Construction paper and cardboard

[Jally]

I thought of taking construction paper, punching holes in the center and stringing them up with other things to use as a chew toy. Would the dyes in the paper cause any harm to the budgies? It is acid free if that makes a difference.

Also, my dd bought a box of animal crackers the other day and in my mind I saw a foraging box that could be hung up on their play area! However, it has glue inside from where the wax paper was stuck to the box. Good idea or bad idea?

Thanks!

[Jally]

Would a better question be, what kind of paper is safe paper for them to chew?

Hubby accidently threw away my animal cracker box, so I don't need that question answered anymore. :(

[atvchick95]

I don't know about contruction paper, because of the dyes used

but plain printer paper is fine, mine play with it all the time.

[Jally]

Ok. Thanks!

[bunny_no_name]

I use the plain printer paper as lining for their cage at the bottom on the tray underneath the bars. They can't get to it but even if they could it's good to know that it won't hurt them! And one of my birds chews on their play gym that is dyed bright colors and always gets a blue beak. I would think it would be safe because the gym was made for them but does anybody know?

[Keet1976]

I have heard people mention that if you want to dye wood you use some cake or icing dye......So I guess that the budgie toy makers use a safe dye, but as far as what dye is used for constrution paper, who knows......

[ETAHoffman]

Plain white Paper, as a rule, is harmless to the birds. Newspaper, if at least three days old (that allows the ink to "set") is ok too. I'd avoid colored construction paper and, by ALL means, avoid cardboard. The glues used to bond the cardboard can be dangerous. Don't take a chance.

Also, avoid using tape(s) around the birds. A good friend built his own breeding cages and, to avoid scratches from the cut hardware cloth on the door openings, covered the exposed wire ends with masking tape. The birds nibbled at the tape. Several weeks later, he asked me if I might know what was causing his birds NOT to breed and produce eggs. When I saw the masking tape, I suggested he remove it. He did and about a week later, the hens started laying. Go figure! The tape didn't hurt them but we felt it may have inhibited egg production. ?????