The domestic parrot needs human attention and has difficulty withstanding loneliness. When the owner is not around, a parrot's play area can save the day. A well-equipped entertainment complex helps birds spend their time profitably, spend energy, and be creative. And for active birds, play stands equipped with entertaining items are necessary. You can buy a finished product for your pet or make it yourself from scrap items.
What is the complex
Speaking about play stands for parrots, we can draw an analogy with children's playgrounds on the streets.
Here we have similar devices for the development of dexterity, endurance, and in some cases intelligence . In a cage, a pet is limited by its size and mandatory accessories: a drinking bowl, a feeding trough and a bathing bath.
The perches are clearly not enough for the bird to spend quality time. Yes, a parrot’s home can be equipped with toys: mirrors, bells, ladders, etc.
Even if you manage to fit all this into the cage, the bird simply will not have any free space left to play.
While the entertainment complex is a free field, limited only by the owner’s imagination. Such stands can be made modular by adding new compartments if necessary.
Budgerigars are extremely active birds. They taste literally everything and everyone. If you don’t equip your pet with a place to play and don’t equip it with accessories, then it will begin to chew on the feeder, drinking bowl, and then begin to tackle the frame of the cage.
Making a carousel
At this stage you are given free rein to use your imagination. Any design or pattern and 10mm thick plywood. There are only two canons from which you don’t need to go:
1) The carousel, no matter what its shape, should actually remain a circle (not an oval, not a triangle or a square, but a circle)
2) Before you start cutting and grinding, you need to make a hole in the center of the circle and screw a screw with a central thread into it (or leave a hole for the axle)
Now we take a pencil in our hands and begin to come up with ideas, or go to www.yandex.ru, go to the “pictures” section and write “bird silhouettes” in the search bar. We find the one we like and print it on paper, preferably immediately in size (in height no less than the radius of the circle you have chosen) and cut it out (this is how we make our “stencil”).
Next, we decide how many rays there will be (for normal stability, at least 3). Using a protractor we draw them. To determine the degree of the mark, simply divide 360 by the number of desired rays. For example, there will be 6 rays, then 360/6=60. We draw rays on the plywood in 60 degree increments. We apply a “stencil” to each ray and trace it. We combine the drawing and get a “carousel”, but for now drawn on plywood. We make holes in the “empty” places (2 are enough), and using a jigsaw (or jigsaw) we cut out the excess. There is a little trick here too - you must first select the “empty” places inside the circle, and only then cut out the carousel itself from the outside, this will prevent breakage of the finished part.
When we free our carousel from unnecessary “empty” places, we will only have to round off all the corners. The work is long and painstaking, but a needle file and sandpaper will help you, and another 12 hours of sitting under the lamp in the “Z” position.
When the carousel is ready, you need to make an axis for its rotation. We take a hairpin and grind off half of its threads with a needle file. Thus, one end will screw into the column, and the other will allow the carousel to rotate. A little trick - in a screw with a central thread - the thread is not made for the entire length of the screw, there is a groove for a hex key. If the pin is not ground down to the entire half, but only to the part that the screw thread extends to, you will get an axis from which the carousel cannot come off.
The carousel is spinning, but somehow sadly. Let's put some chains on the carousel, the parrots love them so much. Sad again. Oh, I have bells and bells here. Now it's become more fun. I think the budgie will appreciate it. The carousel is ready.
It took me two days, with breaks to sleep and eat. Let's move on to the next Stage.
Requirements for the toy
There are a number of requirements and recommendations, following which will eliminate many problems when operating a gaming stand. Otherwise, your pet may be poisoned by toxic fumes or injured.
Frame
The best option for the frame is wood. It is better not to use plastic. Environmentally friendly, but at the same time reliable plastic is very expensive. The mass of budget plastic solutions that are sold in pet stores is dangerous for birds. During the hot summer months, the plastic begins to melt, releasing fumes that are poisonous to the animal.
Not every tree is suitable as a frame for a playground. Hard and coniferous species will do more harm than good. The only exception in this group can be nuts.
Optimal material for the frame:
- cherry;
- birch;
- Apple tree;
- plum;
- Linden.
Complete with industrial products there must be a specification that contains all the details regarding the materials used. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with it before purchasing a stand.
Base
The playground should be visually fenced off from other interior items. This will help the bird orient itself in its surroundings. The best option is sides . They will not allow loose accessories to fall out.
Dimensions
The bird should be able to calmly spread its wings without touching the elements of the playground. The optimal dimensions of a play stand for budgerigars are around 40 x 25 x 30 cm. If there are more birds, then the dimensions should be increased accordingly.
