During these times it is imperative to be resourceful, and making parrot toys for your bird can be an option.
Instead of going to the pet store all the time, why not make yourself your own parrot toy. Making the toy does not take a lot of extraneous efforts. You can find many materials around the house that can be used as bird toys.
Parrots love to shred and chew, so why not give things as organic paper that will entertain them hours at a time. You have to watch and make sure they don't see it as food, however. Train them to not see it as food. Just hang anything that is not exotic but can be shredded would be a good idea. Parrots have to often use their beak in order to sharpen it and keep it healthy.
We should look at the parrot's claws next. By making a small ball object hang on the bird cage, your bird will have a lot of fun trying to figure out what to do with it. Now with the ball your parrot is most likely going to play with it using its claws and beak, exercising both the areas. This can literally entertain your bird for hours.
Parrots love to chew on wood. You should get tree branches around the neighborhood and let your bird to go at it. Always wash all parts to make sure that it is clean.
Go creative and think of other ways to build a toy, you can even make giant balls out of wood. This sure beats going to the local pet shop all the time.
There are also smart toys that you can make with a little bit of creativity. You use treats as a way to get the parrot to try to think and to try new method. Twigs are good to use to try to make a parrot toy. You should tie around it so it is like a ball, and leave a treat in it. Trust me, they will have hours of fun playing with toys like these.
I hope this has been a great introduction to parrot toy making. You can share with me what's your favorite personal homemade toys. Who knows, maybe now the local pet shop might ask you to make your own toys. Hey I just thought of it, you can always make your own parrot toys and sell it!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A Few Things on Bird Travel Cages
Bird travel cages, or travel carriers, are great for taking your bird for travel. Sometimes you might need to take your feathered friend to the vet, to grooming, or even to road trips. Finding the best bird travel cages would be important if you tend to move around a lot or need to take your bird everywhere.
Carriers Types
Depending on what type of journey you prepare, there are scores of types of carriers available for your use. Airline approved carriers are a necessity for flight. Generally used carriers include cat and dog carriers, customized to grasp a perch and food dishes. There are bird specific carriers available, including collapsible wire carriers with grates and locking trays, or heavy duty stainless steel carriers on hand for those with big beaks. For shorter travels, there are hand held carriers that have a mesh front, appropriate for smaller birds going on short trips that aren't suitable to chew. Whatever your desire, there is a model available that will suit you and your bird. I personally chose a wire knockdown model, that allowed the carriers to be stored effortlessly when not in use. A great space saver!
Putting together the Travel Carrier
Choose a perch that will present firm footing for your bird. Stay away from slick woods like manzanita, and go more towards perches such as rope. I recommend perches like grapevine, cholla, or rope that will allow your bird to have a good grip.
Taking it on the Move
Your bird should be easy and used to his carrier before any long trip. Putting his preferred toy and treats in the carrier will help put him at ease. Once he is used to his carrier, it's advisable to take the bird on some short trips, prior to the real trip. This will let you see how the bird reacts to the carrier, and also to the trip. It is not exceptional for some parrots to experience car sickness, like my greencheek conure. If your bird does exhibit car sickness, there are several things you can do to help alleviate the effects including: covering the carrier, trying the carrier in both the back and front (safely buckled in) seats of the car, and if all else fails, shredded ginger root prior to the trip will lend a hand ease any stomach upset
Be sure to always secure your birds carrier with a seatbelt or other device Like little children, a bird in a front seat could be at risk to injury if there was an accident and air bags were deployed.
Also be sure to bring ample food and water for your feathered companion. It is recommended that juicy fruit, or an ice cube, takes the place of water on a short journey, as the bird will still receive necessary liquids without worry of water spilling. On extended travels, your bird will need out of cage time, so a portable play gym or T-stand is recommended. There are numerous models available that break down, making it contented for you to carry.
Carriers Types
Depending on what type of journey you prepare, there are scores of types of carriers available for your use. Airline approved carriers are a necessity for flight. Generally used carriers include cat and dog carriers, customized to grasp a perch and food dishes. There are bird specific carriers available, including collapsible wire carriers with grates and locking trays, or heavy duty stainless steel carriers on hand for those with big beaks. For shorter travels, there are hand held carriers that have a mesh front, appropriate for smaller birds going on short trips that aren't suitable to chew. Whatever your desire, there is a model available that will suit you and your bird. I personally chose a wire knockdown model, that allowed the carriers to be stored effortlessly when not in use. A great space saver!
Putting together the Travel Carrier
Choose a perch that will present firm footing for your bird. Stay away from slick woods like manzanita, and go more towards perches such as rope. I recommend perches like grapevine, cholla, or rope that will allow your bird to have a good grip.
Taking it on the Move
Your bird should be easy and used to his carrier before any long trip. Putting his preferred toy and treats in the carrier will help put him at ease. Once he is used to his carrier, it's advisable to take the bird on some short trips, prior to the real trip. This will let you see how the bird reacts to the carrier, and also to the trip. It is not exceptional for some parrots to experience car sickness, like my greencheek conure. If your bird does exhibit car sickness, there are several things you can do to help alleviate the effects including: covering the carrier, trying the carrier in both the back and front (safely buckled in) seats of the car, and if all else fails, shredded ginger root prior to the trip will lend a hand ease any stomach upset
Be sure to always secure your birds carrier with a seatbelt or other device Like little children, a bird in a front seat could be at risk to injury if there was an accident and air bags were deployed.
Also be sure to bring ample food and water for your feathered companion. It is recommended that juicy fruit, or an ice cube, takes the place of water on a short journey, as the bird will still receive necessary liquids without worry of water spilling. On extended travels, your bird will need out of cage time, so a portable play gym or T-stand is recommended. There are numerous models available that break down, making it contented for you to carry.
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