Post by Shelly on Apr 18, 2013 10:42:25 GMT -8
This sticky will be all about DIY toys!!
you dont need to be super creative or artistic to make bird toys. DIY toys can be overall cheaper then bought toys AND they can be customized for your bird(s), which makes them more fun! supplies can be found around you house, or you can buy toy parts or toy kits online.
Ok enough of the intro! lets get to the toy making supplies. (not the actual materials for the toys)
for all birds (not all may be needed in your project):
- scissors
- exacto knife
- pocket knife with awl for making holes
- plastic coated paperclip for a needle (shown below)
- cutting board
for NON-DESTRUCTIVE birds:
- paper coated "twist ties" (used for attaching toys, put out of reach)
- mini clothes pins (used for clipping toys, for birds that wont touch the metal spring)
- non toxic hot glue (i use this to make boxes and glue on mirrors)
**do NOT use hot glue if your bird will chew it or rip apart what it is holding!!**
Toy Materials:
key: "clean" means no ink
* All materials should be unused and new *
- clean paper bags
- clean printer paper
- clean paper (not Styrofoam) egg cartons
- clean cardboard
- straws
- jute, sisal, hemp, cotton, coconut, leather, paper rope (make sure they are birds safe)
- polar fleece
- paper towel/ toilet paper tubes
- beads (if loose, make sure they can't be swallowed)
- small wooden dowels
- popsicle sticks
- plastic chain (use alone or cut a chunk out to use it as a hook)
- mirrors (small ones can be found a Michaels Crafts in the stepping stone/ mosaic section)
- hay (store bought is safest)
- wiffle balls (for larger birds)
- practice golf balls (for smaller birds)
- clothes pins with no spring ("old fashioned" clothes pins)
- paper sticks
- unwaxed paper cups
- bird safe leather pieces
- plastic buttons ( make sure they cant be swallowed)
- dry pasta noodles
you can also buy toy pieces as mentioned.
here is a trusted website that we recommend:
My Safe Bird Store
Tips:
- if you dont know what kind of toys your bird likes, make a variety and watch them. find out what materials they like best and include them in your toys.
- make toys with different elements; some that have swinging parts, others that are whole, some that can be taken apart or shredded
- look at you toys after you make them~ tie or securely cover any areas where a foot or head could get stuck
- if a toy has been destroyed, take it out
- cut any long rope end to prevent feet and nails getting entangled or rope getting wrapped around necks
- Always keep in mind that all toys can be dangerous
DIY perches
tree perches are the best for your birds. the varying diameters and shapes exercise your birds feet, preventing arthritis and bumble foot. covering them in fleece can make them more comfortable
** Branches MUST be cleaned before using them **
here is a list of safe and toxic trees for birds:
Safe and Toxic Trees
perch making supplies:
- drill
- hanger bolts
- washers
- wing nut(s)
1. drill a hole in one end of the perch
2. screw the perch into the 'screw' threaded end of the hanger bolt (not the end for the wing nut)
3. attach the perch to the cage in the order of: Perch/ washer/ cage/ washer/ wing nut
Make sure the perch is the correct diameter for your bird and can safely hold its weight.
Project ideas
these are all my toys that you can try to make or modify for your birds. I also have my DIY perches and the "ring toss" perch.
Toys that I made
here is the paper clip needle i has talking about!
on some pages i have picture instruction of how i made some toys
If any one has anything to add, just put the same section title and list with the format i used
***No chit chat please!***
you dont need to be super creative or artistic to make bird toys. DIY toys can be overall cheaper then bought toys AND they can be customized for your bird(s), which makes them more fun! supplies can be found around you house, or you can buy toy parts or toy kits online.
Ok enough of the intro! lets get to the toy making supplies. (not the actual materials for the toys)
for all birds (not all may be needed in your project):
- scissors
- exacto knife
- pocket knife with awl for making holes
- plastic coated paperclip for a needle (shown below)
- cutting board
for NON-DESTRUCTIVE birds:
- paper coated "twist ties" (used for attaching toys, put out of reach)
- mini clothes pins (used for clipping toys, for birds that wont touch the metal spring)
- non toxic hot glue (i use this to make boxes and glue on mirrors)
**do NOT use hot glue if your bird will chew it or rip apart what it is holding!!**
Toy Materials:
key: "clean" means no ink
* All materials should be unused and new *
- clean paper bags
- clean printer paper
- clean paper (not Styrofoam) egg cartons
- clean cardboard
- straws
- jute, sisal, hemp, cotton, coconut, leather, paper rope (make sure they are birds safe)
- polar fleece
- paper towel/ toilet paper tubes
- beads (if loose, make sure they can't be swallowed)
- small wooden dowels
- popsicle sticks
- plastic chain (use alone or cut a chunk out to use it as a hook)
- mirrors (small ones can be found a Michaels Crafts in the stepping stone/ mosaic section)
- hay (store bought is safest)
- wiffle balls (for larger birds)
- practice golf balls (for smaller birds)
- clothes pins with no spring ("old fashioned" clothes pins)
- paper sticks
- unwaxed paper cups
- bird safe leather pieces
- plastic buttons ( make sure they cant be swallowed)
- dry pasta noodles
you can also buy toy pieces as mentioned.
here is a trusted website that we recommend:
My Safe Bird Store
Tips:
- if you dont know what kind of toys your bird likes, make a variety and watch them. find out what materials they like best and include them in your toys.
- make toys with different elements; some that have swinging parts, others that are whole, some that can be taken apart or shredded
- look at you toys after you make them~ tie or securely cover any areas where a foot or head could get stuck
- if a toy has been destroyed, take it out
- cut any long rope end to prevent feet and nails getting entangled or rope getting wrapped around necks
- Always keep in mind that all toys can be dangerous
DIY perches
tree perches are the best for your birds. the varying diameters and shapes exercise your birds feet, preventing arthritis and bumble foot. covering them in fleece can make them more comfortable
** Branches MUST be cleaned before using them **
here is a list of safe and toxic trees for birds:
Safe and Toxic Trees
perch making supplies:
- drill
- hanger bolts
- washers
- wing nut(s)
1. drill a hole in one end of the perch
2. screw the perch into the 'screw' threaded end of the hanger bolt (not the end for the wing nut)
3. attach the perch to the cage in the order of: Perch/ washer/ cage/ washer/ wing nut
Make sure the perch is the correct diameter for your bird and can safely hold its weight.
Project ideas
these are all my toys that you can try to make or modify for your birds. I also have my DIY perches and the "ring toss" perch.
Toys that I made
here is the paper clip needle i has talking about!
on some pages i have picture instruction of how i made some toys
If any one has anything to add, just put the same section title and list with the format i used
***No chit chat please!***
