When we talk about health, we also include things that cause harm. Pear links that come with parrot toys are extremely harmful.
Parrots are exceptionally smart and therefore, find new ways to entertain themselves. One thing parrots like to do is undo the links which are used to hang bird toys.
The problem comes when these pear links get caught in the beak or the foot.
The problem with pear links is that they are just weakly made. They don't screw properly, are too small, and stop working after a few uses.
I use them but tighten them with pliers but after a while, the pear links stop working, and you can't even tighten them after a few uses. So because of this, I don't recommend them to anyone.
What hardware do I recommend for hanging bird toys?
There are a few links and other items I will recommend using instead of these. First, the most comparable recommendation will be Quick Links.
These are thicker, the threads don't strip, are larger, and easier to tighten with PLIERS.
No matter what. All links must be tightened with pliers and not your hands.
Plastic Links are another recommendation. I have used these and I love them. My parrots, medium-size parrots, haven't been able to open or chew them off. YAY!!! Once again, I use Pliers to tighten them when hanging toys. These are also large and big.
If you happen to have two Pliers, you can use unwelded O-rings. An o-right with a slit so you can twist it open and close completely.
I am sure there are other creative ways to hang toys. Remember that even recommendations have to be used with caution because they can also be dangerous if not used right. However, pear links are the worst and have caused many issues where the parrots needed surgery.
Author: Monika Sangar
www.pdsparrotshop.com
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PDS parrot shop makes parrot toys to help fund our sanctuary, Prego Dalliance sanctuary, a non-profit. www.pdsnonprofit.org
1 comment
Thanks for the post about toy fasteners. Another fastener I see used a lot lately are the oblong, plastic links with the opening and no way to close them. It has always concerned me that those were a hazard. I easily imagined them getting stuck as seen in the pear link photo. Until this post, I hadn’t seen the closable plastic ones. Do you think plastic links are safer than the stainless steel quick links?