How to Make Your Own Macaw Toys
Macaws are intelligent birds who like to play. Providing your parrot with toys that stimulate him is fun for him and you. However, store-bought toys can be expensive, costing as much as 50 dollars. Unfortunately, your macaw can destroy a new toy in an afternoon. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money on a toy that will quickly be destroyed, you can easily make your own at home for little money.
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Things You'll Need
- Balloon
- Paper bag
- Water
- Flour
- Baking dish
- String
- Scissors
- Tissue paper
- Egg
- Bird seed
- Trail mix
- Toys
- Sisal rope
- Cow bell
- T-shirt
- Thread
- Buttons
- Zippers
Instructions
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Piñata
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1
Blow up a large latex party balloon and tie it off.
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2
Tear several brown paper bags into one inch wide strips approximately six inches long. The number of bags you need depends on the size of the balloon you use.
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3
Mix water and flour into a watery paste consistency in a shallow baking dish. Use two parts water to one part flour.
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4
Dip the paper bag strips into the flour mixture and run the strips between your finger and thumb to squeeze away the excess liquid.
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5
Use the dipped strips to wrap the balloon. Overlap the strips and place them in a random configuration for best strength. Thoroughly cover the balloon, leaving the knotted end exposed.
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6
Tie a 12-inch piece of string around the knotted end of the balloon and hang it up to dry.
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7
Use a pair of scissors to snip the knotted end of the balloon to deflate it and pull the remnants of the balloon out of the hole.
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8
Cut non-toxic tissue paper, any color, into strips about a half-inch in size.
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9
Separate an egg and discard the yolk. Dip the tissue paper strips into the egg white and attach them all over the paper bag form. The egg white will act as glue.
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10
Use the hole in the balloon end to fill the piñata with bird seed, trail mix, or small macaw-safe toys.
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11
Thread a large needle with a 24-inch piece of sisal rope and pass it in to the piñata and back out about an inch away. Remove the needle and tie the ends of the sisal into a knot. Make sure the hole from the balloon is on the top of the piñata.
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12
Hang your finished piñata in the middle of the room and your macaw will to try to break it open to get the treats inside.
Cow Bells
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13
Purchase a cow bell from your local hardware store or online. The bell should be larger than four inches and made from stainless steel. If you are unable to find stainless steel, you can use copper.
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14
Tie a piece of sisal rope to the bell and hang the bell from the top of the cage. The length of the rope depends on the size of your macaw's cage. The bell should hang about at head height when the bird is standing on the bottom of the cage.
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15
Your macaw will ring the bell and chew on the rope.
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16
Replace the rope with a fresh piece as it becomes frayed or broken.
Activity Shirt
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17
Use an old t-shirt or purchase a cheap undershirt from the store.
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18
With needle and thread, securely sew buttons and zippers to the front of your shirt and the collar.
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19
Allow your macaw to play with the buttons and zippers on your shirt while you wear it.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always supervise your macaw when it is playing with any toy to ensure it does not swallow small pieces.
