Best play stand/gym for medium parrots?

[Rrrma]

I'd love to DIY and make my own play stand/gym, but the only tools I have access to is a set of screwdrivers and a hammer I figure I'd end up paying way more in tools and supplies to make my own, than to buy one lol!

I'm trying to figure out what would be the best size for my birds though. I don't want to get too small, but I don't want to get too big either. They likely won't ever be on the perch at the same time and some of them look downright ginormous! lol

They have pretty free rein of the house already and climb/perch multiple places. I already have a basic T-stand that I use for various things.

I'm confused on what material to get as well. I prefer all natural types, but the PVC gyms seem like they would be easier to wipe clean after each use.

I've been searching for hours, for days, and I feel like I'm missing it. Right now I have 3 rescued birds who don't particularly like to play with toys, they just like shredding things. So when I look at them I feel like all I see is wood ones with nothing to them or pipe/metal ones with multiple toy attachment options. Is there a good between?

[Kim S]

Take it away, Michael!

[Rue]

I like the commercial playstands best. I prefer the look. However, I've tried everything over the years, including a tree in a plant pot (filled with gravel to hold it steady). The birds pretty much like everything.

And you're right...oftentimes making it yourself...unless you have the know-how and the tools, just ends up costing you more for something you don't even like when it's done...

For example...I made the two t-stands in the photo...just cheap unfinished end tables, paint and varnish, and the t's are from SandyPerch. They ended up costing me $75 each. Mind you, I use these all the time - and they've stood up well to both the birds and the cleaning...but I could've purchased two I like better for less...

[Nathaniel]

that cat is just waiting for the right moment.

[Rue]

Looks are deceiving...she's scared of the parrots.

[Michael]

Take it away, Michael!

Haha, ok. http://TrainingPerch.com

[Red Moppet]

Ha ha, that's a great picture! "Here, birdie, birdie, birdie!"

She's a beautiful cat by the way.

As for play stands, so many of the store-bought ones, while beautiful, are so expensive! I found a good cage-top perch that is grapevine and has several branches and what I plan on doing is having the shop teacher at the school where I work drill a hole in a cheap wood serving tray and add some feet. Then I can screw the perch into the tray and add toys and whatnot while the tray creates a container for the mess. The handles make it easy to tote around too! I bet a guy at your local hardware store would quickly drill a wee hole for you for free of charge.

PS You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish with a set of screwdrivers and a hammer! Just add some duct tape and a couple of allen wrenches and you're on your way to being a true MacGyver!

[Rue]

...I wish I were handy! It is fun to make things if you can do it properly...

Thanks Red Moppet...she is a pretty girl...I have a soft spot for calico cats...

[Red Moppet]

...I have a soft spot for calico cats...

Calicos and Torties are my favourites! : )

[Rrrma]

Take it away, Michael!

Haha, ok. http://TrainingPerch.com

That's not helpful! I already have a perch :p


Rue, you and I are way too alike.

I was wanting something that was floor based and relatively tall but not wide. I want them to be able to easily get from the ground to the perches. Although I don't clip, they don't fly much and one can't fly.

Something like a really branchy tree limb with a few toy screws on a board on the floor. Maybe a 2x2 base and 4-5' tall.

I probably could do that myself if I could find an appropriate piece of tree.