Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 10/30/2009

Question
can u make toys from everyday things we would normally throw away an can i give my parrot human multivitamins which are munch cheaper an easly to get

Answer
First and foremost, do not give any bird any human vitamin.  Birds are far better off getting all of their necessary vitamins from food sources.  One way to be sure your bird will be the healthiest it can be would be to maintain it on a pellet diet.  Ideally, no color or flavoring added, but when it comes right down to it, any pellet is better than no pellet.

The worst diet for a bird is seed, in spite of what the packaging might claim.  There are few regulations in the pet industry for truth in advertising or quality control.

This was very obvious when all those cats and dogs died from contaminated foods a couple years ago.  

To be fully informed about nutrition and options you have in your own kitchen check here:

 http://www.4AnimalCare.org/birds


When it comes to making toys - the biggest concern with that is toxic materials.  For example, if you find a refrigerator or other kitchen magnet sticks to chains, bells or any other metal you're considering using - chances are the metal is zinc or other toxic metal.

 Color print from newspapers, magazines or books is best avoided, otherwise, drilling a hole through an old (clean) paperback book with front and back cover removed can keep a parrot engaged for quite a while hung in the cage from strong twine or natural cotton clothesline rope.   Often you don't even need to hang it, just toss it in the cage and be sure it stays clean.

 For the most part, anything safe for a human toddler will be ok for your bird.  You should avoid teething rings or anything with liquid in them and make sure no moving parts or small pieces can be bitten off by beaks that are far more powerful than little human hands, but other than that - thrift stores are excellent sources of birdy toys.

Make sure to disinfect them thoroughly.  Soaking in a tub of water 9 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach for 10 minutes or longer, then rinsing well and drying is strongly suggested.

 There's a lot more tips here:  www.4AnimalCare.org/birds