Metals Used in Bird Toy Parts.  

STEEL.  Most metal bird toys and parts are made of steel.  Unless the steel is stainless steel (the most expensive steel), it will rust unless it is coated with something.  The least expensive coating is zinc.  (Zinc is used to coat metal trash cans.)  Other coatings for steel (more expensive) are nickel or chrome plating.

ALUMINUM.  Toys are also made with aluminum (may be too soft for larger birds).

How to Tell What Kind of Metal is in Your Bird Toy

Magnet.  Use a kitchen magnet.  Aluminum and stainless steel will not stick to the magnet.  Aluminum is much lighter and softer than stainless steel.

Chemical Testing.  It's not possible to tell if steel is coated with zinc or another metal just by looking at it.  The metal can be chemically tested.  We don't recommend you do this yourself unless you have a background in chemistry and the proper safety equipment.  We will test metal for you for free.  (You pay shipping cost only.)

Label.  If the toy maker doesn't tell you (in writing) what kind of steel is used in a toy, it's almost always because the material is zinc.  No manufacturer wants to get sued for making an untrue statement.  Get any promise or information in writing.

Price.  Stainless steel is MUCH more expensive than zinc and more expensive than nickel or chrome plating.  If a toy maker has used stainless steel (or nickel or chrome plated steel) they will tell you!  It cost them more, they're going to charge you more for the toy than if they used zinc.  When manufacturers use zinc it's  because the bird toy industry is competitive and many customers select toys based primarily on price.

Different 'Kinds' of Zinc  

Some zinc is in a form that won't hurt your bird. Metal is the harmful version.  Zinc occurs naturally in plants (wood) and items made from wood, like paper and cardboard.  This plant-based form doesn't harm birds.  

Metal.  Zinc metal can harm your bird if it flakes off a metal surface and your bird ingests some.  Birds can chew a metal surface and get enough zinc to harm themselves in only a short time.

Plant-Based.  Zinc is also present in small amounts plants and trees (wood and paper) but in this organic form, it isn't biologically available to your bird.  

Not a Direct Relationship  

The amount of zinc in a metal toy part is NOT directly related to the amount of zinc in your bird (blood level).  Avian medicine needs more research on this topic yet.

Some birds don't chew on metal parts.  Even if a zinc item is present, they don't get sick.

What Can You Do?

Cage.  If you use a wire (galvanized) cage, wash it first to remove any loose zinc coating.

Toys.  Test your toys.  Get a small quantity of non-zinc parts (links, skewers, chain, bolts, washers, etc.).  Replace zinc parts on toys with non-zinc parts.  Choose toys and toy parts that do not contain zinc.

The Real Cost.  If your bird does get sick from zinc, the cost for treatment is about $400 (or maybe more).  You can buy a lot of non-zinc parts for $400!

Stainless Steel versus Other Non-Zinc Metals.  If you're using the toys indoors (and they don't get wet), a good quality nickel plated or chrome plated item will work as well as stainless steel (at a lower cost).  Good quality means the metal has a smooth surface, no chipping or peeling.  Stainless steel is the best option for outdoor birds.  If you use other metals, inspect for wear and replace as needed.

Bird Safe Hardware     Quick Links       Toy Hangers

We will test your metal toy parts for free.  

1. Send them safely packaged.
2. Tell us how to reach you with the results.
3. If you want the parts returned, include payment to cover return shipping (or we can return them with your toy order).

The information provided by this free service and may not be used for any legal action.  The test is a simple acid test which reacts with zinc but not other metals.  It does not tell you how much zinc is in the object or if your bird has consumed any zinc.  

ALL bird health questions should always be directed to your avian vet.

Plastic Alternatives

NYLON WIRE TIES.  Hang toys with nylon wire ties.  Pull the tie completely closed as shown in the photo so there isn't a loop to catch bird toes.

This works best for smaller birds that can't chew through the plastic.

Available in most hardware stores.