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Thursday 12pm - 6pm Friday 12pm - 6pm Saturday 11am - 4pm

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Little Shop of Feathers, 895 W Center Street, Kingsport, TN (2025)

08/26/2025

Parrot Toys!!

Today we are going to talk about Toys that can be unsafe for our birds.

Bird toys should never have painted surfaces or use glues to hold pieces together. There is the toxicity aspect, but even if non-toxic paints or food-grade glues are used, there is another problem that is just as serious. Paint and glues are applied to surfaces. They don’t soak into surfaces like dyes do; they dry on top of a surface. This is a part of the toy that might attract the attention of an observant parrot during play. While our fingers are not well designed to removed glue or paint, the parrot beak makes short work of it. If these chips are swallowed, they can be deadly even if they are non-toxic in nature. They can get lodged in the digestive system causing a serious blockage. Most dyes are soy based (vegetable) and are a safe colorant choice

Leather toys parts should be vegetable tanned only. Tanning is a soaking process that converts animal skin to leather. It is usually done with acidic chemicals, but vegetable tanned leather is soaked in tannins made from plant matter and is free of dangerous chemicals.

Metal hardware should be stainless steel or nickel plated. The hardware pieces should not be removable or indigestible

China exports pet products by the tons. Cages and toys are continually found to be made from parts known to be toxic. They use paints or powder coating that contain known toxins. Sadly, they also manufacture pet foods that have been responsible for countless pet deaths. Still, their products are being widely distributed because of their affordability. This is good for the wallet– very bad for the pets. Beware of products manufactured there.

Certain woods:
Cedar, red cherry, plywood, and oak are not good. Don’t use any rough branch from the outside; you don’t know about its dangers. Moreover, try to avoid “flavoured” woods.

Mirrors, Mirrors can cause behavioral issues, cage aggression, or injury.

Bells with Clappers, The clappers in bells can be removed and ingested, and some contain lead or zinc.

Fabrics / Happy Hut / Cage Coverings: Fabric items, such as Happy Huts and cage coverings, can have threads come loose and entangle toes and other body parts. They can also stimulate hormonal behaviour. The material can cause obstructions and death. Some birds chew holes into the material and get trapped

Make sure to choose safe and natural toys for your bird(s) to keep them busy, happy and engaged! There are many toys out there but as you can tell by now not all of them are safe or a good choice for your bird. Choosing the right toys for our birds is going to give us peace of mind and keep them healthy

Tips for Choosing Safe Toys

Prioritize Safety Over Cost:
Cheaply made toys often use unsafe materials and hardware.

Choose Stainless Steel Hardware:
When possible, select toys made with stainless steel hardware.

Inspect for Damage:
Regularly check toys for wear and tear and remove any that are frayed or broken.

Monitor New Toys:
Supervise your parrot, especially when it's playing with a new toy, to ensure its safety.

08/25/2025

Parrot Toys!!

Today we are going to Talk About Noisy Toys!!

Yes! They are for more than annoying their owners!!... 😉

Noisy parrot toys, like bells and rattles, are beneficial because they provide auditory stimulation, encourage play, and help prevent boredom and potential behavioral problems in parrots.

These toys engage a parrot's keen sense of hearing and provide mental and physical stimulation, keeping them happy and active.

Auditory Stimulation:
Parrots are naturally curious and enjoy exploring different sounds. Noisy toys like bells, rattles, and even toys that make other noises when manipulated, provide a source of entertainment and mental engagement.

Promotes Play and Exercise:
The act of playing with noisy toys encourages physical activity as parrots interact with the toy, batting at it, manipulating the clapper, or shaking it to produce sounds. This helps them stay physically fit and prevents them from becoming lethargic.

Prevents Boredom and Destructive Behaviors:
Boredom can lead to negative behaviors in parrots, such as feather plucking, excessive vocalization, or aggression. Noisy toys offer a constructive outlet for their energy and curiosity, helping to alleviate boredom and prevent these undesirable behaviors.

Encourages Natural Behaviors:
Some noisy toys, like those with bells, can tap into a parrot's natural inclination to manipulate objects and make noise, mimicking some of their behaviors in the wild

Safe and Engaging:
When choosing noisy toys, it's crucial to select ones made from safe, non-toxic materials and designed to prevent the parrot from swallowing small parts like the clapper of a bell.

Interactive Play:
Noisy toys can also be used for interactive play between the parrot and its owner, strengthening the bond between them.

08/24/2025

Parrot Toys!!

