

 

[Macawlover12]

Looks awesome!!! I'll have to try that with chili!

Have you tried making the coffee filters tye-dyed?? I was thinking you could put the solution in a squirt bottle and squirt it on the filters (May not use up as much solution this way, too)...do one color at a time, or if you happen to have multiple squirt bottles lol

I have done that and it comes out pretty but it takes a lot more time and is very messy. The results are more amazing and you can create more interesting toys. as a DIY'ER time and mess aren't usually an issue. I know I love crafting new and exciting things for my bird

 

[JerseyWendy]

THAT is genius!!! I love it, and will definitely make some of those.

 

[Macawlover12]

LoL can you tell my favorite toy making material is coffee filters?

 

[JerseyWendy]

LoL can you tell my favorite toy making material is coffee filters?

Hey now, nothing wrong with that. If it's cheap, easy and creative, and the fids love it, it's worth each and every coffee filter.

 

[Macawlover12]

I am going to visit Kali tomorrow! The breeder is insisting on clipping her wings:-( I really wanted her unclipped but it may be for the best. I don't have a choice either way. I am dying of excitement right now!!! I will get to see her and have some interaction.
I will prob post pics tomorrow

 

[JerseyWendy]

I am going to visit Kali tomorrow! The breeder is insisting on clipping her wings:-( I really wanted her unclipped but it may be for the best. I don't have a choice either way. I am dying of excitement right now!!! I will get to see her and have some interaction.
I will prob post pics tomorrow

Why is the breeder insisting? I sure hope she only gives her a wee small trim if she absolutely MUST clip her wings. Please make sure and tell the breeder to have Kali fly more than just once before doing the trim.

Can't wait to see updated pics of your gorgeous Kali girl.

 

[Macawlover12]

I am going to visit Kali tomorrow! The breeder is insisting on clipping her wings:-( I really wanted her unclipped but it may be for the best. I don't have a choice either way. I am dying of excitement right now!!! I will get to see her and have some interaction.
I will prob post pics tomorrow

Why is the breeder insisting? I sure hope she only gives her a wee small trim if she absolutely MUST clip her wings. Please make sure and tell the breeder to have Kali fly more than just once before doing the trim.

Can't wait to see updated pics of your gorgeous Kali girl.

The breeder says she allows them to fly a while before clipping. The reason she insist on clipping is that people get them and cannot manage the birds because they have flight, and therefore less willing to do what you want them to. She said she has had a lot of people call her ba k and complain they cant manage their birds because they are flying everywhere.
I do understand where she is coming from... j just don't like the idea of clipping at all. I have been shown how to clip and could do it myself if I had to. I also think she shouldn't place me in with others that have gotten birds from her. By no means am I an advanced handler but I am a patient and determined person. I have also handled some of the most aggressive macaws/greys at the sanctuary. Even won a couple over.
Eh I dunno I dont want to press the issue to much and get her angry with me or something.

 

[Macawlover12]

I may try to talk to her a little more about it today. I will just have to see how it goes.

 

[Anansi]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Excellent idea! Looking forward to trying this out.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I may try to talk to her a little more about it today. I will just have to see how it goes.

The good think is that the flight feathers WILL grow back. I am SO anxious to see new pictures of stunning Kali.

 

[Macawlover12]

Btw you can also tie the filters at the halfway point to make it more challenging for the bird.

Wendy, I cannot wait either!!!! My heart feels like I'm about to get on a roller coaster. I am way to in love with this bird! I have not seen her since last time.... and you are right about the wings growing back, thats really all that matters.

 

[Macawlover12]

I came up with another idea, But didn't want to start a new thread... so, I used the link ums toy for babies to make the chain that holds this toy... I thought, how do I make the links into a foraging activity to. I came up with this. I took toilet paper rolls and cut them into rings. I then rolled them in coffee filters and twisted the ends. This makes something that looks like candy. I then placed the *CANDY* in the link ums.

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You could just make a chain of link ums and candies which would also make a great foraging toy.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Another awesome idea!!! I found those links today and snatched up 2 packages, LOL. Ripley can't have any more though because he broke 3 of them in less than 10 seconds.

I remember how excited I was each time I visited Niko. The butterflies in the stomach...the anticipation....and then FINALLY being able to inhale him. AAAAHHH!!!

 

[MomtoPercy]

Awesome idea!!!!! I'm stealing it TODAY!

Thanks for sharing