I am new to the board and will be getting a qp in a couple of weeks. I am so excited I am trying to get her cage ready so that when I get the call that she is weaned I can go and get her. Anyway, I was trying to make some toys and I was wondering if jute twine is okay? It says natural jute twine on the package. Thanks for any info.
Angie

Welcome, Angie

I use it and it seems fine. If it smells like oil, don't use it. The stuff I use has no smell to it.

Same goes for sisal. Most sisal you can buy at the store has oil on it, and that's not good.

I have heard that a good way to test if rope or twine is safe (untreated) is to soak it in water for a while. If there is an oily residue floating on top of the water, it has been treated and is not safe.

Thanks guys! There is a smell when I was using it. In fact, it gave me a headache that was why I was concerned. I guess I'll throw that away and try to find something else tomorrow.
Angie

You can usually find natural twine and sisel at fabric stores or even hardware stores.

Thanks! I'll go to the hardware store tomorrow.
Angie

I had jute from a hardware chain store that will remain un-named...and it was treated with pesticides and oils. Be very careful, and if you can, call the manufacturer to check to make sure it's birdsafe.