Galah

They go by many names: climbing net, play net, parrot hammock, rope gym and others.  Whatever you wish to call them, they are a fantastic addition to your bird’s play area.  The only problem with them is that they will set you back about $75-$150 depending on the size.  They are so easy to make, however, that you don’t need to shell out that kind of cash.

The first thing you’ll want to do, is to find a good rope company, like this one, and buy in bulk, preferably on a spool.  You can contact the manufacturer or wholesaler, and ask for a sample before you buy.  You’re going to use a lot of rope, so shop around to get the best prices.  Wholesalers will offer a far better deal than the online bird stores.

One important consideration for the cotton ropes is that the rope you receive is always thicker than what is stated.  For instance, I had ordered a sample of 3/8″ cotton braided rope for a project I was working on where I needed it to fit through drilled 1/2″ holes.  My rope sample was WAY to thick, looking more like 5/8″ or 3/4″.  They explained to me that rope thickness is intended to reflect the size it becomes when tension or weight is added, making it never thinner than 3/8″.  If you choose to use cotton rope, buy it in much thinner diameters. Birds don’t have enough weight to  bring the rope the right width.

Congo African Grey Parrot, Camelot macaws, blue throated macaw

Whatever kind of rope you select, be sure it is of safe quality for birds.  Hemps, jutes, sisal and other rope products imported from India might be sprayed with pesticides in the cargo hold.  Contact the wholesaler to make sure that it will not be contaminated when you buy it.  Always smell the rope for chemicals to be sure.

My personal preference is for the natural fiber ropes in a project like this one.  Not only do they make a more natural looking product, but when a parrot does chew through a part of the grid, it is an easier material to tie back together (when that is possible).  It is usually not possible to tie the loose ends of cotton rope together.

All white rope photos and images from www.craftsters.org

The maker of this net bought 100′ of rope and didn’t use it all:

“Rope quantities:
For this 1/2″ rope that I used (which actually seems more like 5/8″)
Overhand loop at the corners = 24″ of rope per loop
Space in between knots = 7″
Each knot = 6″ for each strand in the knot, so allow 1′ total/knot
Frayed ends at edges of net = allow 3″ for each end.”

I estimate this net to be about 2′ by 3′.  I really like the knot they use for this net, but keep in mind that the spacing of the grid is really only suitable for larger parrots, although the size of the net is not.  The directions are simple to modify.  By making the knots closer together, the grid will become smaller.  A net this size can’t really be called a “climbing” net for a larger parrot, but more of a hammock, which is fine too, if that suits your purposes. Remember that the knots take up a lot of rope, and the more knots you use, the longer each starting length of rope must be.  Once you cut the rope to length, you are locked into whatever size net come out of it.

The knot itself is the most important part of this structure. I practiced with a pair of shoelaces until I got the hang of it.:

And how to incorporate the loops to attach it. This is actually your starting point and you will go on to make your net from these pieces:

You can attach your net to the ceiling using the same screw eye or screw hook hardware you would use to hang a potted plant.  Attach a quick link to the rope loop, and a chain to the quick link.  If you’re use a screw eye in the ceiling, another quick link will attach the chain to that.

Here are some tips and suggestions for your net:

• Use a smaller diameter of rope for your smaller birds.  They will feel more comfortable being acrobatic on a net they can grasp onto.
• Try stringing some plastic and wood beads onto the rope as you go along.   Or even some toys and shredders.  Many parrots wind up hanging upside down by one foot from the bottom of the net anyways and this will give something to look at while they’re down there!
• If you’re feeling really adventurous, try dying the cotton rope lengths different colors with VitaCritter dyes.  You’ll have a multi-colored net when you’re done.  Just be sure to let the rope dry thoroughly before you make the net.
• Hang the net at an angle for a true climbing experience for your bird.
• Small nets, with a small grid, will work in a cage corner as a sleeping or preening hammock.  Be sure to set it up high, and only off in a corner, so there is no entanglement when your bird is playing with other toys in the cage.
• When attaching your net to the ceiling, use deterrents to keep him from climbing up to the ceiling where damage could be done.  There are two good ways of doing this:    1)  Place a thick piece of PVC piping over the chain that you install your net to the ceiling with.  Make sure that the piping goes all the way from the ceiling down to, and covering, the rope loops, and is too thick in diameter for your species of bird to get a grip on to climb.  And 2)  Hang an over-sized toy from the ceiling that covers the chain.  While your bird can technically climb the toy, he is more likely to play with it and it is a distraction from the things you don’t want him to notice.  Make sure the net is hung low enough that the ceiling is out of reach.

Have fun making a net for your lucky feathered friend and save some money at the same time!

Goffin Cockatoo

This is priceless.  For those of you with cockatoos, especially goffins, the engineering variety of cockatoo, you will treasure this.  Once again, the author is unknown:

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the flights,
Not a bird was stirring since I turned off the lights.
Clean dishes were stacked by the freezer with care,
So in the morning they would be filled with fresh healthy fare.
The birds were all fed and put out to play,
Everyone was settled – I was done for the day.

When down from the basement there arose such a clatter,
That I ran for the stairs to see what was the matter.
I raced down the steps and turned down the light,
Glancing first to the left and then to the right.
It was then that I noticed the now empty spot,
In the cage where the Cockatoos should be but were not!

The Goffins are missing I yelled to my spouse,
While I shuddered to think what they’d do to the house.
My fears were well founded I soon came to know.
As I surveyed the destruction in the bird room below.
Feeding doors had been opened, the dishes all tossed,
Bags were ripped open their contents all lost.
The marauders unfastened from the cage tops each toy,
which they tossed at the occupants below with such joy.

The other birds sulked as they viewed the whole mess,
This Cockatoo duo had created such stress!
I searched through the room, my frustration profound,
Those two fiendish beasts simply weren’t to be found!
It was then that I noticed the Senegal staring,
As his eyes flashed with anger I saw he was glaring
Towards the side of the room at an overturned pail.
I followed his gaze and saw a flash of white tail.

Goffin Cockatoo

Holding my breath as I approached with great care,
Was it possible both could be hiding in there?
I snatched up the bucket and the villains were exposed,
They knew they were busted and for a second they froze,
Then the Cockatoo shriek and scrambling of feet,
They raced for their cage in hasty retreat.
I slammed the door shut as I trembled with rage,
Don’t you two ever, ever come out of your cage!

They stared at me smugly cheeks puffed with contentment,
Their mission accomplished they ignored my resentment.
I’ll clean up tomorrow.
I said aloud with a sigh
As I walked toward the steps one ‘Too said “bye bye.”
As I turned with a grin I felt suddenly calm,
Their sweet little voices could act as a balm.

For along with their mischief, they brought love and fun,
It was hard to stay angry despite what they’d done.

My jangled nerves and life’s hectic pace,
Had made me forget what was in my face.
I didn’t need gifts, fancy stuff from the store.
I had all I needed, my birds and much more!

My dear friends and family, my health and my spouse,
Everything that mattered was right here in this house.
So Santa I thank you but I don’t need a lot,
I’m learning to be grateful for all that I’ve got.
If you come down my chimney to leave something new,
Just leave me some padlocks so I can lock up the ‘Toos!!

I wish you all the happiest holidays and the brightest new year.

Camelot macaws, blue throated macaw, Galah

Is the mess, the chores, the feeding, and the constant need for attention starting to get to you?  It’s called burn out, and don’t worry, you aren’t alone. There are some mornings that I get up praying that the cockatoos will find it in their hearts to refrain from their dramatics for just this one day. I often don’t get my wish. Today was my day off and I had a long list of things to accomplish.  As I looked over the list, I couldn’t help but notice that every item pertained to the birds except one.  Guess which one didn’t get done?

I got up and chopped the veggies for breakfast.  I needed to set up new caging for the cockatiels.  While the birds were eating, I took the cage parts to the back yard and cleaned them.  While those were drying, I cleaned everyone else’s cage and washed their grates.  I put the tiels’ cage up and outfitted it, requiring the use of the table saw.  I decided to put the quaker into the cockatiel’s former cage and then needed to outfit it appropriately for her.  I stood back to admire my handiwork and decided that there weren’t enough toys and set about making more.  When I was done cleaning and sweeping the bird room, thinking I was done in that room for the day, Linus tipped his bucket of freshly gnawed wood upside down, spilling half of it onto the floor behind the cage. This is how the day started.  I was tired by noon and still had the rest of the list to get through.  Some day off.

Camelot macaws, blue throated macaw, congo African Grey

Parrots are hard work, time consuming, and when you add these chores to an already busy life, it can seem overwhelming and never ending.  Even though I know this is what I signed on for when I got birds, sometimes I wonder why I am doing this to myself.

The answer to that question became clear enough when I heard the cockatiels joyously singing in their new cage, and when I peeked in on them, Libby, my quaker was beating up her new toys.  It was a heartwarming sight and sound, and it made me feel so much better about the day and life in general.  THIS is why we do it.  The cuddles, the I love you‘s, and the laughter they bring makes everything worthwhile.  Why, then, is it so hard to see on some days?

Congo African Grey Parrot

Here are some thoughts and tips on how to deal with burn out:

• We have all heard about how many people get depressed around the holidays.  I believe it has little to do with the holidays, and everything to do with the winter season.  During the winter, the days get much shorter and we spend a lot more time indoors.  With the lack of sunlight, we can be a bit deficient in vitamin D3, something which many companion birds suffer from. This can bring on depression.  Try adding a D3 supplement to your diet.
• If you are cleaning your cages regularly, it isn’t going to harm your birds to skip it for the day.  Instead, get a cup of tea, put your feet up and read a book.  Even better, get your bird out and have fun with her or a have good cuddle session.  Do those things that remind of why you have a parrot in your life in the first place.  It’ll do you both a world of good.
• Rearrange your furniture.  If your cage positioning doesn’t allow for this in the living room, change the bedroom.  This is what I do when things are seeming too routine for me.  It’s amazing how such a change can improve your outlook on life.
• Since you are logged onto this site, I know that your bird means a great deal to you.  Recognize that your bird’s need for your attention means that you are important to him too.  Birds are inquisitive by nature and need to explore everything around it.  So it just happens that a naughty bird is a happy bird, and a happy bird is a healthy bird.  Try to keep this thought when you’re sure you are losing your mind.
• Seek the support of someone who understands.  Heaven knows most people think we are crazy for going to the lengths we go to for our parrots.  (You spent how much for a birdcage??  You cook for your bird??)  There are a lot of us out there.  Go online and find a forum to unload on.  The bird store I frequented in Austin to get my supplies came to know me well.  Sometimes I would go in with a bandage on my hand or a look on my face.  They would say:  “Uh oh.  Someone’s in trouble at your house!”  It helped to have someone to talk to.
• You might even consider a get-away for yourself, or a send-away for the birds. If you have a pet sitter or a boarding facility that you trust, sometimes a little time apart can do wonders.  At the very least, treat yourself to a night out.  You’ve earned it.

Military macaw, Camelot macaws, blue throated macaw, Galahs, African Grey

It is okay to feel like you’ve had enough.  Don’t beat yourself up or feel like a bad bird owner because it all gets to you sometimes.  Just like with children, we can sometimes get to that point.  Keep a cool head and maybe a little distance from the birds while you sort through it.  Somehow it all magically works out in the end.

Camelot Macaw

The winter holidays are the ones that we spend reconnecting with family and loved ones.  There are more parties per square inch than at any other time of the year.  Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day we can count on 5 or 6 weeks of total bedlam. This is a great time to look at the things that we can do to keep our birds safe and comfortable during this time of year.

Decorations:

We love our homes to be decorated to reflect the magic that this season brings, but parrot are attracted to shiny and sparkly things. Unfortunately, many store bought decoration are not made with pet safety in mind.  Since beaks, big and small, can so easily disassemble things or break glass and plastic ornaments, it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep these things out of reach.

As an alternative to store bought decorations, you can always make your own from things you can find at your local craft store.  If you look through their selection, and use your imagination, a lot of fun ideas will come to mind.  Think pine cones, small, plain wooden cutouts and beads, raffia and paper.  I often make Christmas baskets for my parrots filled with these items and foraging treats all crammed into a woven basket that can be replenished as needed.  By the end of the season, everything, baskets included, have been destroyed and enjoyed.

Mitred Conure

Holiday plants:

While our Christmas trees: pines, balsams, firs, and spruces are safe, other holiday plants are not.  Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe, both the leaves and the especially the berries, are poisonous to both pets and humans.  If your traditions require keeping these plants in your home during the holidays, be sure to keep them well out of reach and watch for any fallen leaves or berries on the floor.  Other poisonous holiday plants are the Jerusalem cherry and the bittersweet plant.  Try to think outside the box and decorate your home in new ways with safe plants.

Visitors and parties in the home:

The holidays are a fun but chaotic time of the year. The parties and house guests can be stressful for us and our parrots.  Planning and preparation will help you manage your time and keep your sanity.

• Cooking:   Try to prepare and freeze as many foods in advance as possible.  (Don’t forget about treats for the birds!)  Not only will this allow you to keep a slower pace and actually enjoy the holidays, but it will give you more time to spend with your family and  guests on the day of the event.  Please always be aware of where your birds are while you are cooking!  Kitchens are the most dangerous room in the house.
• Parties: If you are throwing a holiday bash, this might be a good time to consider boarding your birds for the night.  Even your laid back bird could be frightened or annoyed with the party atmosphere. Frightened and annoyed birds are very vocal about their dislikes and a screaming parrot will definitely overpower the Christmas carols.  At very least provide him with an off-limits room where he can have privacy.  Every party has that one guy, wearing a lampshade, who might be drunk and foolish enough to try to handle your bird.  It would be a shame to end the night’s festivities in the emergency room.  Tape a note on the door to his room stating: This parrot bites! – even if he doesn’t.

Galah

Managing house guests/chaos:

• Long days:  You just put in a 10 hour day at work and have to head to the mall for some last minute shopping.  Then on the way home, you have to stop at the supermarket to pick up snacks for tomorrow, when your sister and brother-in-law and their five kids arrive from out of state for the holidays.  You’re going to go in early in the morning to finish a report, so you can leave early to go to the airport to pick everyone up.  You finally get home, put the groceries away, and your normally sweet tempered amazon starts screaming at the top of her little pink lungs.  You check on her, she has food and water and plenty to do.  Why is she doing this??
  Stress:  This scenario is enough to make anyone snap.  Before you retreat to sit in your car in the garage, stop, take a few deep breaths and let go of the tension.  Parrots have an uncanny ability to pick up on and relate to your stress.  In the wild, when a a flock mate becomes alarmed, it will set off a frenzy in the entire flock and often frighten them into flight.  This mechanism keeps them safe from predators, so it is in their nature, and their best interest, to respond to tension.  When you lower your energy level, so will your parrot.
• Children and birds:   Children carry a high energy level that your parrot is likely to react to.  It is very important that you lay ground rules about interaction with your birds.  Children will need to understand that if they poke their fingers through the bars of the cages, they may be bitten.  Even the older children must not be allowed to take the bird out.  Be certain that they understand that they must never feed the bird unless you have provided them the treats.  Three year old children will not understand the no chocolate concept.  Constant supervision will be necessary and hopefully the all adults will be on board with this.
• Traffic:  Since children go outside often, but rarely stay outside, the front door will be opening and closing a lot.  If your parrot is out of her cage, this presents multiple opportunities for escape.  Since this will be an extended stay, it seems unfair to relinquish your poor bird to a back bedroom for the holidays. Although, it would be a good idea the have a spare cage set up out of the battle zone for when it is necessary. Out of cage time might be best spent after the little ones have retired for the evening.

• Slowing down to enjoy:  Try to remember that you’ve been looking forward to this since plans were made in September, and that it will be over soon.  Christmas is supposed to all about children, fun and excitement, though it often doesn’t feel that way.  Do your best to limit your stress by NOT worrying that everything is perfect and concentrate, instead, on how much you will enjoy the company of your family.

Camelot Macaws

In the midst of all the holiday excitement, try not to forget about your parrot and his needs.  He has been a good friend to you throughout the year and deserves to be happy and feel safe and loved.  It is Christmas and as a member of the family, it’s a  special time for your parrot too.

Blue and gold macaw, Military macaw

So many people I know are learning how to build things for their birds – from foraging trees to play gyms to outdoor aviaries.  Maybe it’s the economy, or maybe we’re just tired of paying extreme prices for the things we know are necessities for our birds, and can build ourselves.  I thought it would a great time to do a post about safe building materials and construction.  Here are some general guidelines to use:

Always use parrot safe woods and lumber. Remember the obvious: birds love to chew on wood and won’t be able to resist nibbling on the wooden parts of your project. When using natural branches from the bird-safe list provided in the link above, be sure to select trees that have not been sprayed with pesticide, fungicides, herbicides or any other kinds of chemical treatment.  Also be aware of molds and fungus that might be present in the bark.

If you are uncertain of the type of tree or bush you are considering using for your project, take a branch to your local nursery for identification.  Before you install the new branches, clean them first.  There are a few different methods you can use:

• Wash and scrub the branches down with hydrogen peroxide or Grapefruit Seed Extract (also known as GSE).  Rinse and dry well.
• Fill your bathtub with water and add 1 cup of bleach and let soak.  Be careful to rinse thoroughly and dry well.
• Bake the branches (my favorite method) in a 200/250 degree oven for an hour or two.  This will kill any fungi, bugs and larva.

Harder woods like manzanita are more durable and branches can be purchased on line and in some specialty bird stores.

When using 2X4′s, or other types of lumber, always use wood that has not been pressure treated.  Pressure treated wood has been infused with chemical preservatives that are driven deep into the wood to make it able to withstand the elements.  Only use plain pine lumber for the safety of your parrots.

Camelot Macaws, Blue Throated Macaw

Always select the safest metals and parts for your project. Nickel and stainless steel are the only metals that are safe to use around birds.  The rest contain heavy metals that are toxic.  Galvanized nails contain zinc.  This also includes part used for hanging toys such as eye screws and chains.  These parts will all be investigated, chewed on and tortured by your playful parrot.

Never use glues or paints. Toxic!

PVC piping can be used in your project, however, it is very slippery if used as-is.  There are a couple of ways to create a better surface:

• Wrap the pipe in vet wrap or tightly wound 1/4″ natural fiber rope.  Your parrot will have fun chewing through it, however, and it will have to frequently replaced and maintained.
• Sand the PVC to give it traction.  It is very important to note that this has to be done right to avoid jagged strips of plastic that can injure your birds feet or that can be chewed off and swallowed. PVC is toxic if ingested, and can become impacted in the crop or intestines.  I made a large perch for my umbrella cockatoo out of PVC and created a fun and safe play area.  To sand the PVC perches I used a very course grained sandpaper just enough to create ridges in the plastic and then used a finer grain to file down any rough spots.  Before you put the pieces of the stand together, run the sanded areas over the inside of your arm (where the skin is tender) up and down and back and forth like a violin bow.  If it is comfortable to you, it’s ready for your bird.

Make sure the construction is solid and the pieces fit tightly together so there are no places where birdie toes, tongues or wings might get caught.  DO NOT fill gaps with putty, insulating foam or any other product made for filling holes in general construction.  It is a much better idea to remove the branch and reshape it to a better fit.  Be careful not to allow the tips of any nails or screws to protrude.

Make the base wide and heavy – especially if you’re making something tall, like a bird tree.  Birds can play pretty rough, and they can easily topple something that becomes top heavy with their weight and activity.  If you have a large bird, this is one of the most important considerations of your project.

HERE’S A SIMPLE IDEA FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN MAKE QUICKLY:

Buy a large clay pot from a nursery or Walmart. Fill it with quick drying cement. Find a large branch (maybe 3″ or so in diameter) from a safe tree or use a length of 2X4 and stick in the middle of the cement and let it dry upright.  Attach smaller branches to the “trunk” at different angles and levels. Voila! You just made a play tree for your bird!

Quaker Parrot

This question came up on the birdtricks.com facebook the other day.  In order to answer this question, I think it is important for you to know what tea is and how it is sometimes used.  This way you can make an informed choice for your birds.

What is tea?

Simple enough! Tea is a beverage made by brewing the leaves, buds and twigs of  the tea plant (camelia sinensis) in hot water.  After allowing the tea to steep for a few minutes, the plant is strained out.  The longer you allow the tea to steep, the more potent the beverage becomes. There are four basic teas: white, black, green and oolong.

What is herbal tea?

Herbal teas are misnamed because they are not actually made from the tea plant.  Instead, it is made from various plant parts such as roots, flowers, seeds and leaves and prepared as a tea.  Herbal teas are used for physical and medical purposes.

What is a flavored tea?

Flavored teas actually are a true tea.  They are made from the tea plant with plant parts used for flavoring.  So peach ginger tea is made of leaves from the tea plant with peach and ginger plant parts added for flavoring.

What are decaffeinated teas?

Teas naturally have less caffeine than coffee, and through processing can be decaffeinated up to 99%.  A tea box marked caffeine free has to have at least 97% of the caffeine processed out.  A box marked naturally decaffeinated means that the process of removing the caffeine was not done with synthetic chemicals.  I don’t even want to think about my birds hopped up on caffeine.

Umbrella Cockatoo

What kind of tea can I give my parrot?

Decaffeinated flavored teas are fine for your birds provided that they are flavored with ingredients that are appropriate.  Avocado and chocolate or cocoa teas (yup, they exist!) are obviously bad choices.  Look at the ingredients and make sure they are bird safe.  Most fruit flavored teas will be fine.

Since herbal teas have been used for medicinal purposes throughout the centuries, it is important to know what the effects might have on your birds.  Many teas are used as stimulants or sedatives.  Some are used as anesthetics, others are used for specific ailments.  Unless otherwise recommended by your vet to help combat a specific health problem, I would stick with Chamomile teas, made from the flowers of that plant.  Chamomile has a mild calming effect and makes a wonderful bedtime drink for both you and your just-ten-more-minutes-mom parrot.

It is probably a good idea to look for teas that name themselves after the ingredients, like green apple tea.  Best to avoid extreme names like:  Holy Cow! or Dead To The World Tea. The ingredients might be a bit too harsh for little Sweet Pea.

How do I prepare tea for my parrot?

Make your tea as usual.  Before you add anything to your tea, take out 1/4 cup and put it in your birds cup.  Dilute the parrot tea with 3/4 to 1 cup water.  If you make your tea strong, dilute your parrot’s with more water.  Make sure you allow it to cool before serving.

Many birds will drink tea plain, but if you do decide to sweeten it (no milk please!) try not to use sugar.  We all know that white sugar is not great for us, but did you know that brown sugar is usually just white sugar with molasses added?  You can use honey, but only PASTEURIZED honey.  About 60% of the raw honey available today contains enough botulism to be harmful to parrots and infants.

Congo African Grey Parrot

How do I get my bird to drink tea?

Remember the parrot’s simple motto:  If it’s mine, it’s mine.  If it’s yours, it’s mine.  If you’re holding it, it’s mine. And if you are looking at it or thinking about it, as soon as I figure out what it is, it’s mine.

Prepare a cup of tea for yourself, and one for your parrot (as above).  Be sure that you use a suitable size cup for your species of  parrot.  A small bird could fall inside of a coffee mug and drown.  Let him watch you enjoy drinking yours, and then offer his cup.  The typically nosy parrot will investigate.  If your vet has placed your parrot on tea therapy, you can replace the drinking water with a bowl of the recommended tea.

For the parrot that doesn’t care for tea, a cup of warm water will often do.  This way you can both still enjoy the bedtime ritual.