i feel like i have done this task before, and that it was very simple, but i can't remember how. i saw a cool toy (click here) made of a quick link and spiral cut straws for like $3. i have wiffle balls instead and just bought a ton of straws. can someone explain, plainly and clearly lol, how one cuts a straw to make it spiral and be boingy?

kris

My guess is that it can only be done by a machine, but I could be wrong.

Actually I think theres a link in the Do it yourself section that gives directions on making home made toys.

You can use a box knife and hold it ar angle and then twist the straw and it will do that. Some people make a safer version by taking a box cutter blade and placing it between two pieces of wood cut at the angle and fastening them to another single piece of wood similar to a small mitre box and having just the tip of the blade exposed so you're less apt to spiral cut your fingers as well.

Hmmmmm, I stand corrected, as usual.
I'm going to try to find the directions now.

haha eagerly waiting easy directions(hopefully) lol

Kiwi would love it! Looks like a ton of fun!

I found a couple of methods here: http://www.theperch.net/discussion/archive...php/t-5355.html

OK...Here's a couple of sites where you can find an actual tool to do it...

http://www.addictedtocrafts.com/ProductDet...upon=FeedGoogle

http://www.onlinesciencemall.com/Shop/Cont.../order_by/title


I can't find the do it yourself tool that I was referring to earlier. I had it on my old computer that crashed I guess...

It shows how to do it at this link.
http://www.cheepparrottoysntips.com/beads12.html

Thanks folks!

seriously... how popular can they be that the one site has them out of stock? lol

Gonna show hubby and let him sacrifice his fingers trying and do it lol

Thanks for searching for us!

Hey, terenia, that's the site I was looking for...Thanks...I've just added it to my fav's so hopefully I'll have it for future ref.

Anytime, I'm full of useless and usefull links.....LOL

Ok I tried to make it and its really harder than it looks!! Anyone have any success?

I just tried making one with scissors. It worked, just not very neatly. I'll have to try with a box cutter.

I don't have the patience or the time to do such a thing.
That is really neat and some neat ideas.

I just prefer to buy them--- after all--- my time would cost the
same as I would spend the time making it in my opinion.


Also it looks more tedious to me.

I used a pair of small, pointed scissors. Worked great!

my hubby did a test one last night with an exacto-knife.. as long as its sharp and you use the "proper" technique as im told it doesnt take long.. tedious but i plan to do it watching a tv show or something lol

I'm kinda late on answering this but I run my straws through a pencil sharpener. Just one of the really cheap ones without a case to catch the shavings. Works like a charm.

Is it safe for them to chew on any type of plastic straw? I am thinking a straw is pretty flimsy and they could take a piece off and swallow it pretty quick.

Doh! Brilliant!

Those toys look like fun I'm going to give it a go.

gonna have to try the pencil sharpener! Sounds sooo much easier!

As to the safety of it... i think it is pretty safe.. with all toys watch how your bird interacts with them.. mine just shreds ad doesn't injest any of it.. if it seems your bird is going to eat it then find an alternate toy for them to play with

I was just thinking that if there is an organic or biodegradable straw (maybe made from corn like the plastic veggie containers?) that those may be a better option than plastic straws.

I just ordered the tool this week from Parrot Toy Angels and am waiting for it to get here to try it. I like to buy things from them as some of the sales proceeds goes to making toys for birds that are in rescues and animal shelters or people who have birds but are on fixed income. If you know of a rescue or someone with a lot of birds you can nominate them to be a "Angel Project" and they can receive help with toys for their birds. http://www.parrottoyangels.com/about.html

Here is the link for the wacky whirl tool:
http://www.parrottoyangels.com/supplies5.html#wackywhirly