My concern is about the "Handle", it looks plastic in the picture ? Will it last longer or if my bird bites it?am worried if it breaks while holding ?
1452261
The handle is indeed plastic. It hasn't been a problem for me. I use this cage just for when one of my parrots is in the kennel. However, my other parrot lives permanently in a similar cage. Both are chewers (as are all parrots), but they haven't been able to damage the handles.
1452262
It is a plastic handle...that being said, if your bird bites the handle and it falls off, you could always find a handle to replace it at the hardware store...or make a temporary one with wire (making sure the ends are out of the birds' beaks reach! If it breaks while holding it, I assume you'd drop the cage! I don't carry my cage for long distances, usually in and out of hotel rooms and don't leave my bird for long periods in it..just while traveling in it for a couple days. He also doesn't eat things like that either, any more...he's learned that that's not always a good idea! Plus, I'll yell at him! (He's a double yellow head Amazon) It is a plastic handle...that being said, if your bird bites the handle and it falls off, you could always find a handle to replace it at the hardware store...or make a temporary one with wire (making sure the ends are out of the birds' beaks reach! If it breaks while holding it, I assume you'd drop the cage! I don't carry my cage for long distances, usually in and out of hotel rooms and don't leave my bird for long periods in it..just while traveling in it for a couple days. He also doesn't eat things like that either, any more...he's learned that that's not always a good idea! Plus, I'll... » Read More It is a plastic handle...that being said, if your bird bites the handle and it falls off, you could always find a handle to replace it at the hardware store...or make a temporary one with wire (making sure the ends are out of the birds' beaks reach! If it breaks while holding it, I assume you'd drop the cage! I don't carry my cage for long distances, usually in and out of hotel rooms and don't leave my bird for long periods in it..just while traveling in it for a couple days. He also doesn't eat things like that either, any more...he's learned that that's not always a good idea! Plus, I'll yell at him! (He's a double yellow head Amazon) « Show Less
1452263
You are right, it is a plastic handle but it holds the cage perfectly while carrying it and you can remove it (takes 10 sec) when you get to your destination just to be on the safe side and avoid the bites :)
1452264
I bought four of these to transport my three African grays and blue front Amazon cross country in an RV. While the handle is hard plastic, I found them to be sturdy and had no problems ( of course, I always support the bottom of the cage while also using the handle ). They can be easily removed if you're concerned about your bird biting and breaking them off.
1520808
It is hard plastic and should be ok if you pick it up after your dog is done. My dog has done well with the bowl. It slowed her down when she eat.
908900
So its obvious from the other answers that the hook is a sturdy black plastic. I will add to this by saying though it seems strong enough, I removed the one on mine & bought a metal carabiner to hang the feeder from. The hole is big enough once removed you could also hang it with a bird feeder hook.
1062926
The handle is plastic and very grippy. We store it in a knife block with Wusthof knives and it looks ok.
230228
Just my 2 cents... I have heard nothing but bad in terms of hard use in the field. It's not full tang and many of these have the heads snap off from the handle after to much abuse. Its a fun toy or something to take for protection while walking the dog but not something (I would think) that would be durable enough for an actual hakapik. You dont want that head snapping off. I'd stick with an old fashioned wooden handle instead of a two piece fiberglass/plastic one.
1520811
It is a very sturdy plastic, but still it's plastic. I don't think your dog would destroy it - maybe cosmetic damage, though. You could only put it down for feeding and then take it up. It takes my dog about 5 minutes to eat now instead of 30 seconds, so it's very effective. I am glad I bought it.
1635108
The handle itself is plastic but it is attached to a metal brace that is also the clamp with a non-slip pad. After fives years it's never worked itself loose when the surface is cleaned and properly dry
2078938
I have an African-grey and he travels well in this cage. The cage is heavy (26#'s) but it rides well in our car and pickup. My bird has stayed in this cage for a period of three weeks at our daughter's...but, we let him out 3 or 4 times a day for a good stretch and socializing. One thing I have noticed is the bottom of the cage is bubbling---it is not "painted", more like a plastic sheet coating. I cover the grate with a plastic trash bag and set it directly on the bottom of the cage...he doesn't bother it and it is very easy to clean. Remember the cage is heavy (I don't even have to use the seat-belt on it.) If your bird is going to be "in the cage" for an extended period...I'd get a larger one...especially, if he is not going to get out to play. Hope this helps your decision making.
219299
Plastic handle with metal punch. I've pried in things with it and it's held up. I wouldn't recommend doing that though since it isn't designed for it.
1735482
The plastic pin on mine broke as well. Instead of continually getting it replaced I just put a long screw where the pin was and I havent had any issues since. All the handle needs is a pivot point. I would suggest it to anyone that has the plastic one keep breaking. Just make sure you line it up right.
1612216
Mine is about 4 years old now, and the plastic of the top handle is just now giving out. I intend to replace it with an exact duplicate of this.
2052648
You could loose it or age effects the plastic over time, but I found them easy to clean with the aid of a small bottle brush for the glass part. The feeder comes apart easily and goes back together the same. I would buy them again. Good Luck and happy birding.
1433280
My two conures destroyed their ladder toy. And that's exactly what it's designed to do. As I'm learning, birds need to forage and use their beaks as they would do in the wild. This is one of the first toys my birds had in their cage and I need to get another one soon...Don't worry about the metal clips, your bird will not be able to get through with its beak. Enjoy your bird!!
1020686
It is a hard plastic not rubberized. My dogs are 60 lbs and they push it around with their nose to get the treats to fall out. They do not try to bite it. It could dent the wall if it's thrown hard but I have not had that problem.
450039
It is plastic. It is a thistle feeder and our squirrels don't bother it. Plus we have it situated so the few squirrels we do have don't bother struggling with it. The birds leave them plenty of sunflower seeds on the ground from the other feeder!
361509
It is pretty sturdy. My dog did chew the handle off in a matter of a few days but the rest is in great shape and I would recommend this for any pet.
344598
Not much help for you. I bought the one that's two plastic trays hung by wire to each other. The birds didn't like dodging wire when landing and I didn't like wearing meal worms if it tilted. I'm going to try open bowls next.