Today we are going to Talk about Climbing Toys!!

Climbing toys are beneficial for parrots as they encourage physical exercise, mental stimulation, and prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

These toys, such as ladders, ropes, and nets, allow parrots to engage in natural climbing behaviors, strengthening their muscles, improving dexterity, and providing an outlet for their energy.

Physical Exercise:
Climbing toys provide a great way for parrots to get exercise, which is crucial for their physical health.

Just like humans, parrots need physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

Climbing engages different muscle groups, promoting overall fitness and agility.

For clipped birds, climbing toys are especially important as they can't fly as much and rely on climbing for movement.

Mental Stimulation:

Climbing toys can also be mentally stimulating for parrots, requiring them to problem-solve and figure out how to navigate the different levels and obstacles.

This mental engagement can help prevent boredom and keep their minds sharp.
Some climbing toys can be designed with foraging elements, encouraging parrots to search for treats and further engage their minds.

Preventing Destructive Behaviors:

Boredom can lead to negative behaviors in parrots, such as feather plucking or excessive screaming.
Climbing toys provide an outlet for their natural instincts to climb and explore, reducing the likelihood of them directing those instincts towards destructive behaviors.

By providing a healthy and engaging activity, climbing toys can improve a parrot's overall well-being and happiness.

Promoting Natural Behaviors:

Parrots are natural climbers in the wild, and climbing toys allow them to express these natural behaviors in their captive environment.
This can help them feel more comfortable and secure in their surroundings.

08/22/2025

We have 2 Female Sun Conures that are Available for Loving Forever Pet Homes !!

These Babies will be weaned onto Zupreem Natural Pellets, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Chop) No Seed Diet!

They will be Ready for Loving Forever Pet Homes in 1-2 Weeks.

The sun conure is a playful, amusing bird that enjoys athletic tricks. These birds are smart, interactive, and easily trained. In general, the sun conure is a very affectionate and cuddly bird that is gentle to all members of the family as long as they are treated well.

Like all parrots, sun conures are social birds that need a considerable amount of interaction with their human owners to be happy. They are naturally playful and affectionate when they get the attention they need, making them uniquely suited for those who want a bird for steady companionship.

‼️Lifespan - 15-30 Years
‼️Cage Size - Altleast 32'x32
(Bigger is Always Better)
‼️Bar Spacing - 3/4' - 1'
‼️Adult Coloring - 18 Months - 36 Months

Per Facebook Guidelines no Prices will be discussed on our Page. For more Information Please Come into the Shop or you can PM us or Call.

Thank You ❤️

‼️Everyone Must Sign a Purchase Agreement- A copy of this is Pinned to the Top of our Page
‼️All of Our Parrots are Handfed, Hand Raisesd and Socialized Daily
‼️All of Our Parrots are Weaned onto Zupreem Natural Pellets and Fresh Vegetables and fruits.
‼️We Highly Recommend you come in and visit with your baby before taking them home.
‼️We have a Visiting Room, where you can come spend time with your Baby, daily weekly etc.
‼️All of Our Parrots are Sold as Babies so you
Know their age, and you get to be part of the Amazing experience in watching them grow!
‼️All of Our Parrots are Bred here or by a couple local Breeders we know and Trust
‼️We DO NOT ORDER birds or get them in
‼️All of my Parronts have been Disease Tested
‼️No Bird will be Sold Un Weaned
‼️Deposits can be paid in Our Shop or we Can Email or Text You an Invoice through Square

Come Meet Them Today!!

08/20/2025

I made a Large batch of Chop this week since we did not have it last week!!

This Week's Chop Ingredients:
(Always Fresh or Frozen NEVER Canned)

8oz. $3.99
16oz. $6.99
32oz. $12.99
48oz. $16.99

Corn
Green Beans
Peas
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Broccoli
Yellow Squash
Zucchini
Brussel Sprouts
Sweet Peppers
Bell Peppers
Jalapeños
Spinach
Kale
Cilantro
Dill W**d
Rosemary
Tarragon
Lemongrass
Flaxseed
Chia Seeds
Cumin Seed
Turmeric
Ceylon Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
Ginger
Whole Wheat Penne
Rolled Oats
Blueberries

08/20/2025

Today let's talk about Chew Toys!!

Parrots are incredibly intelligent and social creatures that like to play and interact with their surroundings. As a pet bird owner, providing toys is essential to keep them engaged, stimulated, and entertained.

