Is This Safe?

[SquawksNibbles]

I think a lot of people here know the dangers of those soft Happy Huts sold for birds. While they look and feel soft and cozy, there have, of course, been horrible stories of birds dying or getting into accidents from them. I’ve never put a Happy Hut into my birds’ cage for that reason.

However, I still wanted something that my birds could rest on, without the problem threads and fibers. So, I took one large seagrass mat, bent it in the middle, and then took another smaller one, and connected them like this.

So the top part is one large seagrass mat just bent, and the bottom is a smaller one. I took zip ties and used them to connected the two parts together. I, of course, got rid of the sharp ends of the zip ties. Then I used more zip ties to connect it to the top of the cage so that it would hold well. And, just to be safe, I zip tied the back of the seagrass hut to the back wall of the cage. It now hangs securely in there. In the picture above, I hooked a simple plastic toy on the side of it, as well as threw a cardboard foraging box in there.

My birds do go in it (but haven’t caught them sleeping in it), and even love climbing on it and hanging from it. They seem happy with it, and it doesn’t seem dangerous. However, I’d still like everyone’s opinion on it. Does it seem like a good idea, or should I remove it? Thanks in advance!

 

[Karen]

I think its a great idea, very clever. You could always weave a popsicle stick along the edge on the bottom piece to keep it sturdy!

 

[CeciliaZ]

I made a seagrass hut using 3 mats...for the bird room. Too large for inside the cage. I connected the mats using some type of natural rope - I think it was coconut rope. I do find my birds using it. I see no problem with yours - only if it leads to nesting behavior or egg laying...but you have 2 boys, right? You could add some toys to the sides...balsa, mahogany slices, anything they like to chew.

 

[Lodah]

Pilo has two... loves em both! Kinda like having two beds to chose from!

 

[SquawksNibbles]

Thank you 3 so much for all the feedback so far!

I think its a great idea, very clever. You could always weave a popsicle stick along the edge on the bottom piece to keep it sturdy!

Thank you! That is a good idea!

 

[SquawksNibbles]

only if it leads to nesting behavior or egg laying...but you have 2 boys, right?

Yes, two male Budgies.

You could add some toys to the sides...balsa, mahogany slices, anything they like to chew.

Nice idea!

Pilo has two... loves em both! Kinda like having two beds to chose from!

Awww, I’m glad Pilo loves his mats.

 

[calibird]

The hook you are using to attach the balls isn't safe. Other than that everything else looks great.

 

[SquawksNibbles]

The hook you are using to attach the balls isn't safe. Other than that everything else looks great.

I didn’t even think of that! Thanks for pointing that out! Will definitely switch that out.

 

[taxidermynerd]

Yep, the seagrass is totally safe. Although if your budgies are like Chirp, you'll probably need to replace it frequently, lol. My Chirp loves chewing on Seagrass mats

 

[SquawksNibbles]

Yep, the seagrass is totally safe. Although if your budgies are like Chirp, you'll probably need to replace it frequently, lol. My Chirp loves chewing on Seagrass mats

Same here. It seems to be one of their favorite toys, both for chewing and climbing on. They use this hut more for climbing than resting in, but hey, whatever works for them.

 

[EkkieLu]

Awesome ideas! Going to have try that too!

 

[TikiMyn]

Yep safe! H&F have a circular one they now sleep in too