Advice please...on making natural play gym

[Janie]

After looking at many play gyms, I can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for but have a "visual" in mind so, I called my handy man and he will make it but wants to know which natural woods are best. I know that willow can be used, also fur. What other natural woods could he use? My idea is kind of on the lines of a coat rack. I want it to go from the floor, UP to about 4 or 5 feet high with 4 or 5 branches, going from the floor to the top. Also, with eye hooks for hanging toys and also one food/water station. No more than 3 feet wide so that I can roll it onto the back deck for cleaning. I would appreciate any information you have on the best and safest woods to use for something like this! Thanks! :)

[bellarains]

Janie,

Since the birdfair is this weekend, hopefully the manzanita man will be there and you might find what you want there. Those play gyms are awesome. If not, you can also get some good pieces from him to include in making the one you want. BTW, I did pitch out the trip to hubby, you gotta a spare room?:D

[Janie]

Since the birdfair is this weekend, hopefully the manzanita man will be there and you might find what you want there

Lori, our bird fair is in MARCH, not this weekend! Do you have one this weekend? If you do and you're going, if that man is there, ask him if he sells the branches.

Spare room??? OF COURSE! The dates are 3/4 and 3/5! :D

[mjm8321]

Manzanita man???? Sounds like a superhero! :lol I love the stuff though....need to start growing it.

Janie, try this link for some great ides. http://www.justdriftin.com/

Grapevine is fantastic! It's virtually indestructable.

[butterfly1061]

Cool MJ! I think I've seen this site before. I really like those. Hmmm... :D

[Janie]

MJ, wow!!!! That is just what I'm looking for! You are the official "link Queen!" Thank you :D

[butterfly1061]

Janie,

Be sure you order two of those gyms so when I drop off my four at your house to go on vacation this year they'll have something to hang out on :rofl:

[Janie]

Holy Moly, they are EXPENSIVE! I hesitate to send this link to my handy man! :eek: I did e-mail them and ask for something "taller" but with branch sizes appropriate for a lovebird. I'll let you know what I hear back from them. Trust me, I won't be buying two! Your lovies will have to share! :D

Lori sent me a great one on sale from eBay. Shipping is hefty but still it looks great. Doesn't have food/water cups and is for larger parrots. Hmmmm, why is this a "larger" parrots world?

[bellarains]

Janie,

I was thinking you could also email the people on Ebay to see if they have one lovie size. They are in OR also, so maybe they are near MJ????? If so, she might be interested in one too. The prices are right;)

[Angelwing]

Janie, once you've made your play gym, be sure to show us pictures! I'd like to make a play gym for my babies, as well. We don't have much of a selection in the stores up here.

[Janie]

Lisa, :D....there ain't no way *I* could make the type gym I want! No way, no how! I can use a drill and do minor handy things but this project is way beyond my capabilities. Heather gave me a GREAT eBay link on gyms and I am going to follow up on that. I'll let you know what I find and I am determined to find something. :)