Paper-mache?

[Babybreau]

So my question is....

Would paper-mache be safe for birds? I know there are 2 ways to make it, with flour and water, and with watered down school glue.

I would obviously use the flour and water mix... it's 1 part flour, 2 parts water, and 2tbsp of salt to prevent mold. Now I could leave out the salt if need be, but paper is safe for birds, water is safe for birds, flour is safe for birds (it's in some birdy breads) so wouldn't paper mache be safe too?

So I have 4 questions:

1> Is paper mache safe for all birds?

2> Would you leave the salt out?

3> If the salt is left out, how long would you leave the toy in the cage?

4> Would you use regular flour or another kind, like rice or tapioca?

Any and all help would be appreciated :)

[Pippin's mom]

Is there a particular reason you want to use paper-mache? Personally I wouldn't use it I would just give them bird safe paper to play with.:)

[Babybreau]

Well I was thinking of making paper mache balls and attaching chains, bells, and other toys to it. I figured it'd be a good shred-able toy and could even hide treats inside.

Just another option for them to play with is all.

[Will]

Thats a pretty cool idea i think.

I guess i would leave the salt out because salt isnt good for birds. but how long before it molds? i have no idea.

[Babybreau]

Neither do I.

See I'm making a pinata for my niece's birthday, so I figured I'd make a few birdy toys while I had the mess out...

[Morpheus]

I would use white paper (not dyed or inked) rather than newspaper, but other than that I think it's fine. What a neat idea!

[BudgieBudgie]

Isn't newspaper made with soy-based ink? I heard it's OK for birds.

[atvchick95]

drs foster and smith makes pinata's for birds i don't know what its made of though just says safe non toxic material


and yes black/ white newspaper is fine for birds

[Pippin's mom]

drs foster and smith makes pinata's for birds i don't know what its made of though just says safe non toxic material


and yes black/ white newspaper is fine for birds

I just saw those pinatas at Foster's and Smith too..they are really cute:), but I can't find anywhere on their site that says what they are made from..just as you said that they are made from safe non toxic materials.

[naburu]

I never used salt in my paper mache and it never molded.