Making a Playgym

Ariana0902

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Jul 20, 2010
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Michigan
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One Green Cheeked Conure.
I have nothing to do most of my days this summer. Though I don't have a bird yet, I would like to make a playgym. It would give me something to do! Is there any wood that is safe for birds? If so, what are the wood types? I found that many people use wood from their backyards and clean it very good. What would be the cleaning procedure? Thanks! :)


- Ariana
 

HRH Di

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Jan 9, 2010
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Max - Alexandrine, Jade - Red-Front Macaw, Ruby - CAG
Here's a link with a list of parrot safe wood. Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Parrots. Parrot cages.

As for cleaning it...I've never done this, but I would assume get a relatively stiff-bristle brush (but not wire) and bird-safe soap.

To tie everything together...use sisal rope (found in most home improvement stores) or undyed, unbleached cotton rope (usually a little harder to find).

Good luck and be sure to post pics when your done!
 

apatrimo94

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Jun 15, 2010
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Bartleby-Pearl Cockatiel
S'mores-Albino Parakeet
There's several things to take note of:
1)Be absolutely sure the wood is pesticide free
2)There are some trees that are good, and some that are not, I'll find a link to a site that explains
3)When you wash them, thoroughly wash them in 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, then leave it out to dry.
3)Have fun and be creative!!!
 
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Ariana0902

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Thankyou very much! I am new... so what is the thumbs up in the bottom right corner all about? I thank all of you... so would I click the icon?
 
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Ariana0902

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I was just outside gathering some branches that would be good for the playgym. I started to saw with a little hand saw and my hands are hurting. Using electric tools would be much more appealing! I will continue the work tomorrow!
 

Mel

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Mar 30, 2010
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Sulfur Crested - Chicka
I live in Australia so use eucalyptus branches of various sizes, I soaked them for a few hours in the bath with diluted bleach then rinsed them under the shower and put them outside in the sun to thoroughly dry. I used a mitre-saw to cut them, drilled hols with a fine drill bit and stainless steel screws. I added sisal rope for my birds to hang off and climb on. The base is made from left over floor boards and has wheels underneath so I can move it around the house. - its prety big. The cat also uses it as a scratching post :)

It's really satisfying to see the birds having so much fun with something you built yourself. Please spot some photos when your done
 

Aussie Ben

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Jun 8, 2010
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Welcome to the forum Ariana!

Same as Mel, I use Eucalyptus branches (there are so many of them where I live lol). I drive/walk around looking for freshly fallen tree limbs. I don't like using the old crusty ones because they are usually home to spiders, lizards and other little critters. I check for any wild bird poop and chew marks from wild cocky's. If the branches came from a fairly clean place, I sand and scrape any 'iffy' bits off, then I soak them in really hot water for a while. I don't use bleach, I'm sure it is fine to use but I just get paranoid about it soaking into the wood and my birds ingesting it. If I can't fit them in the sink or bath, I get the kettle and dribble the hot water over the branch.
 
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Ariana0902

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I had some family come up from Texas, so these past few weeks I have been very busy. I have figured out how I would like the playgym to look, and all I need to do is clean the wood. I will definetly post pictures once finished!
 

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