Handmade Toys?

[Cheetah]

I'd like to make my own bird toys, but I need suggestions on safe materials, and where I might find them. Also, I'm not sure what exactly to make lmfao...

Does anyone else make their own toys? Got any pictures? Suggestions?

[Donna]

Cheetah,

I have been a member of this forum for almost a year now, and I can remember a few times where there were members questioning what to use for homemade Budgie toys. There are so many endles possibilities and choices for making your own toys, but a person does have to be careful at times.

I did some searching and here are a bunch of threads that might give you some ideas. Just click on each link below, and see what you think.

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=2258

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=9008&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=9137&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=9180&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=8167&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=6274&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=4207&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=3398&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=12&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=1635&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=1765&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=1765&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=913&highlight=toys

http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=590&highlight=toys


Donna

[Cheetah]

Thanks for that. >^_^<

What do you think about natural hemp twine as string for a toy? Also, what about hard plastic beads? I've seen some of those used to make the storebought toys, but no clue if they're safe.

I'm totally going to make a swing I can hang from the ceiling! <3

EDIT: I must have posted tis at the same time as the edit lmao...

Ok, so I have thick cotton rope, thin hemp twine, some sisal rope, some of that leafy stringy stuff (forgot what it's called, but it's natural, safe, and shreddable), and hard plastic beads (can't be shattered or swallowed). I want to use the thick cotton rope to make a swing for outside of the cage. The rest I'd like to use to make regular toys. I'll have to post pictures of what I come up with. >^_^<

[Donna]

Yes, hemp is great! I use that most of the time. It is safe and they love to nibble on it. Just be very careful when using long amounts of hemp/twine, because a Budgie can get entangled in it pretty easily and you wouldn't want him to get injured, or possibly hang himself.

I had a nice amount of raffia (straw-like craft material) dangling from a perch to the bottom of the cage and I almost lost a Budgie from him playing with that. I'm sure it was just a freak thing but now I'm much more cautious. My Budgies love to nibble on raffia.

I remember sitting at my computer one day and looking over in time to see my Budgie playing with the raffia. Awhile later I looked over again and thought, man, he sure does like the raffia. Then later I looked over again and it finally sunk in that his moving back and forth (in one spot) was because he was entangled in it and he wasn't playing. His neck was somehow caught in the twisted raffia and I felt so terrible because I really had to work to free him. He had been there a long time and I just thought he was playing. If I hadn't have been there, he probably would have died. When I dangle things now, I'm very careful about how much I let hang down, and I'm careful about how I position it. I take extra precautions when I hang things from hemp, also. If you have a lot of beads or things on the hemp, it shouldn't be dangerous . . . but if you just place a few beads between long lengths of hemp, then you could have the same problem where your Budgie is in danger.

Plastic beads should work just fine. As long as there is no paint on them, they will be okay. Some Budgies love to peck at plastic beads. Make sure the beads aren't too small though, in case the hemp breaks and the beads fall off. You wouldn't want something real small that your Budgie could swallow.

I hope I haven't scared you. Just remember to use wisdom when making toys.

It sounds like you have a great idea. I hope you'll take a photo when you are finished, so we can see it.

Have fun!!!! :)

Donna

PS. I see that you added a little more information to your post during the time I was writing my reply. All of the items you want to use sound like they would be fine.

[misslinda]

The following is a favorite websites, were I purchase "toy parts". The second has some ideas for toys, if you need any.
Have fun...Linda:)

http://www.cabirdnerds.com/index.html
http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/ideas.htm

[Cheetah]

What an awesome supply website! I'll have to save that one. >^_^<

[Cheetah]

I have taken a picture of the simple little toy I made yesterday. I also managed to make a rope swing for outside of the cage, but don't have pictures of that yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/ShroudedCheetah/BirdyToy1.jpg

[hoji]

Can you use the sort of beads you can get at Michael's (a craft store)?

[tstmard]

I'd only use plastic beads. And yes you should be able to get them at Michael's.;)

[cobden28]

What we've done is to save up the plastic lids that you get with cartons of milk, fruit juice etc - all of different colours - and string them together with a length of elastic.

Hung in the cage at the end of one of the perches with the lower end dangling just above the level of the perch, this home-made toy is especially popular with Billy, our Senior Budgie.

[oldbonboys]

What we've done is to save up the plastic lids that you get with cartons of milk, fruit juice etc - all of different colours - and string them together with a length of elastic.

Hung in the cage at the end of one of the perches with the lower end dangling just above the level of the perch, this home-made toy is especially popular with Billy, our Senior Budgie.


Is it possible to see pictures of what you mean?? I am a real visual person - and if I see a picture than I understand better.

[Vickie]

Here's some toys I made, if you're interested.

This first one is made of a plastic children's bangle, with bits of cotton rope and pony beads. They really love picking at the rope and beads, and trying to lift the bangle off the perch!

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2405/21/18/576444525/n576444525_1288949_2763.jpg

This one is their new favorite. It's made of plastic spools linked with beaded loops. There is a bell on the bottom, and the spools are stuffed with natural raffia for them to tug on. It's so funny! I pack the raffia so tight that it takes them a while, but then it all comes out at once! When it does, my birds go to the bottom of the cage and walk around in it as if celebrating.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2405/21/18/576444525/n576444525_1288950_3064.jpg

Maybe you will get some inspiration if you look at bird toy stores online. I really like the site Birdy Boredom Busters, but there are lots.

[Tammy.w.]

here's a site on what to make them from this might help :)
http://www.budgies.org/arts/toys.html