Chew Toys:

Chewing is an integral part of a parrot's playing behavior. They enjoy chewing on things to condition their beaks physically and mentally. Chew toys, such as wooden blocks, natural wood perches, and rope toys, are excellent choices for birds that love to chew. Ensure to choose toys that are made with bird-safe materials to avoid any toxicity.

Parrot chew toys are designed to satisfy a parrot's natural instinct to chew, which is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. These toys, often made of wood, paper, or other shreddable materials, allow parrots to exercise their beaks, maintain healthy beak length, and engage in natural behaviors like foraging.

Why Chew Toys are Important:
Beak Conditioning:
Chewing helps parrots keep their beaks healthy by preventing overgrowth and maintaining proper length.

Mental Stimulation:
Chewing provides mental enrichment, preventing boredom and promoting alertness.

Natural Behavior:
Chewing is a natural behavior for parrots, and providing appropriate toys allows them to express this instinct in a healthy way.

Types of Parrot Chew Toys:
Wooden Toys:
Blocks, perches, and other shapes made from bird-safe wood are popular choices.

Paper and Cardboard Toys:
Shredding paper and cardboard provides a satisfying chewing experience.

Shreddable Toys:
A variety of materials can be used for shredding, including natural materials like corn husks or sun balls.

These toys combine chewing with foraging, encouraging parrots to search for hidden treats.

Choosing Safe Toys:

Bird-Safe Materials:
Always ensure that the materials used in chew toys are non-toxic and safe for parrots to ingest.

Size and Durability:
Choose toys that are appropriate for the size and beak strength of your parrot

‼️Please don't stop giving your birds toys because they are scared of them, this is completely normal. They will get used to them and love them. But it can take time.

‼️Please don't stop giving your bird toys because they tare them up, thats what they are for!!

08/19/2025

Parrot Toys!!

Today we are going to be talking about Foraging Toys!!

What is Foraging?

Foraging, in the context of parrots, is the natural behavior of searching for and obtaining food, which in the wild, can take up a significant portion of their day. In captivity, it involves providing enrichment by encouraging parrots to engage in activities like manipulating, digging, or shredding items to find food rather than simply eating from a bowl. This can involve using food as toys, hiding food in various containers, or using natural foraging opportunities like nuts in their shells or fruits with rinds.

What are Foraging Toys?

Foraging toys for birds are designed to encourage natural foraging behaviors by requiring them to work for their food or treats. These toys can range from simple, like paper straws stuffed with treats, to more complex puzzles that involve manipulating parts of the toy to access hidden food.

Foraging toys are designed to engage a bird's natural instincts to search, explore, and play, which can help reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviors.

Simple containers
Like paper cups or tubes filled with food or substrate that the bird has to dig through

Puzzle toys:
These toys may require the bird to turn k***s, slide doors, or manipulate other parts of the toy to access food.

Combinations of materials:
Foraging toys can incorporate different textures and materials, like wood, sisal, and rope, for the bird to explore and destroy.

Why use foraging toys?

Foraging is a natural behavior for birds, and providing opportunities for them to forage can be beneficial for their physical and mental well-being. Here's why foraging toys are important:

Mental stimulation:
Foraging keeps a bird's mind active and engaged, preventing boredom and the potential for negative behaviors.

Physical exercise:
Birds need to move around and explore to stay healthy, and foraging toys encourage them to be active.

Mimics natural behavior:
In the wild, birds spend a significant portion of their day searching for food, and foraging toys help them replicate this natural behavior in captivity.

Reduces boredom:
When birds have plenty of opportunities to forage, they are less likely to become bored and engage in destructive behaviors like feather plucking or excessive vocalization.

There are so many different Foraging Toys our there or you can totally make your own!!

08/18/2025

Parrot Toys!!

There are Several Different types of Toys.

Let's start off with Foot Toys.....

What are Foot Toys?

Parrot foot toys are small, handheld items that parrots can manipulate with their feet, encouraging both physical and mental stimulation.

They are designed to be picked up, chewed, and tossed around, providing a fun way for parrots to exercise their feet and beaks. These toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, offering different types of enrichment like chewing, foraging, and preening.

Foot toys help parrots stay active and engaged, preventing boredom and related behavioral issues.

Chewing: Many foot toys are designed to be chewed on, which is a natural behavior for parrots.

Foraging: Some toys can be stuffed with treats or seeds, encouraging foraging behavior.

Dexterity: Manipulating the toys helps parrots develop coordination and dexterity.

Sensory Stimulation: Different textures and colors can provide a stimulating experience for the bird.

