DIY Wood Ladder

[JohnH]

Hi folks. I would like to make a wood ladder for a lesser sulphur crested cockatoo. Can anyone tell me what the appropriate spacing should be for the rungs? The ladder width will be approximately 6 inches. Was thinking of using 5/8 or 3/4 dowels for the rungs. Ladder length will be roughly 4-6ft long.

I was also thinking about putting together an outdoor cage this coming spring. Something big enough for flight, 8'x12' maybe. Wondering if it is ok to use common chicken wire? The bird will only be in the cage for a few hours every couple days, supervised at all times.

 

[Flboy]

You can make a real cool ladder using rope and branches! When I was in the circus, we made rope ladders using simple twisted rope, dowels, and lashing! Just google it, very simple!
Multiple issues using chicken wire, zinc poisoning and will be shredded in minutes!!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Thanks for this thread, John!
I would like to make a ramp for my Luddite (also not too bright) Patagonian Conure.
You just gave me the idea.
What's the best wood? Stainless steel clamps of some kind as anchor????
I want it to be a path for him to climb from his cagetop to a high-rise perch above...
I'm excited!

 

[JohnH]

Thanks for the reply FL boy. I do plan on making other ladders the way you mentioned but I would like this particular ladder to be all wood. I'd just like to make the rung spacing appropriate for this bird. What wire/screen would you recommend for the outdoor cage?

GaleriaGila I was going to use select pine from HD. Haven't thought out the details on how to attach it just yet. Probably a couple ss bolts or hooks. I want it to be secure but not permanent.

 

[wrench13]

John, pre made ladders will be cheaper then making one from scratch.
Consider using the heavy poly chain from HD as a way for your guy to get around. Salty has sections hanging from the ceiling to get around.

Mesh. Any steel coated wire or mesh will a) rust eventually and b) will be zinc plated, which is toxic to parrots. Stainless steel mesh is available nut it is N-O-T cheap. And you parrot can not be able to bite thru it ( and they can do it) .

 

[JohnH]

Thanks wrench. I like your chain idea. Will likely be incorporating some into the mix.
As for the mesh, If i decide to follow through with the outdoor project i will use stainless. One major concern I have with bringing the bird outdoors is bugs, specifically tics. There is a huge tic epidemic where I live.

 

[JohnH]

Here it is. It is temporary but serves its purpose.
Total cost was approximately $30 including stainless steel screws and hooks. I may end up cutting into 2 or 3 smaller ladders in the spring after I find a more permanent place for the cage. Will use the smaller ladders for other bird projects.

 

[Flboy]

Holy cow! When you go big, you really go big! That is awesome!

 

[JohnH]

Lol, it's taller than me.
Going to put a second set of hooks on it so I can hang it on a different angle in a different spot. like I mentioned, it is temporary. My little feathered friend scaled it no problem.

 

[JohnH]

Another picture

 

[wrench13]

The Ladder to Success ! LOL, Sometimes I crack me up!

Great job! And cheaper then i thought. Want to make me one?

 

[JohnH]

If you are serious i suppose I could. Tell me what length you want and rung diameter. I used 3/4".

 

[JohnH]

Al I can't send private messages yet. If you want to pm me your number I can call or text you.

 

[JohnH]

Two down, 27 more to go.

 

[JohnH]

All my work going down the tube



[ame="https://youtu.be/nege_xKCYWM"]Wood Chipper - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Shoegoo]

My GCC learned to use this when she was young. Its faster than a ladder.

 

[JohnH]

What am I looking at there? Bad eyes + blurry sideways picture = no can tell.

 

[Shoegoo]

Its a 3/4"x 4'0" wooden dowel fastened to the corner of the cage. Drilled a hole in one end and attached it to the cage with twine. She's pretty fast at going up.

I didn't want to spend lot of time building a ladder and then have her turn her nose up at it because she has a ladder in her cage that she doesn't use.

 

[JohnH]

Ah, thanks for the explanation. I will give that a try.

 

[JohnH]

Although the ladder is no longer being used for its intended purpose, it's turning out to be a fantastic chew toy.