Anyone use this play gym? Is one really needed?

[gccmom240]

I was ordering roudybush pellets for my Baby green cheek conure who will be here in a few weeks and seen the play gyms and found one I thought would be nice.
What do you think about this playgym? Has anyone used this particular one with their birds, what did you think? Would this be a good choice for a GCC?
Prevue Pet Portable Play Ground at Drs. Foster & Smith: Big Steps Playstand for medium birds

Also, do you find that your bird spends a lot of time on their play gym? I'm bird experienced but have never really used a play gym, If my sun conure was out then He sat on me the entire time and when it was time to go in he went back to his cage. That was about it. However, I believe I spoiled my conure completely rotten and I dont want to do that with our new bird.

Thanks!

 

[Marcy]

My parrots use play gyms every day!! I have them everywhere including at least one on all 3 levels of my home. You can train them to do tricks, it gives them a different environment and things to do, and you can carry it around with you as you move around the house! I am all for play gyms!!

 

[Mayden]

I like it, I want a table top play stand for my guys too

 

[Echo]

It is good and important for independent play to have a play gym. It's also good for your bird to look at you from a different angle than from the shoulder. It's entertaining for them to watch you do activities without necessarily participate in them! It is also easier for you to spend more time together as you get to do the things you need to do. Quality time is not only to have your bird on you, but AROUND you.

 

[crimson]

I have a Kings Cage play gym, and my birds love it, but it's a bit pricey.
what my birds do love is a plain old wicker basket with a handle!, I put foot toys & foraging toys in the bottom of it. It cost $1.00 at the used clothing store.
my conures love chewing the wicker, and when they have destroyed it, I give them another one.

Edit: I just recently purchased a Abacus for my birds and they love that as well!

 

[gccmom240]

Just added it to my shopping cart, I plan to put it on top of his cage. The cage will be in our living room, we have an open floor plan so he/she will be around the action all of the time. I love the idea of taking it with me as I'm working throughout the house to! I've seen some nicer ones but I think this one will do to start out with.

 

[gccmom240]

Love the idea of wicker baskets as well! What a cheap way to give your birds some fun!

 

[Kiwibird]

That one looks very nice for a conure-sized bird. And the fact the base has a "lip" is great for catching the many "debris" he or she is sure to generate!

Our BFA spends several hours a day on his play tree, and it is one of his favorite spots to be. He is a bigger bird, and thus has a big enough stand that it is not really portable. We take our guy around on his t-perch to any room we're in so he's always included. For a conure sized bird, you probably won't need a separate perch and gym, but it is very important you have a way to include your new friend in your daily activities. The gym your looking at looks small enough to be very portable. That will give your bird a way to eat, play and poop wherever your at without messing up stuff. We like to put kiwis perch on a metal plant stand (really cheap and also portable) so he's always with us, but can't get on stuff to chew or poop/make a mess on the floor. We set him next to us when were doing dishes, doing chores, watching tv, reading....it doesn't really matter, he's just always nearby (which is SO important to building a happy and trusting relationship with your bird). I would say, get the stand so you can start making your new bird feel welcome right away!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I have a java wood table top stand for Rosie, she LOVES it and uses it daily

 

[getwozzy]

If you're into making things yourself, you could always make a jungle gym out of
PVC! I made a huge jungle gym out of PVC and mulberry branches because I didn't have the money to buy an expensive java tree play stand even though I want one

I've also made a tabletop feeding station and a window/shower perch!

Jungle gym
http://www.parrotforums.com/showthread.php?t=35407

Tabletop feeder
http://www.parrotforums.com/showthread.php?t=32539