Reliability of fastenings
All elements of the gaming stand must be securely fastened. Despite their small size, budgies are able to move massive accessories, such as ladders, branches and other things. As a rule, in budget solutions, fastening is organized using glue, while almost all elements of premium stands are mounted on screws or have reliable latches.
Accessories on the playground should not wobble, fall out of grooves or play, unless this is provided for by the design . Otherwise, there is a risk for the bird to be seriously injured.
Even if the solution is budgetary - using glue, it can be modified by strengthening the key ties with self-tapping screws.
Where is the best place to place it?
The ideal option for placing the play area is next to the cage.
The parrot will not have to travel extra and sometimes dangerous distances to organize its leisure time. Some stands are mounted suspended, for example, on a cage or other static piece of furniture.
The play area should not be located in places where there is a draft. Otherwise, during active games, your pet may catch a cold. You should also avoid direct sunlight and proximity to heating devices.
It is also useful to read: Toys for budgies
Stand for large parrots
Platforms for large birds are characterized by increased stability. This is achieved with the help of special weighting materials. The fittings on such stands must be durable so that powerful beaks do not cause damage to the structure.
When designing play complexes for Amazonian birds or grays, you should:
- choose the maximum dimensions of the site;
- take into account the tree species;
- plan the creation of a bird resting area;
- count on the use of powerful fasteners for the entire structure and every detail.
The strength of such a stand is tested by the birds themselves. The first few days of the site's operation are under constant human supervision. This is necessary in order to notice unreliable structural elements in time and be able to fix them immediately.
Interesting! If the pets like the area, they will not fly around the entire room and leave droppings behind them. All excrement will remain on the stand tray, from where it can be easily removed.
The best models on the market
On sale you can find stands of various form factors. Some models are expanded horizontally, others are expanded vertically, and others are proprietary solutions for specific cells. The overwhelming majority of brands on the domestic market are ParrotsLab (Russia) and Trixie (Germany).
Best solutions based on consumer reviews:
- Trixie 5659 (42 x 44 x 44 cm).
- PL3037 (40 x 36 x 25 cm).
- Trixie 5655 (34 x 26 x 25 cm).
- PL3023 (40 x 25 x 36 cm).
- PL3011 (40 x 24 x 31 cm).
All these products are made from environmentally friendly wood. The material is properly processed, the accessories are securely fastened, and the stands themselves are easy to maintain.
Which toys are better to choose?
Pet stores offer a wide range of different toys that differ in size, purpose, shape and price. The main thing is that the accessories are safe for the pet. It is more expedient to divide the stand into zones, where to place the corresponding toys - for physical or intellectual training.
Swing
It has been noticed that all birds, including budgies, love to spend time on swings. This is one of the most common accessories for a gaming stand. When choosing a swing, you should clarify which birds it is intended for. A budgerigar, due to its size, will be difficult to control on solutions for large individuals, such as a macaw or a African gray.
Bells
These can be simple rattles or interactive pendants. The first ones are inexpensive and will only amuse your pet with their sound. While interactive accessories contribute to the development of intelligence. For example, in order for a toy to make a sound, a parrot needs to push it or press a button.
Rings
Equipment of this kind develops the physical component of the bird. Parrots love to hang upside down or tumble through a ring. On sale you can find both static options, fixed to the frame of the stand, and dynamic ones, where the accessory is suspended on a chain or rope.
Balls
Budgerigars are not averse to chasing the ball around the play area. To develop intellectual abilities, you can additionally buy something like a basketball basket with an interactive effect. As soon as the ball is in it, a sound signal is heard.
Stairs
Parrots love to jump on the bars inside the cage, and if there are a lot of bars, then the bird will get more pleasure. It is also important to choose an accessory taking into account the size of the pet. Too large options are not suitable for budgies.
This is just a small part of the toys that pet stores offer. The choice largely depends on the budget and preferences of the owner himself. Budgerigars will definitely try everything that is offered to them. The only question is whether the bird will like the toy. But this can only be verified experimentally, because the character of all birds is different.
It is also useful to read: Aviary for budgies
Filling the site
Playgrounds for parrots are filled with various “attractions”. They can be swings, stairs, bells, etc.
The toys that fill the stand are divided into:
- Developmental;
- Gym;
- Designed for sharpening beaks;
- Motivating to action.
The ideal stand would be one that would feature all types of entertainment. This way the parrot will be “fully satisfied.”
When buying something at a pet store, you need to carefully monitor what the device is made of. The bird will definitely try to taste the toy. You need to get rid of (or minimize) items made from cheap plastic or toxic materials. An excellent solution would be furnishings made from natural materials – various types of wood. Various dense tree branches can be used as homemade superstructures. They need to be dried well before fixing and tested for strength.