I always recommend Foot Toys my birds absolutely loves them ❤️

08/17/2025

Here is an Example why some online retailers are NOT Safe to buy your parrots toys!!

The first image $5.00
The second image $11.99

The $5.00 has tiny metal pieces, which is made of who knows what and is an extremely dangerous choking hazard.

Why Risk it???

Im not telling you to buy toys from me, just Please do Research!!!

❤️

08/17/2025

Let's talk about Heavy Metal Poision.

Lead and Zinc Poisoning in Parrots

Parrots are naturally inquisitive and enjoy chewing a variety of objects. Although they are mostly highly selective as to what they will eat, cases of accidental poisoning are not uncommon. Lead and zinc poisoning are the most common heavy metal poisonings we see in our Parrot patients.

Lead
Lead is found in a variety of household items, mainly in older houses, as the use of lead is being replaced with other metals. Lead poisoning in our practice is most commonly seen in birds that swallow lead curtain weights. This seems to be a particular problem with Cockatiels and smaller Parakeets that seem particularly drawn to playing with them.

People are often concerned about the toxic effects of chewing paint, however thankfully modern paints no longer contain lead and so it usually has to be very old paint to cause a problem.

We should remember, however that a surface may be coated with several layers – we have had toxicity problems when Parrots have chewed sash windows where the under layers of paint have contained lead. Other sources of lead include leaded windows, lead window putty and plumbing/electrical clips.

Birds with lead poisoning mostly appear very unwell, depressed and lethargic. They are usually not eating and have watery droppings (due to polyuria, an excess of urine).

The urates (white part of the dropping) can appear green/yellow and, especially in Amazons , can appear red or pinkish. Affected Parrots may regurgitate profusely. If left untreated, the condition may worsen such that the bird becomes paralysed and has seizures which can be fatal.

The diagnosis of lead poisoning can be complicated by the lack of specific signs to the treating vet and, more often than not, the owner is unaware that the bird has eaten something containing this metal.

X Rays
The clinical signs above however should always raise suspicions of heavy metal poisoning. X-rays reveal if the bird has swallowed pieces of metal, which show up as bright white objects in the ventriculus (gizzard, stomach).

Sometimes the metal may have already passed out of the gut and so won’t be seen on an x-ray, even though the bird has absorbed enough lead to make it sick. Blood samples are taken and tested for lead levels to confirm the diagnosis.

Lead can be stored for a long time in the body, especially in the bones, and so we usually continue medication to bind the lead for a number of weeks after the initial poisoning. This is achieved by giving penicillamine as drops by mouth at home.

Early treatment is essential for lead poisoning, as the longer it is present in high concentrations, the more damage it does to various organs in the body.

A strange phenomenon in female birds is that, at the time of egg-laying, the bird will move calcium stores out of bone. This can release previously stored lead, with possible signs of repeat poisoning quite a while after the initial lead ingestion.

Zinc
Zinc is the other common metal poison we encounter at our practice. In cases where the bird has taken in large amounts in a short time, the signs will be similar to lead poisoning and the treatment is similar.

More commonly however is chronic zinc poisoning, where small amounts are taken in over a period of time. This is often not in the form of zinc metal, so x-rays may not show up any metal particles in the stomach.

Signs of chronic zinc poisoning may be vague, with depression, lethargy, weight loss and problems eating. Chronic zinc poisoning has been show to be a cause of feather picking in some birds and appears to cause feather loss, skin changes and itching in others.

Chelation treatment can resolve picking in these cases. There are obviously many causes of feather destructive behaviour and zinc poisoning is perhaps over diagnosed as a cause of feather picking. Feather loss on the head, where the bird cannot pick the feathers, can be suspicious for zinc poisoning, although again this is only one of many possible causes.

Poisoning

Obviously this is easier said than done and so owners need to remain vigilant for signs of metal poisoning and seek veterinary attention promptly in any suspicious circumstances.

Parrots can be exposed to heavy metals from various sources in their environment, including toys, cages, and even food. Common culprits include lead and zinc, often found in paint, solder, and galvanized wire. Even seemingly safe items like bird toys, jewelry, and certain food storage containers can pose a risk. - Yes Bird Toys!! If you are ordering from China they are potentially dangerous!! Why risk it??

While parrots are attracted to shiny jewelry, certain metals like lead, zinc, copper, aluminum, and chrome can be toxic to them. Precious metals like gold and silver are generally safe, but it's important to keep parrots away from items made with toxic metals, even if they appear attractive.

