how can i build a play gym?

Question

for a conure.

Answer 1

I built mine out of pvc

Visit this link to see my design and construction pictures for 2 of my pvc playgyms.

http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php?p=385393#post385393

or

http://www.xoparrots.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3149
(you may need to register to see the post, I'm not sure. This second link also contains info such as how I go about wrapping the perches with twine)

I buy the pvc and connectors from home depot (or lowes or any hardware store). As well as a copper tubing pipe cutter or pvc snippers (employees should know about this and know where to find it, usually the same aisle as the copper tubing and pvc pipes) For a conure you should be ok with 1/2 inch pvc piping and connectors. It's rather inexpensive, the 10 foot length of 1/2 inch pvc is around $1.50, and the connectors will range from around 10 cents to a dollar, the + pieces are usually about $1, and T pieces are something like 15-30 cents if i remember correctly. The copper tube cutters or pvc snippers will cost the most at about 10 dollars but it is well worth it, much easier to cut the pvc with.

The best thing to do when using pvc is do a quick design and sketch on a piece of paper with rough measurements so you know how much pvc pipe to buy (usually sold in 10 foot lengths) as well as how many of each connector to buy (L shape, T shape, + shape, and end caps). I use untreated jute twine to wrap the pieces with (as seen in the pictures posted). Some people instead sand the pieces to create a rough surface and some people use vet wrap to wrap the pieces. Also, no glue is needed as the pvc should fit rather snuggly in the connectors and glue could be harmful to the bird.

If you look around the forum link I gave you you may be able to find other examples of play gyms such as using sticks/wood pieces.

Answer 2

I too have a senegal :), mine scares extremely easily. I have a cage with a perch and 2 dish holders in top, so all I have to do is let her out and she climbs up, so really it isn't a gym per-say. I just buy her toys that she can chew on. She doesn't take to the right away and is always scared at first but gets used to them. Try not to add a ton at a time. Try just one and when he is good and used to it (using it and playing with it) try to add another. They are good birds but generally a one person bird. They are territorial and can be loud especially at dawn. Be patient with him and don't push him to do things that he is not going to do or is ready to do. They are not like a Gray, they are not big mimickers and are not super clear when they do talk. If he becomes Territorial he can be aggressive. Mine is aggressive when she is hormonal during breading season (right now). I would not trade her for the world!

Answer 3

Look on the web for some ideas. Basically you need a base and attache to your base ladders, ropes and such. You can use a bolt put into a branch and bolt it on to the base. Take a look at web sites and for more help one of the bird chat rooms can also help.

Answer 4

Hiya:

It's actually pretty easy to put up something for your birds to play with...

I put together some lego type blocks on top of my bird cage. I formed a ladder, a perch like apparatus....then I strung some beada around the ladder and hung some toys around on the top of the bird cage.

inexpensive and efficient.

my birds like to chew and nibble on things so I keep lots of toys that have things they can nibble on. They LOVE "shred it". It's a kind of braided paper they can rip up.

Good luck!

~jifr!