A perfect softwood toy for large Parrots with compromised beaks or delicate chewers.

This toy has a heavy chain with hardwood beads and chunky raw cork bark separated by Balsa Slices all finished off with a bell at the bottom.  This is a very large toy that can be refilled with more Balsa Slices and cork. It is an excellent choice for larger Parrots that have problems chewing harder wood.

For those not familiar with Balsa wood, it is a very soft, pithy wood with a stringy grain.  It is grown in plantations, mostly in Ecuador.  Although classified as a hardwood, its soft nature means it grows extremely fast.  It's been used in the manufacture of model airplanes, skis, and surfboards for years.  Balsa is so soft that it shreds more than splinters.  When balsa is torn up, the small pieces are not sharp or needle-like as with other types of hardwood species.  Balsa is listed in wood industry guidelines as Non-Toxic.

Chewing is an instinct that promotes good beak health.  Parrots that are deprived of chewing materials may experience overgrown or malformed beaks.  If your Parrot is known to ingest parts of chewed-up toys then it may be best to refrain from the introduction.  Although balsa gets even softer when wet, it's still not food.  ANY TOY that may be possibly ingested should be introduced under supervision.  Keep in mind that most Parrots merely break up wood and allow the bits and pieces to fall to the bottom of the cage.  Their instinct is to create nesting materials or soft bedding.  Parrots evolved in the jungle with lots of trees.  They KNOW what to do with them. Balsa is one of very few woods that are chewable by Smaller Parrots.  It's a simple fact that harder wood is used in many toys to increase their useful life.  Harder woods, even pine, are difficult if not impossible for the little guys or Parrots with compromised beaks to destroy.  While this is good for pet owners it is a bit "at odds" with the Parrots' needs.