What kind of Canon is it? When shooting through bars (i.e. bird cages, or zoos, chain-link)...lighting is the key. If it is shaded then you'll have no luck getting a good pic. It's all about settings, settings, settings!!!...and lighting

If you need more pointers, just ask

The books seem to be a tad confusing.
I believe the orange toy is one of those plastic "bullet proof" toys?