Looking for Hidden Treasure in Thrift Stores

If you're donating things to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries, wny not consider paying them a visit? Besides clothing, many of these outlets have items you and your birds could use.

You may be looking for a small table to display a bird cage, or a cabinet for your bird supplies. After New Year's, these items may even be discounted further. Drop by during "Spring Cleaning" season too -- buy a cheap table and, if necessary, refinish it or buy a vinyl tablecloth to cover it up. (If you do paint or refinish it, keep the fumes away from your pets.)

I've paid a lot for stainless steel bird dishes. One Salvation Army had two relish dispensers. Each consisted of a wire holder and 3 removable stainless steel bowls. I told them I wouldn't need the holders; I bought all six stainless steel bowls for only $1.00! Had I a flight cage, I might even have used the holders to create a hanging bird feeder. I've also found pyrex bowls for my birds, too, for a low price.

My Amazon has a stuffed kitten that he's allowed to play with, under strict supervision. It was a baby's toy, so it has no (easily) removable parts, and it's washable. On a rainy day, Vic loves attacking his kitty, butting it deeply on its fuzzy paws or tail, while with one foot, he prevents it from "escaping." He stalks along his cage top, then growls fiercely as he pounces. This great toy cost only 54 cents with tax!

Keep your eyes and imagination open. I found the top of a hutch selling for only $25; it was handy as a bookcase for my large-size bird books. TV carts are great for bird cages; they have wheels on the bottom, and usually have a shelf for bird toys and cage paper. A large entertainment unit can be converted into a flight cage with the addition of galvanized wire; perhaps you can even install a light inside (safely behind plexiglass, of course). My stepfather once made me a flight cage for canaries using old window frames; wire was attached with a staple gun. Since items are always being donated to thrift stores like the Salvation Army, take time to drop in often. You may be pleasantly surprized.