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Over the years, I've incorporated the use of a variety of boxes into my toy designs because my birds have always enjoyed destroying empty food boxes, corrugated boxes and paper towel tubes.  All of these items make for great bird toy components and they can also quickly serve as inexpensive and impromptu foraging devices. One of the topics that I often see being discussed on the internet is the question of whether it is safe to use cardboard in homemade bird toys. 

Since I have encountered a high degree of internet chatter among concerned bird owners, where many stated they would never give items containing PVC to their birds, this article takes a look at the “good and the bad issues” surrounding PVC and addresses some of the concerns bird owners may have.

Leather undoubtedly adds an interesting dimension and great texture to bird toys. My greys especially love untying leather knots and gnawing on the leather straps. Toy-makers like using leather as it is often easier to work with and safer than many other types of cordage that can ensnare bird toes. But, is all leather safe? 

Many types of cordage are available on the market but, they are not all safe to use in bird products.   Even the “safe” cordage can pose some risks if not properly monitored and maintained.   The purpose of this article is to review

Bright, colorful plastic bird toy parts available in a wide array of interesting shapes can certainly add to the fun factor in our bird’s toys.   A variety of questions abound on the chat boards regarding the safety and potential toxicity

Providing adequate opportunities for birds to chew is vital to their mental and physical well-being. In the wild, most parrots hollow out nest cavities in trees.  Chewing is an instinctual behavior for parrots and wooden toys are an

If one topic can get folks riled up in the chat room about bird toy safety, it would be the topic of zinc. In this post I would like to add to the conversation and challenge the “conventional wisdom” currently lurking online.