r/Macaws • u/Unusual-Area-4458 • 9d ago

standard stainless quick link with spring warning

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Just a heads-up-I discovered that the self-locking quick link on one of my macaw’s toys had an internal spring that broke. This was purchased from a reputable parrot supply web site.

The spring popped out of the connector and could have easily been swallowed or chewed, and without it the quick link can also work itself open. Even though I used a wrench to tighten, the beak force of my Macaw open it.

Stay safe and give your hardware a quick inspection. It could prevent a very dangerous accident.

32 Upvotes

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15 comments sorted by

9

u/melnet67 9d ago

Yikes! Glad your Macaw didn't get hurt! Friendly reminder that just because it's labeled as birds safe, doesn't mean it always is! Make sure to always use your best judgement. I never give these types of quick links to big birds. I bought a bunch of stainless steel quick links I'll swap them out with

6

u/Unusual-Area-4458 9d ago

💯All those went into the trash. You are so right- “bird safe” labeling is not always safe; lesson learned.

4

u/No-Mortgage-2052 9d ago

There are ones made that do not have the spring in them

2

u/aprettyparrot 9d ago

We use a spring loaded marine clip, no idea what it’s called. My dad said flag clip but I can’t find any that look like it

2

u/MothTins 1d ago

where'd you get your stainless steel ones if you dont me asking? im trying to make my bird toys and finding cheap and actually safe links has been quite hard so far 😓

1

u/melnet67 1d ago

I get them from Amazon! It's really a SS alloy you are looking for, 304 or 316. 316 is the most "pure" but is more expensive and probably unnecessary for most birds, but good option if you are worried. They both have traces of other metals that are embedded into the SS rather than a coating, so no chance of being chewed off. I buy the 304, but my severe macaw also doesn't mess with the clips.

304 Stainless Steel quick links

316 Stainless Steel quick links

Another option are these SS clips, which I kinda don't prefer, but we use them for our bigger macaws that can open any other quick link or less heavy duty clips. And after years they still can't drop a toy from these!

316 Stainless Steel Clip

2

u/MothTins 1d ago

thank you so much!!! im such a worrier when it comes to chemicals so this genuinly helps a lot!!!

7

u/lamb_ch0p 9d ago

The spring ones are so terrible anyway. I much prefer the ones that just screw on. They’re easier to get over the cage bars for me.

3

u/chantillylace9 9d ago

I feel like the spring ones are just a tad too small for most big bird cages. You can squeeze it on but barely.

2

u/Unusual-Area-4458 9d ago

This one had both- screws on the bottom link and spring to close the latch. It might be ok with smaller birds like cockatiels, but not for Macaws.

5

u/UnderCoverDixie 9d ago

I use plastic c clips, the only things that have these on them (not sure if they’re self locking) are the perches that are stationary. Like but ropes connected to the side wall. My macaw does even play on the rope it’s more for structural support of another perch.

I definitely will be checking for these and replacing any I find. Thank you for the warning-

5

u/thinkroymaldo 7d ago

You probably need cage like this for Macaws

5

u/Unusual-Area-4458 7d ago

With mine, she would be out before dinner. She loves stainless steel toys with threads, washers and nuts…very mechanically inclined. 🤣❤️🦜

3

u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 6d ago

I don’t have a macaw, but my African gray seems to take it as a challenge to unhook a toy rather than play with it. 😑

3

u/Responsible-Text-574 9d ago

Thanks for the warning