The most popular toy for parrots is the bell. Mirrors, swings, various stairs, and hoops are also not ignored. Some owners are generous with the carousel. For the less inventive and cautious, a simple thread with beads strung on it can be fun. The larger the beads, the more interesting it will be to play!
Do not forget that all toys must be secured. Just in case, the fastenings should have sides. Some entertainment options should be easily detachable for replacement. This applies to especially wearable ones (the same beads on a rope, for example).
Where to buy a toy and at what price
You should buy any accessories for pets in trusted offline or online stores, preferably in branded ones. This segment is filled with cheap Chinese consumer goods made from low-quality plastic. The latter emits toxic fumes that are poisonous to the animal.
Branded inventory is always accompanied by permits: certificates of conformity, specifications, etc. When choosing accessories for a gaming stand, it is better to give preference to wooden solutions rather than plastic ones.
As for the cost, it all depends on the size of the toy, its shape, purpose and brand. For example, a simple staircase from ParrotsLab can be bought for 200 rubles, while for similar equipment from Trixie you will have to pay 500 rubles.
Do you buy toys for your parrot?
Not really
Pros and cons of a purchasing platform
Not everyone has the time, desire and skills to build a high-quality gaming complex. The easiest way is to buy a parrot stand at a large pet store or online. Companies that manufacture equipment for pets offer a variety of designs. The finished platforms are made taking into account the breed of bird and its dimensions.
Advantages of purchased stands:
- carefully processed parts (straight cuts, polished surfaces);
- environmentally friendly materials;
- safe fasteners and components;
- Possibility of choosing a design - floor, tabletop, hanging.
If you don’t like any of the ready-made models, you can order a platform from the workshop by agreement. True, such work will cost more than a standard product.
Some advantages of purchased playgrounds for parrots are also disadvantages: smooth slats, devoid of bark, give the stand an ostentatious, toy-like appearance. A beautiful, but low-functional model, it seems as if it was intended for exhibition, and not for active use. The elements are connected to each other impeccably, there are no unnecessary protrusions, everything is orderly. There is no natural chaos of natural branches, no place to hide.
How to make your own playground
Play areas for budgies can be built on your own. No specific carpentry skills are needed here. The main thing is to carry out the calculations correctly, select environmentally friendly material and carefully process it.
Let's look at the process step by step.
Tools
Things will go much faster if you use a power tool rather than hand tools. But in the absence of the first, it is quite possible to get by with the second. The only critical point will be the time spent with a similar result.
Required tools:
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver;
- roulette;
- wood screws and drills for them;
- sandpaper.
Material
The basis of the structure can be either a sheet of plywood or a wooden board. It is better to give preference to the latter, because it is noticeably heavier, and therefore more stable. Otherwise, the plywood will have to be attached to the interior items.
The base needs legs to prevent it from scratching the surface. The hardware store has a huge selection for any scenario, from conventional bearings to advanced rubber options. The bars can be made from branches of the above-mentioned trees. It is better not to use glue, preferring self-tapping screws or twine.
Creating a stand
There is no need to reinvent the wheel in such endeavors. All you need to do is draw/scan a diagram from a store display you like.
Fortunately, each proprietary solution is equipped with a detailed assembly manual, where all dimensions and proportions are indicated.
If there is none, then a tape measure with a pencil and a sheet of paper will solve the problem.
Similar instructions are also available in digital format, presented on the website of the seller or manufacturer of the gaming area. All that remains is to cut out the parts from the available materials according to the diagram and fasten them with self-tapping screws.
All structural elements must be thoroughly sanded using sandpaper. Parts should not have burrs or sharp corners.
Tips for making your own stand in the video:
Advantages and disadvantages of stands
The platforms that are sold in stores are created taking into account the characteristics of a particular parrot, its size and habits.
They have a number of advantages, including:
Factory production sites also have downsides. These are smooth crossbars, no bark, complete orderliness. Such stands do not have the chaos that reflects natural conditions and places to hide, so the parrot will not be interested in the structure for long.
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How to teach a bird to play
Parrots excel at imitation. If, for example, you start fiddling with a bell or launching some kind of interactive toy, then the pet will show curiosity , realizing that if a person can use it, then this fun will not harm him.
This way you can guide the bird through all the game accessories. Birds, just like people, are interested in some things and simply ignore others. You can only find out what your pet likes through experience.
Training
Parrots are very curious pets, who at the same time are quite cowardly. They are very wary of new things and may shy away from a new toy at first. If the bird saw how the owner built the site with his own hands, by the time construction is completed he will not be afraid of the new structure. The pet should be gradually introduced to the new “play space”. If the bird sees that the owner himself is touching the swing or ringing the bell, he will independently go to check what has aroused such interest of the owner.
