DIY PVC play gyms

[Rhyanna]

So I am planning to make a PVC play gym for the Jardines parrot I am adopting. I have a couple of questions.

1) Many diy plans for PVC gyms use glue or PVC primer to bond the pieces together. Is this safe for birds? If not, what are the alternatives?

2) Is 1" diameter PVC a good size for a Jardines?

3) I like the idea of a hanging play gym like the one below. Is it sturdy enough for a Jardines that flies?

 

[birdbuster]

I have a large PVC playstand in the corner of the room for my cockatiel. I used the FlyingFids pattern and tutorial.
I built it in my garage with the doors open and lots of ventilation and I used a VERY VERY small amount of PVC primer. A little goes a long way. The whole thing is also wrapped in sisal rope and vet tape, very thick around the joints. I built it over the summer however I have noticed the bottom is falling apart at the connectors.
I doubt you could hand anything heavy from the top without it falling. You might want to try and fill the bottom with something if that's your plan.

 

[Rhyanna]

I have a large PVC playstand in the corner of the room for my cockatiel. I used the FlyingFids pattern and tutorial.
I built it in my garage with the doors open and lots of ventilation and I used a VERY VERY small amount of PVC primer. A little goes a long way. The whole thing is also wrapped in sisal rope and vet tape, very thick around the joints. I built it over the summer however I have noticed the bottom is falling apart at the connectors.
I doubt you could hand anything heavy from the top without it falling. You might want to try and fill the bottom with something if that's your plan.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Weight is a consideration. A good thing it's the right season to be building these outside to reduce chemical exposure.

 

[Linwood]

I've mis-used PVC for many things (i.e. using it for other-than-water).

Most PVC will friction-fit fairly tight. There may be exceptions, but I would start by just washing (no PVC "cleaner") thoroughly, sanding lightly with high grit paper if there rough edges where it joins, and just push them together.

You'll find for the vast majority the birds won't be able to pull them apart.

Use large stuff for vertical pieces to make it stiffer if you can (this requires joints that change sizes which are a bit harder to find). Or get someone with a 3D printer to make some (though PLA, the most common type, is much softer than PVC, so it may get chewed up quicker).

Another reason not to glue them is if damaged, or you change your mind on design, you can just pull them apart and put them together a different way.

Note the example is a hanging play area -- that won't work without glue if the support is only at the top, but you can run the robe/wire/chain down through the center and out the bottom with a fastener there, then it's the same as though resting on the ground, pressing the joints not pulling).

Here's last week's design to date. That's 1.5" PVC pipe supports (for stiffness), and wooden dowels for the cross members for easier walking and to allow something to be destroyed. The spiral steps either need a good drill press and bit of skill or 3D print (which is what I used). None of this is glued.

PS. Remember, destroying a play area over time is more of a goal than to be avoided.