Frequently Asked Questions
Processing Times and Shipping
Current processing times are listed at the top of every page. For more detailed information on shipping, please see here. Orders are not processed on Saturdays. Larger orders, or orders containing items on backorder, may take additional time. Custom orders beyond what is on the site will vary.
We are a family business with two young kids. We work on orders in the order that they were received. At this time, we do not offer a rush processing option, but if you do need your order before a specific date, please let us know and we will see what we can do.
Return Policy
The health and safety of our customers comes before all else. For this reason, we do not resell an item once it leaves the shop to prevent the risk of spreading disease. This means all sales are final, no returns will be accepted.
We are happy to answer any questions or respond to any concerns you have prior to purchasing. Please contact us before checking out to be sure what you are buying will work for you and your pet!
If you experience any issues with your order, please reach out to us! We can work on a solution together.
How are your toys dyed?
Toy parts are dyed with Vitacritter, a dye specifically made for small animals and birds. The exceptions to this are black, brown, light blue. These colors are made with Americolor food gels.
We mix colorants with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This is because it helps the color set quickly, reducing how wet the materials get, and thereby decreasing drying time. This limits the chances for mold.
Isopropyl alochol also disinfects, just in case there is anything on the wood, and evaporates completely when dry.
Since these are water based dyes, it is totally normal for these to sometimes run when they are sprayed or splashed with water.
We do offer most toys without dyes wherever possible, so if you prefer to avoid dyes, please leave a note at checkout, or email us to let us know!
Why do your toys not include Quicklinks?
By default, we do not include quicklinks as people have their own preferences. This prevents waste by not giving something to someone that they can't or won't use, keeps our costs down by only sending things that are wanted, and keeps prices lower.
What metals do you use?
We only use nickel plated and stainless steel items. We always specify which is used in a toy.
For toys and perches with stainless steel hardware included or available as an upgrade, you will receive the following unless otherwise stated. All are 18-8 Stainless Steel.
- 1/4-20 Hanger or Machine Bolt
- 1/4-20 Wingnut
- 1.5" Fender Washer
- #10-24 Hanger Bolt
- #10-24 Wingnut
- 1.25" Fender Washer
O-rings are nickel-plated unless otherwise stated. We unfortunately do not offer welded O-rings at this time.
Toy Safety
I try to be very diligent in all aspects of toy making, from the materials used to the way they are used. That being said, every bird plays different, and it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that the things you give to your bird are safe. If you have any questions about any aspect of my toys, please send me a message.
For Dinosaur and embedded bead shapes:
Some birds with long, thin beaks may get their beak inside the 7/64" (~2.78mm) hole on the 8mm beads. For these birds we recommend the 9.5mm" balls as they have no hole. This makes them also a harder wood to snap than the beads.
Why are your prices higher on Etsy?
Etsy charges a lot more fees than my website does, and requires certain things out of its sellers such as offering free shipping. The prices there reflect the higher fees and shipping costs. With free shipping over $35, the cost usually equals out to be about the same. So shop wherever you prefer!
How are your natural wood perches treated?
All of my natural woods I first use a wire brush to remove any visible lichen, etc. Then I soak them in F10, which is a veterinary grade disinfectant that is safe for use around birds, and is effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. They are soaked for at least 20 minutes, and then rinsed twice. I then bake them for 2-4 hours depending on the thickness of the wood. This dries the wood to prevent mold from moisture, hardens any leftover sap, and kills any insect eggs.
Do you have a bird free work environment?
Yes. The office and workshop are on a different level of our home from our birds. There is also an entrance on this level, so all incoming materials and outgoing shipments never are on the same floor as our flock is. This floor is also inaccessible to the cat, but our dog has separation anxiety and is allowed to sleep on a cot in the office while we are working.
Do you use any cleaners in your office/workshop?
We only use F10 in my workshop and office areas. This is a vet grade disinfectant that is safe to use around birds and animals.
Do you offer wholesale?
Our focus is primarily straight to consumer, but we are open to small wholesale relationships on a case by case basis. Feel free to reach out to see if we can work something out!
Donations Requests
If you are a rescue inquiring about donations, please send then following information to me at shawna@lilmonstersbirdtoys.com :
At this time I am only able to entertain requests from the United States. While I will help where and when I can, I sadly cannot honor all of them. My business type cannot claim donations as a business deduction.