How to Make a Hanging Bird Toy
Although there are a variety of toys on the market for birds, hanging toys are by far the most common and popular. Most hanging toys consist of a series of wooden shapes that attach to the top of the cage with a quick-link. Many people choose to make their own bird toys both to save money and to ensure that the parts used are as safe as possible.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 100 percent cotton rope
- Scissors
- Stainless steel quick-link
- Pre-drilled wooden parts
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut a length of cotton rope 3 or 4 inches longer than the size of the toy you are making. For example, if you want to make a 12 inch toy, cut a 15 to 16 inch length of rope.
-
2
Wet one end of the cotton rope by dipping it in clean water. Tie the wet end onto the quick-link, making sure the knot is very tight.
-
-
3
Wet the other end of the cotton rope and twist tightly to make a pointed tip. This will make threading the parts onto it easier and will help prevent raveling. You can also wrap a small piece of masking tape around the tip to secure it.
-
4
Thread pre-drilled wooden parts onto the rope. Alternate colors and shapes to make the toy more visually appealing.
-
5
Securely tie off the end of the rope. Leave an inch or two of extra space between the knot and the wooden blocks, so that they move freely on the rope.
-
6
Cut three or four additional lengths of cotton rope, 6 to 8 inches long. These will be used to add "legs" to the toy.
-
7
Tie one end of each of these lengths of rope, and string several wooden parts onto each. Leave two inches of extra space on each "leg."
-
8
Attach a leg to the main toy by tying the open end of the leg's rope onto the center rope of the toy's "body," between blocks. The leg should extend outwards and hang down from the toy, much like a frond on a palm tree.
-
9
Attach the rest of the legs in the same manner, varying their locations to make the toy more appealing.
-
10
Hang the toy from the top of your bird's cage, using the quick-link. Be sure the quick-link is secured tightly to prevent the bird from removing it. If you have a large parrot, you may need to tighten it with pliers.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Pre-drilled wooden parts are available at most craft stores, as well as bird specialty stores.
You can dye the wood using unsweetened drink mix to provide more visual appeal.
Make sure that the wooden parts you use are made of non-toxic wood and are not painted.
Always use stainless steel quick-links for your bird's safety. Zinc-plated quick-links can cause serious health problems if your bird chews them.
