https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/preening-toy-for-birdsparrots • Posted by Queen of the Sidhe
The materials listed above will make 2 preening toys. The polar fleece we usually get off the clearance rack at Walmart, and the woofle-balls we get in bags of 8 at the $ 1 Store. It takes the longest to cut out the strips needed. One of our parrot rescue's volunteers gave me the idea that led to this. These toys are very popular with the birds we get in that are pluckers (they pluck their feathers), mutilators, or over preeners, or for those that are really nervous. Most of the birds in our rescue have one, and they are very popular at our booth when we are at events! I hope you enjoy, and your birdie pal, too!
The materials listed above will make 2 preening toys. The polar fleece we usually get off the clearance rack at Walmart, and the woofle-balls we get in bags of 8 at the $ 1 Store. It takes the longest to cut out the strips needed. One of our parrot rescue's volunteers gave me the idea that led to this. These toys are very popular with the birds we get in that are pluckers (they pluck their feathers), mutilators, or over preeners, or for those that are really nervous. Most of the birds in our rescue have one, and they are very popular at our booth when we are at events! I hope you enjoy, and your birdie pal, too!
You will want to have some good quality polar fleece. Pill proof is the best choice, but not necessary. The birds really prefer something with a pattern and different colors, doesn't matter what design, or words, you won't be able to tell what it is when you are done, anyways.
You are going to want to cut a width-wise length of fleece from the bulk of what you purchased: 6" minimum to 12" in length. Then, cut this batch of material into 1" inch strips as shown in the picture.
You will need to gently, but firmly, pry the woofle-ball open at the crease to create 2 separate halves. Be sure to clean off/peal off any sticky glue still attached. Using steel (non-galvanized), twine, etc. tie a loop "hanger" at the top outside part of each woofle-ball half. You should be able to create a good hanger with 12 inches or less.
Feeding a strip of fleece through two close holes in the woofle-ball half (to loose ends hang on the outside, not inside of half. Tie both lose ends together with a single knot. Repeat for all the wholes (1 strip per 2 holes), as well as along the bottom edge of the half.
This is what the finished project should look like. The preening toy will vary in appearance depending on the type of pattern and colors in fleece you chose, as well as the length of the strips. I hope your bird(s)/parrot(s) love these as much as ours do!