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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 4:53:36 GMT
Thought I'd put together some ideas for homemade toys - some basic and some that require a little more work. Feel free to add you own toy making instructions here too. This is "The Cloud". Cut some paper into thin strips, leaving about an inch at the top uncut. Thinner strips are better for little young budgies. Run the sharp edge of a knife or scissors along the length of the strips, so they curl into ringlet shapes. Fold it together at the top, so there's room to put an attaching hole. Put a small hole in the top, and attach with a quick link, plastic ring, whatever... And voila..
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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 5:21:06 GMT
Now we have the "FAN-tastic". You need a small buri fan, some raffia, and some leather string (or similar), and some beads or plastic rounds - something to thread on the leather and raffia. You can get buri fans and raffia from craft stores or from bird toy parts stores. Thread the leather string through the fan, in such a way so you can attach the raffia in knotted 'bundles' through the string. Attach beads or whatever you have to the string and raffia. Make it so that you have stuff attached on both sides of the fan. My bird often uses this as a perch as well, clinging on to the bundled raffia knots. (You can see my bird, bum up, enjoying his FAN-tastic toy if you look hard)
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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 6:20:40 GMT
Sometimes the most ridiculously simple toys are all they want, or need. This is "The Nub". All it is, is a piece of leather string with two beads knotted on the end, then attached by knotting it tight to the side of the cage. It sits just above a perch, and my bird loves to "chat" with it.
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Post by barrieshutt on Oct 26, 2011 7:22:00 GMT
Super Stace, perhaps yourself and Hezz can compile a sticky , check out the new sticky compiled by Hezz called content
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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 8:11:59 GMT
Some birds love to shred things, especially the hens. Here's the "Star Shredder". This is an easy shredder to make, and it also attaches to the side of the cage so you don't crowd it out with too many hanging toys. You need some palm leaf strips, two leather or wooden stars or beads, and some natural paper rope. (You can get paper rope off the handles of those brown paper carry bags.) Cut the palm leaf into 4 x 3" strips and make a small hole through the centre. Thread the paper rope through, attaching your leather/wood stars at the ends on either side. Leave enough rope on each side to tie a tight knot to secure it together - and also to attach it with another knot to the bars of the cage. Fan the palm strip out to form a star shape, and also fan out the end of the paper rope - easier for little beaks to get a hold on. Here's one I made earlier, already a little chewed up. Attach with a knot to the side of the cage, and you're done. (I also use this to cover up a dodgy bit of wire on my cage. )
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Post by barrieshutt on Oct 26, 2011 8:20:25 GMT
Toys r us , you should be in business
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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 8:28:08 GMT
Toys r us , you should be in business I'm crafty, Barrie. In more ways than one.
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Post by stace on Oct 26, 2011 8:44:25 GMT
Get it on, bang the gong all you metal heads! My bird luurves metal. If it's shiny and it bangs, he wants it - NOW! I saw this toy on a website, and thought, I can make that. So bang your heads together for the "Spoonerism". At its most basic, all you need is a small stainless steel teaspoon. Drill a hole in the top of the handle (making sure you file away any rough edges). And hang with a quick link. For extra head-banging fun, maybe add a bit of stainless steel chain (possibly off an old toy), and perhaps a bead or stainless steel washer - just something clangy. And here it is, in action.
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Oct 7, 2011 16:19:22 GMT
luke
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 74
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Post by luke on Oct 26, 2011 10:18:54 GMT
Does anyone know if we can get that shredder stuff in the UK?
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Post by BudgiesBuddy on Oct 26, 2011 11:06:45 GMT
Very lovely toys Stace. Great work. Barrie is right, you have more than enough material for a sticky. Other can contribute too.
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Post by BudgiesBuddy on Oct 26, 2011 11:08:30 GMT
Toys r us , you should be in business Toys for Budgerigars That too almost free A new chain
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Post by Marianne Marlow on Oct 26, 2011 11:09:28 GMT
I have stickied this for you Stace, it's great Thank you!
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Oct 7, 2011 16:29:59 GMT
MattJ
Normal Green
Puck
Posts: 329
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Post by MattJ on Oct 26, 2011 12:35:04 GMT
Nice one, given me a few ideas. I like having a go at making/altering toys, is one thing that will always get Puck to come over and investigate what I'm doing Does anyone know if we can get that shredder stuff in the UK? Sure can www.northernparrots.com/page/find/?name=shredders&page=1
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Oct 7, 2011 16:19:22 GMT
luke
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 74
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Post by luke on Oct 26, 2011 13:59:30 GMT
Thanks Matt, cheaper than I was expecting too
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Oct 7, 2011 16:29:59 GMT
MattJ
Normal Green
Puck
Posts: 329
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Post by MattJ on Oct 26, 2011 14:56:32 GMT
You get 30 foot of it as well
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