Copper: Can be found in some types of wiring, plumbing fixtures, and even some bird toys.

Aluminum: While less common as a direct source of toxicity, it can be present in some bird toys or cage components.

Chrome: Can be found in some plated items and may pose a risk if ingested.

If you suspect metal poisoning, seek immediate veterinary attention. Treatment often involves chelation therapy to remove the heavy metals from the bird's system.

Safe Metals:

Stainless Steel:
A good choice for cages, toys, and food bowls as it is durable and can be cleaned easily.

Gold and Silver:
Generally safe in jewelry form, but avoid letting your parrot chew on them.

08/16/2025

You've picked the bird, the cage, Now the Toys!!

Parrots need toys for mental and physical stimulation, encouraging natural behaviors like chewing, foraging, and climbing. Safe toys are made from non-toxic materials like wood, acrylic, or stainless steel.

Alot of Toys bought from online retailers are NOT Safe. Please do Research before buying Anything!!! It may save you a few $$$ but seeing a bird pass because of Metal Posion, not worth it!!!
(We will talk more about this next week)

If pet birds don’t have enrichment opportunities, many behavioral and medical problems can arise, including screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation, compulsive repetitive behaviors, biting, destroying furniture or other household items, shutting down and withdrawing, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and sores on the feet (from sitting in one place all day long).

How do I know a bird toy is safe?

First, only select toys that are specifically manufactured for birds. But keep in mind that just because something is sold as a bird toy does not guarantee its safety. Some toys commonly sold for pet birds can be dangerous; they can cause serious accidents — the most common of which are catching a toe or a beak in the toy or choking.

Always ensure that clips are fully closed and replaced as needed.

Avoid using long cords or chains that birds can become tangled in.

Avoid split-ring or dog-clip type attachments that birds can get their beaks stuck in.

Ensure that any knots are tied as close to the toy piece as possible, and avoid any open loops.

Leave no more than about 8 inches of rope or twine hanging.

Avoid attachments that contain toxic metals, such as copper, silver, zinc, or iron, or toxic materials, such as wax coatings, treatments, or dyes.

In addition, a toy must be made especially for the size bird that you have. A cockatiel toy is always unsafe for a larger parrot like a macaw because of the danger of choking and injury. Parrot toys are generally labeled for small, medium, or large parrots.

Introducing a pet bird to a new toy!

Most birds are going to be afraid of their new toy. Please don't stop giving them toys because of this. This us completely normal. It could take days, weeks, or months until they figure out the toy is not dangerous!! They will eventually play with it!!

Because birds are highly intelligent, they become bored easily and need variety. So it’s a good idea to rotate their toys often. Many people change their pet parrots’ toys roughly once a week. With that said, avoid placing so many toys in your bird’s cage that it results in overcrowding and prevents the bird from moving about freely. Variety, rather than an overabundance, is the goal.

Rotating toys weekly or bi-weekly keeps them stimulating for your bird, while regular inspections for wear and tear are crucial for safety. Damaged toys, especially those with frayed ropes or loose parts, should be discarded immediately to prevent injury.

08/15/2025

Rust never rests, and neither should we!

Rust on a parrot’s cage isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a serious health hazard. Even small patches of rust can:
Break down protective coatings, exposing toxic metals like zinc
Create sharp edges that injure beaks and feet
Harbor bacteria and mold, especially when mixed with moisture
Be ingested and that can lead to metal toxicity, a life-threatening emergency

What’s the risk?
Rust breaks down the cage’s protective coating, exposing metal, often containing zinc or other toxic metals. That flaking rust? It doesn’t always stay put.
Rust can become airborne, especially when cages are bumped, cleaned, or scraped. Birds don't need direct access to the rusted areas. Those tiny rust particles can:
•Be inhaled by your bird, irritating delicate airways
•Settle on food and toys, where they’re easily ingested
•Circulate in dust, contributing to chronic respiratory issues
If you see bubbling paint, discoloration, flaking metal, or that unmistakable reddish-brown powder, don’t ignore it.

What you can do:
Replace severely rusted cages, as prevention is cheaper than emergency vet visits
For minor rust, sand, seal with bird-safe paint, and monitor closely
Use stainless steel or high-quality powder-coated cages built to last (we haven't found one yet)

Your bird’s cage is their home. It should be as safe and secure as yours.

Have questions about rust and cage safety? Drop them below or DM us! We’re here to help.

Little Shop of Feathers

08/26/2025

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