Picking the Right Toys For Your Bird
May 15 '01
The Bottom Line Always think safety before entertainment, but make sure your bird has fun with a toy.
When buying a bird toy, the first thing to look for, of course, is safety. You also want one that will keep birdie busy and entertained for more than five minutes. Finding the right toy is a little more complicated than you might think.
Safety is the most important issue when buying a toy for any bird, whether it's a parakeet or an Amazon. Make sure the toy, if colored, uses bird-safe dyes. Safe dyes are often made from vegetables. Just because a toy is dyed doesn't mean it's dangerous. Bright colors are almost always the reason your bird decides to play with a toy.
Watch out for small pieces. If a toy has small pieces, make sure they are secured and unbreakable. If you've ever had a real bird bite, you know what I'm talking about. Once a piece is broken off, the may hold it in it's foot and break it even more. As you probably guessed, the bird can choke on these tiny pieces.
With the idea of small pieces in mind, look out for bells. Be sure the bells are not the cheap metal kind. I have heard many times that, even though it may not look like it, your bird can still choke on the clapper.
Size is also a very important issue with bird toys. Never buy a small bird toy for a large bird. First of all, the toy will be destroyed in minutes flat, and second, the choking factor.
With that in mind, never buy a large bird toy for a small bird. "Well, why not?" you think. Polly will probably feel threatened. Think about it. Imagine yourself as a parakeet trapped in your cage with a toy five times your size. You'd probably have a heart attack, as your bird might.
Just like with a child, you want the best for your birds. When it comes to safety, even though it might be more expensive, buy name-brand toys. Well-known brands would not be well-known if their toys were not safe.
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