Pictures Charlie's future play stand

[charlieboy]

Finished my plan! What do you guys think? Let me know if you spot a mistake! Pied is french for a foot, by the way. Feel free to use this design, it's basically a mish mash of other designs I found on the web, haha. Now its time to go get my materials and start building when I can, I'm excited! I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[iamwhoiam]

That looks good but do you want all the activity on the top? You could move the swing down to the lower section.

 

[faislaq]

I love our PVC cutter. It's nothing fancy and we don't use it often, but it is really handy when we do need it. Beats the heck outta sawing!

 

[charlieboy]

That looks good but do you want all the activity on the top? You could move the swing down to the lower section.

The thing is I'm gonna place it between the sofa and the wall so the play area needs to be elevated! But perhaps I could try that out

 

[charlieboy]

I love our PVC cutter. It's nothing fancy and we don't use it often, but it is really handy when we do need it. Beats the heck outta sawing!

Ohhh I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[taxidermynerd]

PVC cutter is totally worth it. We got ours for 15$, best money we ever spent.

 

[charlieboy]

So I went to the hardware store today to check out my future supplies! Modified my plan a little, too. Does these materials look good and safe? Especially the rope, it doesn't look treated at all and says "natural" but I wanted to get a second opinion. The jute rope would be for hanging toys, not climbing lol. Also, does anyone have experience with this kind of pvc cutter, or do you use the "spin-around" type? Which is best? I'm afraid of not having enough strenght in my hands, haha! @faislaq @taxidermynerd Thank you for your help!

 

[Matto]

That type of PVC cutter is best. It's the kind I used before I got my powered one.

 

[charlieboy]

That type of PVC cutter is best. It's the kind I used before I got my powered one.

Thank you so much for your input!

 

[Begone]

Sisal rope is safe. But it can be stringy so watch up for long and loose threads. (I hope you understand)
Can't you find natural cotton rope? Often uses as warp yarn.

Just an example: Amazon.com: Warp Thread for Weaving Loom - 1 Spool of 850 Yards 8/4 Warp Yarn 100% Cotton - Natural/Off White Color - Perfect Warping Thread for Weaving Tapestry Carpet Rug Blankets and Other Patterns

 

[Begone]

And here: GOLBERG Twisted 100% Natural Cotton Rope 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" - White Cotton Rope - Several Lengths to Choose - - Amazon.com

 

[charlieboy]

Sisal rope is safe. But it can be stringy so watch up for long and loose threads. (I hope you understand)
Can't you find natural cotton rope? Often uses as warp yarn.

Just an example: Amazon.com: Warp Thread for Weaving Loom - 1 Spool of 850 Yards 8/4 Warp Yarn 100% Cotton - Natural/Off White Color - Perfect Warping Thread for Weaving Tapestry Carpet Rug Blankets and Other Patterns

I think I understand, I'll see what I can find! Thank you!

 

[Rain Bow]

@Eloy .
Isn't cotton more likely to have an entrapment issue? I prefer hemp twine may take a little longer to wrap because it's so thin,( @ least what I just purchased ) but Buddy can only get caught w/ it if it unravels or if he starts chewing it (which he prefers toys over all chewing).

@sparklepupp .
Smell the bundle of twine. If it smells chemically take it back & get your money back. There have been many posts here about hardware store twines smelling off (not like hay/dried grass) like plastic burning, chemicals being the top of the list. If it smells like chemicals I believe it was (pesticides) on it. Top keep bugs off of it & to keep them from consuming. These pesticides can harm, even kill your fid. I know you him/her. You wouldn't be building that cool playgym otherwise!

 

[charlieboy]

Thank you for the tips!! @Rain Bow No matter which rope I use I'll always supervise Charlie and inspect the rope regularly. Should the twine be fine if it doesn't smell chemical-y or plastic-y? Just want to make sure, yes I sure do love my Charlie boy!!

 

[charlieboy]

Uh oh... it does smell a bit like plastic @Rain Bow Thank gosh you let me know! Now what shall I do with it instead, hmmm... Might take it back but I don't know if they'll accept it since I had to open it. Anyhow, theres "Les jouets Rosie" (a toy maker and shop for parrots) in my area and they sell sisal & cotton rope so I'll go check them out I've been wanting to go to get more toys for Charlie anyways

 

[Rain Bow]

Yes, from all my investigating & reading here, you coulda used it if it didn't smell. Most natural twines have been sprayed.

@JLcribber purchases his manilla rope from knots & rope. Maybe he can post a link. I can't find it quickly right now. He'd be one to explain what to look for better than I. Johns great for information to keep any feather baby safe!

I've been making my toys, there have been to many fids almost getting hurt on the stuff you can buy in stores. If I can't or couldn't make something, I'd purchase from a group vendor I trust their opinions & safety measures @ a level I'm comfortable with.

Any toy/item can be dangerous though. Especially when their not watched. I worry most about cotton rope. Buddy made it 20+ yrs playing w/ those store toys, but I just don't let him have them anymore.

Good luck, I hope John can maybe give you a better idea as to what to specifically watch for & the webpage has manilla rope I believe @ 1/4" thick. If I make Buddy a playgym, I'd buy that to wrap it in. It may cost a little to purchase. I think it'd be worth it in the end as you can clean & disinfectant it & it's a safer bet so if you walk outta the room, Charlie won't be hanging by a toe when you walk back in.

 

[JLcribber]

Sorry I don't have my big list of links right now because the laptop went kaboom.

There's lots of places to buy hemp rope. I gotten it here

Hemp Rope - Hemp Basics

Or here

https://www.rawganique.com/organic-hemp-rope-cords-s/118.htm

 

[charlieboy]

@Rain Bow @JLcribber Thank you so much!!

 

[Begone]

No matter which rope I use I'll always supervise Charlie and inspect the rope regularly.

All rope toys should always be used outside cage and as you say inspected regularly.

I will say that all toys are in some way dangerous to them.
The worst damage I seen lately for what you can think of is a pretty safe toy is made by a paper roll.
This is @BertAllen Grey, Tinker.

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He did knock himself pretty hard. I love that playful young Grey! Here is Tinkers thread: Well Tinker is home | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum

 

[charlieboy]

All rope toys should always be used outside cage and as you say inspected regularly.

I will say that all toys are in some way dangerous to them.
The worst damage I seen lately for what you can think of is a pretty safe toy is made by a paper roll.
This is @BertAllen Grey, Tinker.

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He did knock himself pretty hard. I love that playful young Grey! Here is Tinkers thread: Well Tinker is home | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum

Aww Tinker is adorable!! Thank you for sharing