My Bird Tree

**dandalyon** · 06-08-2010, 07:17 AM

...after a very productive toy-making night. Usually it's not so completely covered in toys (all homemade

), but I'm stocking up for when I redo the cage layouts this week.

With Rafiki and Abu posing for scale (toucan isn't real, unfortunately!)

In case anyone is interested or looking for ideas for their own bird tree...
The tree is made from a bunch of maple branches (bark stripped off) from an unfortunate tree that we had to chop down.
The branches were stripped, cleaned, and tied together with sisal rope, and the 'trunk' of the tree was shoved into an old Christmas tree stand, that was screwed down to a piece of ikea wood (birch effect, lol), to which I attached some wheels bought at the hardware store so the tree can be rolled into any part of the room I want. There is also an old popcorn bowl I cut a hole in and flipped over to cover the christmas tree stand, because otherwise the stand is a pain to clean (decorative grooves, pfft).

When my three lovebirds are let out to stretch their wings, and they need their own place to land and hang out on, this moveable tree is perfect. I usually put it in the middle of the room for them.

Everything the tree is made of is totally recycled (sometimes I think I'm too frugal?), except for the wheels, which I had to buy because I didn't have any random wheels lying around.

If anyone is interested I might do a thread on some of my toy-making tips too. I've never bought a bird toy, I just make them, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve

**SandraK** · 06-08-2010, 07:48 AM

Also looks like your 2 of your lovies approve of your tree. There's nothing wrong with recycled materials - your tree looks pretty good too.

**dandalyon** · 06-09-2010, 07:58 AM

They do approve, especially Abu because when I put him on there he can't fly away

Nothing wrong with recycled... but I recycle everything for my birds. No piece of sisal is left behind, no matter how small

**Lori&Tully** · 06-13-2010, 07:45 PM

I love the tree. Great job. And yeah toy making ideas are fun. I always seem to make things my birds have no interest in whatsoever

**sweeties mom** · 06-14-2010, 08:15 AM

I like it!! Is it secured firmly to the bottom leg platform?

**parrotlifer** · 06-18-2010, 06:29 AM

Great idea and looks like they can have fun

**McDenny** · 07-01-2010, 11:22 AM

Wow GREAT looking tree! What did you use to connect the horizontal branches? I had to trim down my tree due to space so I want to add some horizontal branches like you have.

And toy making tips are always welcome!!!

**dandalyon** · 07-03-2010, 09:48 AM

I like it!! Is it secured firmly to the bottom leg platform?

Yep, the tree trunk is screwed into the metal stand, which is screwed onto the wooden platform.

What did you use to connect the horizontal branches?

Lots and lots of sisal rope wrapped around and tied up. I would have to replace if the birds chewed it too much, but so far they haven't touched it.

**dojidog** · 07-29-2010, 04:44 AM

Very, very nice! My birds are now beating me over the head with their wings to convince me to make one as well! I actually made a play top gym out of maple! I custom cut the bottom board to make it fit perfectly on top of the cockatiel cage. I left the bark on my maple though because my birds love ripping it off! Where did you get sisal rope? What other kinds of rope are safe? Is there a possibility the birds will get their toes caught in the rope or no? I used stainless steel screws and a drill for my gym because I was unsure about using rope. How did you clean your branches? I washed mine very well three times and then baked them in the oven to kill any remaining insects or bacteria.

http://hungrybird.blog.com/