Okay, so I dont know if you guys have ever done this or if many people would want to. Here is how it would work if anyone was interested:

We make a list of materials to be used. All of them must be used in some way. Additions can be made to the material list if you would like for your own project. You are in charge of designing and creating your toy. Once we are finished (possibly setting a deadline) with our projects then we will post pics up in 1 thread. Then we can all compare what we did and see who got the most creative.

Okay, so what do you think? Do-able?

sure its doable but I am not the most creative crafty type person of the bunch.

I think this is a great idea!!! But I'm gonna pass on it, as I am just too darn busy right now to make any toys for my fids.

But I hope this idea flies, because I'd love to see what everyone comes up with!

Well, to begin with, we need the toy parts to be easily obtainable. Then begin compiling a list of possibly items on the must have list. We could do like 7 items that MUST be in the toy at least once, and a total item count of like 15, so you could use certain items multiple times. Base items like plastic or stainless steel chains are a must, or even leather cord. Perhaps items have to be found at a wal-mart or craft store. THEN add say . . . 2 unique items to make each toy one of a kind. These could be anything bird safe. Needless to say, I am just throwing ideas out. It could be an item list of 17 items could be to big of a toy, or something. What do you all think. If we go with this, we would have say a 1 month contest, then all those members who dont submit a toy at the end could vote of thier favorite toys. We may need a little help from the admins, as this may get complicated.

Yeah, that sounds great! I like your original idea of the fewer amount of items, because some people may not be able to afford running out and buying a bunch of stuff.

I havent made enough toys myself to be able to know what is the best core items should be. I was hoping someone would come along and help with that. Sounds like you definately know how to get something like this planned.

I would say all of the toys have to have - leather, wood and plastic - any thing else is optional. I think if you require too many parts it gets to be too big and a lot of our fids are particular about what they like and don't like some of the other things.

We can make the deadline July 31st - all pics would have to be posted by then.

Do you want to limit it to toys must be sized for a quaker?

We should have a pinned thread just for pics of the finished toys.

I would do it but i dont know a thing about making toys tying string hanging materials. If i did i wouldnt have to use all my money on activity centere, woodtoys, bells, swings, perches etc. You guys are lucky if you are talented in that area.

Most toys are very easy to make and our fids don't really care what they look like as long as they have the parts they like. Preening toys can be as simple as stringing some beads on cotton rope and tying a few knots.

You can even copy toys from the store - look at how simple some of them are made - and assembling them yourself can save a ton of money.

I dont really know if we should or shouldnt limit the size. Some people may want to make a toy a certain size to accomodate more than one bird. Like I said before, I am new to all of this so I dont know if I would be the best one to set all requirements.

And I agree, the toys arent all that complicated to make. You get some rope, attach some wood, tie some knots, and call it done!

I would love to do it and would love to see what others can come up with, but, so far, we havent really had a good response to people wanting to do it.

I think we just need to word the heading properly and more people will join in. I will start a new thread and post some rules and we can see what we get.

Awesome-thanks Joanne!

It is posted and I asked for it to be pinned.

I think the size of toy is dependent on what you want...it just needs to have the same type of pieces...just different sized if possible...


So I'll go to the other thread and look...

I also think we need to put a detailed list of step by step instructions for others to be able to make them if they so desire!

Pinned and located in the DIY: Do It Yourself section of the General Pet Bird Discussion Forum

Toy Making Challenge