*Be aware of dangerous bird toys!! (What happened to my parakeet)* DUW

[jbowyer01]

Oh my! Your poor little baby!

 

[TurtleFeathers]

There is a natural "hole" in the lower mandible that can easily catch on toy parts or other things in the bird's environment. I lost a cockatiel some years ago the same way - but this was on a toy that hung from the cage by a tiny "key" ring. I also lost an indian ringneck once, whose foot became tangled in frayed rope threads on her Booda perch.

Always make sure there are no openings, sharp pieces, frayed rope, etc... on any toy parts that can injure a bird. Examine all toys every time you clean the cage, and dispose of/fix them right away - it may save your bird's life!!!

 

[77horses]

That's so sad! I'm sorry for all of your losses.

I lost a zebra finch, named Sweety, to that nesting material stuff that is like stringy and cotton. She got caught in it and was hanging from her leg for who-knows-how-long, until finally I found her and I held her in my hands for about an hour until she died.

We put thin blankets over our bird cages at night, so I always make sure there aren't any frayed pieces sticking into the cage.

 

[drafthorse39]

Wow, I can't believe there are so many similar experiences. I got a reply from the company just telling me that they are really sorry and they never had an incident with this product (doubt it). I was told they would have their quality team take a look at the swings and see what the problem is.

I KNOW what the problem is, and they need to recall them!

Anyway, Kioi is doing much better! This is Kioi and Tokiko, my valley quail, resting on the couch.

 

[reveriereptile]

I'm glad to see this thread. I was thinking about buying an indoor bird. Tried to bid on one at the bird auction this past weekend but the parakeet when for almost $30. I'd also prefer to buy a younger one that has been hand raised. Someone should make a list of unsafe and safe bird toys. I wouldn't trust anything with the rope on it for fear of their nails getting caught.

 

[drafthorse39]

Wow $30? Was it an english budgie? Mine was hand raised/tamed and he was only 10 dollars. He's super sweet. You should look on craigslist. That's where I got mine.

Here is a good link about unsafe bird toys btw.
http://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com/store/index.php?ukey=auxpage_15

Btw, since I posted this thread on bird forums, a lot of these swings were removed from bird cages. That makes me feel better. Now I have to talk to the people who are selling them on their shelves.

 

[redhen]

How sad!

 

[Dingo]

I think a good rule to follow is if the bird can fit it's head in the toy components or between the toy and cage wall it's not safe, with the exception being that the birds whole body can fit without getting stuck. Though this wouldn't help with the swing the O.P. had, nothing about it would be too obviously dangerous.
As far as the cost of a budgie goes, I gave away a hand tame/affectionate fledgling/juvenile hen that I co-parented with my pair.

 

[Parrotchick]

As birds decimate their toys, they can become dangerous even if they didn't start out that way. My macaw had a giant wooden chew toy, but apparently was most interested in the metal ring that it hung from. I came home from work and first noticed the giant pyramid of poop below Oscar. Then I noticed him looking most engaged with this toy. Then I saw that he must have opened the ring where it was welded, then clamped it shut again on his lower beak. I had only had him a month and wasn't relishing going at him with a bolt cutter, plus I was concerned about possible infection. Of course it was after hours and I had to drive an hour and a half to a 24 hour vet that dealt with birds. OsIcar was fine, but I've been very cautious about parrot toy construction since then.