DIY play tree items needed

[coral]

Im not really sure where to start on how to build a play tree for my blue headed pionus marty. id like to build it out of real branches, of course they will be a safe type, how would i disinfect those? what should i use for the base? what other things would i need? what do you use to clean these? any suggestions on how to build one? any help will be appreciated

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I have a book that includes plans for building one out of PVC. In some ways that might be more manageable than natural branches.

Several people have done what you are suggesting, you might want to search around the forum for examples. Disinfecting natural wood is usually done by baking it out in an oven, but if you are building a large tree, this might be difficult. Soap and water and drying in the sun might be the best you could do.

[coral]

whats the book called? this like a much better idea

[entrancedbymyGCC]

It's Parrot Toys and Play Areas and that's the link to it on Amazon.

[zazanomore]

I'm actually going to try making a natural playstand for my birds this summer. I'm going to buy some untreated lumber from Home Depot, get some branches from the farm, get some wooden dowels,5 and some cotton rope. I don't really have a plan, but I think I'll be able to come up with something one weekend.

[coral]

so i started on my play gym and decided to use wooden dowels for now and add natural branches later ill post pictures when its done

[Conure_Concierge]

Here’s a picture of the Dual Tree Stand I just finished for my BirdRoom. It cost all of about $30 for the laminated pine 1x24 inch round base, a whole box of fender washers, the two 4 ½ inch lag bolts and the adhesive felt feet. It’s made from Dogwood; a bird safe type of wood that is common in Arkansas. Dogwood is a much harder wood than Oak, or Manzanita. It rates 2150 lbs on the Janka Scale of hardness while Manzanita only rates 1460 lbs (of force required to press an 11mm steel ball half way into the side of the wood with 12% moisture). I originally cleaned the bark with GSE in water, but decided to go ahead and strip the bark; which was easy to do with a knife. I’m glad I stripped the bark because it’s a lot prettier than with the bark on. The tops came from two ice-storm and woodpecker damaged trees which still survive. I plan to hang foraging toys and such from the limbs.

[zazanomore]

Looks fantastic!

[coral]

its awesome i bet your fids will love it