Below is a list of supplies I use to create toys or hold toys or just as toys themselves. The less expensive it is, the better. All of the items I have listed below make Mercury happier than many of the “parrot” toys that I can buy. The great thing is that when you learn what they like, your imagination can run wild. Plus, many times, certain items below are much more durable and can be used over and over when the rest of the toy has been happily destroyed. Of course, we all know that there are plastics that are appropriate for our parrots and there are plastics that aren’t. All wood should be untreated. So, please use good judgment. |
|
Inexpensive Toy Supplies Mini Popsicle sticks (work great for ice cube popsicles that are more for their size) Small ice cube tray – for popsicles (I use the space-shaped cubes tray since they are much smaller) Ice cream sticks in craft section Hard plastic party favors Craft wood pieces – untreated Sisal rope Leather strips - untreated Steel rings (hardware store) PVC pipe – cut into slender rings (Home Depot and Lowe’s often times do this for you) Broom handle or similar – untreated - cut and drill hole Hard plastic beads From The Dollar Tree: Popsicle sticks in a pack Wood clothes pins in a pack Wood coasters (spindle ones) with wood holder Wood spoons, plastic utensils Plastic Disney characters on keychain (I avoid the shiny lacquered plastic ones) Pacifiers in a pack Various baby toys, dishes, etc. Burp cloths Dish cloths and wash cloths Toothbrushes Plastic colored, shaped links (great learning tool) Plastic toys Rope in pet section – cut off toy (usually rubber) Children’s books – for colors, shapes, objects, numbers Wicker baskets and wreaths - untreated Toy baskets Ideas Use steel rings or PVC rings to string over the colored beads or wood pieces. Put a larger stopper object below, so they can slide the rings over the beads or wood pieces but keep the rings from just hanging at the bottom. Run the string through the hard plastic party favors. Have a party favor at each end of the toy, so they can clink together, which makes a sound similar to bells. |