toxic materials

Question
I am interested in making bird toys for my birds, i have a wide range of different types of birds, and what i was wondering is if there are any types of metals, strings, beeds, wood, etc. that are toxic to birds that i should not use in the making of my toys.  Anything that is toxic would be helpful, or links.  thank you!
~Becky

Answer
Dear Becky,
thank you for your question.
Resinous wood is toxic for birds. You can use wood from hazel, birch, beech, willow and oak as well as fruit trees like apple and pear. Plum, cherrry, apricot and other drupe trees contain a certain amount of prussic acid in their bark and shouldn't be used. If you want to dye the wood, use natural dye like beetroot juice or non-toxic acrylic paint (the kind suitable for painting baby toys, it must withstand salvia and sweat).
Bast, sisal, hemp and coconut fibre are good materials for string and not toxic for birds. Undyed leather can be used, too, and usually lasts a bit longer.
I would stay away from plastic except for very small birds because it can be chewed an swallowed.
Zinc is toxic for birds, so zinced metal shouldn't be used. To be on the safe side, I would only use stainless steel.
For big parrots, acrylic toys are very well suited because they withstand even the beak of a cockatoo.
I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer