Bird Toy Smarts

by Joan Cirino
Summer 2003
Copyright 7/29/03

toy pictured is by
GreyFeather Toy Creations

 

 

Each time we shop, whether online or storefront, we are always on the lookout for the most unusual and unique bird toys to captivate our companion’s time. We look for their favorite types of wood, particular parts on a toy, a puzzle that will occupy their mind.

Nothing is more satisfying than finding that perfect toy and rushing home or awaiting the arrival of that package just to see that beak seal of approval from our feathered friend on our choices. That important choice is ours and we need to take so many things into consideration before making those final choices. It is our responsibility, as the parents of these feathered beauties, to determine what is relatively safe based on the personality of our avian companion. We know their daily routines, how they play and if they are capable of destroying a particular toy part. It is our job to be observant and provide safe and stimulating toy entertainment.

Bird lists, websites, acquaintances all provide excellent information on the obvious Do’s and Don’ts of toy building and purchases. The purpose of this article is to elaborate on the less than obvious issues surrounding toy-making projects.

Many bird toys are presented as being constructed with non-toxic and safe materials. Non-toxic and child-safe may be true with regard to human beings; but we are dealing with parrots that are relying on our good judgment.

As children, we are taught not to eat glue or other odd items, not to put dirt in our mouths, to wash our hands and not slap the kids next door. These are referred to as our lessons of life, which are common in a growing and nurturing environment for children. We learn these things over a period of time. If we do get something intrusive into our bodies, while in this learning process, well—it’s non-toxic and safe and won’t really harm us.

As learning young children, we probably weigh in at approximately 18-60 lbs, depending on the child’s age and capabilities, but eventually these learned messages do click in our heads and we move on. On the other hand, a birds weight is generally measured in grams, a huge difference compared to even the smallest human child. This is an extremely important difference when considering a non-toxic and safe material to give your pet parrot companion to destroy.

Birds never learn not to chew, beak or destroy their toys. It is their mission in life, an instinct they cannot control nor stop. Birds are not meant to eat glue, erasers, foam or stickers. The risk is very high for a piece of glue or other foreign material to get lodged in their crops or intestines which could cause severe problems years down the road. Adhesives are very sticky and may be heated by a bird’s internal body temperature therefore potentially getting lodged in their digestive system. Blockages can occur and we forget about the toys we provided over their lifetime that may lead to serious health problems years later simply because they “looked cool”.

The message I wish to portray is Be Aware and Choose Wisely. Our pet parrots are not children that grow up and learn what not to consume. They are dependent on our choices and it is their natural instinct and mission in life to beak, destroy and sometimes eat pieces of their toys. Toys are wonderful and are a necessity for our feathered friends but use caution in selecting them. Non-toxic and safe for humans does not have the same meaning as a product saying non-toxic and safe for birds.