Ever thought of making your own bird toys, but not sure what supplies are safe or not? We've created a list of eco-friendly, biodegradable, and 100% safe bird toy supplies ideas.
Dried Coconut Shells: If you purchase a coconut from the grocery store, cut it in half scoop all of the 'fruit' from the shell. Once it's fruit has been removed take a rag, dip it in boiling hot water, and quickly wash over the shell (inside and out). Don't soak or boil the shell- it will get soft. Once it's whiped down, place the shell in an oven at 200 degrees for about 15 minutes to help speed up the drying process. Once it's dried let it cool and wah-lah a perfect birdie chew toy!
Hemp Cord: Look for all-natural unwaxed and undyed hemp cord from your local craft shop. It's relatively inexpensive and perfect for stringing together bits and pieces to make a toy. It comes in a variety of thicknesses so you can find ones sized for your birds preferences and your toy making plans.
Sisal Rope: This tough string is perfect for a cockatoos strong beak. It's shreddable, yet tough enough to make your cockatoo spend hours trying to gnaw it down. You can braid it, weave it in and out of cage bars, bead it, and use it to connected other supplies together. And most cockatoos love chewing it up.
Cholla Wood: Cholla wood is a hole-filled wood that comes from a cactus and it makes a magnificent chew toy for any bird. You can fill the tiny holes with snacks or use them with string to add to beaded toys.
Tree Branches: Tree branches are awesome because you can do all sorts of things with them. You can braid them, cut them into beads, dry them in cute shapes, and tie them together. Look for woods like maple, willow, or cottonwood- all of which are safe for birds.
Untreated Wooden Beads: This ones tough. We suggest looking at websites that supply bird toys- as they will often supply beads safe for making your own bird toys. But if you want to purchase your own variety there are a few rules you need to follow. You want 100% organic wooden beads for bird toys. Look for bird-safe woods- walnut and maple are good choices. Also find untreated beads- meaning no paint, neat designs, or stain or polish. Beads should be light in color and have no shine. They shouldn't feel silky or smoothe- but instead feel like, well, raw wood when you touch them.
Card Stock: Look for plain white card stock at your local office supplies store. It's thicker than computer paper so it's perfect for chewing. You can cut all sorts of shapes out of it and make different oragami peices for your bird-worthy creations.
Rawhide: Rawhide is a great, tough material that is really hard for a cockatoo to tear apart. This is perfect because it will withstand weeks of use and keep your little feathered child entertained for hours on end. Look for all-natural unflavors and undyed rawhide.
Whicker: All natural whicker is a universal tool when making cockatoo toys. You can purchase it affordably at a local craft store and make virtually anything out of it. You can weave it, braid it, dry it in different positions, make it into a beaded item. The possibilities are limitless and it's easy to get creative with because it's so flexible.
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