PARROT sanctuary owner Julie Piercy has launched an appeal for toys to help her birds beat their boredom.

The parrots are all developing an interest in brightly- coloured durable toys and Julie is keen to provide.

"We've got quite a few parrots now and they need a lot of attention - they also love to play," she said.

"I've started giving them pre-school toys to play with and they love it.

"They really like things like activity centres and anything which babies would find interesting such as rattles.

"Some of my birds can be quite destructive because their beaks are so hard, so the toys have to be quite durable."

Julie has made trips around charity shops in Malton, but has met with little success.

"I've found a few second- hand toys, but not much," she explained.

"I would love it if anyone who has baby toys can get in touch with me."

Pampered Parrots can be contacted on 01653 628439.

Updated: 11:30 Saturday, January 05, 2002