Toy Projects - Birdy Basket

Having a play area for your feathered friend is vital! Birdy Baskets are reasonably priced and can be a very efficient cost-effective play area. You can bring your avian companion wherever you go in the house. Untreated wicker baskets are very reasonably priced and can be found in local craft stores.

Things to look for in a basket

• Wide base. A wide base will ensure a stable basket along with a proportionate sized handle.
• Thick, unmovable handle which will support your avian companion. The handle will be one of the places your pet bird will be climbing around on and needs to be securely attached to the basket.
• Shop for an untreated wicker or willow baskets. Lacquers and paints are harmful to pet birds. Birds will chew at the basket an may ingest the paint/lacquer which will harm them.
• Be sure the handle is not too high above the basket which could cause the basket to become off-balance when you pet bird plays on it.
• Purchase a basket large enough that your bird will have room to play in the bottom section of the basket.

What to do with your new basket play area

• Line the bottom with uncolored newspaper or paper towel for the natural/organic "accidents" that may happen. Newspaper is convenient and it is easy to pick up and throw away after play time.
• A great place to introduce your pet bird to new toy parts and/or toys with your supervision. Quality time well spent! Your avian companion will appreciate the time you spent with him and/or her.
• Wrap the handle of the basket with either Untreated Sisal, Vegetable Tanned Leather Lacing or Natural Cotton Rope. The rope will need to be wrapped very tightly around the handle. This will also give you a means to attaching toys to the handle for your bird to play with!

Filling the Basket

Paper Chew Sticks can be slid in between the wrapping of the handle. Use one or two sticks to encourage your bird to perch on the handle. Baskets are a great place for your parrot to enjoy their foot toys. Parrots love flat areas to run around on and what better than the inside of the basket!

Toy Parts

Parrots are inquisitive by nature. Give them rope knots, beads and rings for them to play with. Parrots love to put these type of toy parts together by threading the beads with the rope or leather.