How to replace ladder hooks?

[fangirl]

My cockatiel Dinah absolutely LOVES her wood ladder. She'd be unhappy if I removed it-- she already dealt with me replacing her soft cotton rope perches with not-so-soft sisal rope perches (she was chewing up the cotton rope perches). I've heard about the dangers of the hooks at the end of the ladder (to secure it against the cage).

How do I go about replacing these with pear links/quick links? I am utterly inexperienced in anything involving drills/screws/tools in general, so if someone could give me a detailed step-by-step, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, is there a softer wood perch that's safe for birds, or something similar to Happy Perch? I would be much appreciate some recommendations since Dinah really liked those comfy perches.

 

[SailBoat]

My cockatiel Dinah absolutely LOVES her wood ladder. She'd be unhappy if I removed it-- she already dealt with me replacing her soft cotton rope perches with not-so-soft sisal rope perches (she was chewing up the cotton rope perches). I've heard about the dangers of the hooks at the end of the ladder (to secure it against the cage).

How do I go about replacing these with pear links/quick links? I am utterly inexperienced in anything involving drills/screws/tools in general, so if someone could give me a detailed step-by-step, I'd really appreciate it.

Also, is there a softer wood perch that's safe for birds, or something similar to Happy Perch? I would be much appreciate some recommendations since Dinah really liked those comfy perches.

I will let others deal with the toys part!

Tools! Having and learning to use them is the fastest way to independents there is!

I'm a strong believer in using the Big Box Store's Saturday Knowledge Classes! Near every Saturday, they will have some kind of class regarding any number of DIY projects and the tools needed to complete those projects. Both the Big Box Stores, but more commonly the smaller Hardware Stores have very knowledgeable staff that will direct you to the specific tools you need and how to 'Getter Done!' By the way, for a Grandpa, its the perfect way to get the family into my World!

If you are talking about a traditional threaded hook, they can be easily removed use any screw driver. Place the screwdriver between the outer and inner sections of the hook and turn. If it gets tighter, reset the screwdriver and turn the other direction (The whole righty tighty and lefty loosey thing). Replace with a closed hook (an eye) of like size and screw (turn) it into the same hole. Use the screw driver to tighten. Now, if you have a pair of pliers you can use them to simply close the opening of the hook and that may also solve your problem. FYI - set the quick link in the hook prior to closing it!

If you do not have a tool box, please set aside the money to develop one!
Step One: They are no longer called tool boxes, but are now tool bags (commonly canvas). I like red ones! They are very hard to hide and also steal, since the stick-out to loudly! FYI, you will need a mid-sized bag, something that you will grow into as you add to it! Big bags become to heavy and small bags run out of room quickly!

Go to a Big Box Store prior to or during a holiday and they commonly have sales on hand tools! If there is not a sale going on, ask when the next one will be happening! Think gifts for Dad and those days that proceed needing that kind of gifts. In the USA we have a big three day holiday coming up at the end of August!

Find someone in the hand tool /power tool section that is older than you ( I'm finding that to be more and more difficult these days ). If the person is in the hand and power tool area they commonly know what they are doing!!! Tell them what you have in the way of tools, be painfully honest to you level of knowledge and what things you plan on doing now and what you will like to do in the future.

Most hand tools come in sets and are commonly less expensive than buying an individual tool. Example: A single screw driver will cost as much as a 1/3 of the cost of a set of five of varying sizes.

Take a tablet of paper and a pen, and create a want list. Note, at first, the number and types of tools in these areas can be a mental overload! But, I assure you that with a little help, you can quickly understand what is for you and what you may need later.

How to become handy! When something semi mechanical finally dies - take it apart! Several things come of this process: You learn to use tools and what tools work and what tools do not! Also, what tools you may need to add to your set. But most importantly, you learn skills you did not have before. Also, you reduce the size of what you are trashing!

A Dry Run! Visit the store, find the hand and power tool section! Find a Staff person (FYI, I find the gals in these areas just as knowledgeable as the guys). Tell them you are developing a list of hand tools you will be buying and what they recommend as a starter set, a good working set and a semi-professional DIY'ers set. Determine the cost point of each and buy the most complete set you can afford at this time. Also, ask what hand tools are must haves at each level.

If you need a guiding light, look for KIWIBIRD's Threads in the DYI and other threads! I would let her into my workshop any day of the Week and Twice on Sunday!

 

[Inger]

I bought myself a little starter tool set on Amazon when I moved into my own place recently (boyfriend has every tool ever invented so I didn't need one before that). It was about $30 and has a nice variety of screwdrivers, pliers, etc. it's Stanley brand and comes in a bright yellow bag so fits Mr. Boats' easy to see requirements. They have a bunch that come in plastic shaped boxes where each tool has a space, but the bag is better since you can add to it as needed.


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[fangirl]

Can't believe I didn't think of shutting the hooks closed with pliers! Worked like a charm! Thanks

And MAYBE I'll get more into tools someday... I have a basic tool set and I took a wood shop class in college, but it's definitely not something I'm very good at, lol.

 

[Katu]

Could someone please explain to a newbie about the dangers of eye hooks? I'm not sure I understand the problem. I'm troubleshooting every possible thing before I get a bird. Have all the tools, just need a better understanding.

 

[Flboy]

Could someone please explain to a newbie about the dangers of eye hooks? I'm not sure I understand the problem. I'm troubleshooting every possible thing before I get a bird. Have all the tools, just need a better understanding.

Tried to find some photos, but!
My first time handling a parrot was because of an open clasp! At in-law's house, sister in law started screaming for help! I found her cockatiel hanging from a cage toy by her beak! It was through her beak and she was helpless! All I could do was to hold the helpless little thing while Kathleen freed her! All went well, but I was a basket case!
This is an all too often death for many parrots!

 

[Katu]

I don't know why I still can't picture the danger! How did the open clasp get through the beak? I feel dumb. I have a ladder and it has hooks on the end...

 

[Flboy]

I don't know why I still can't picture the danger! How did the open clasp get through the beak? I feel dumb. I have a ladder and it has hooks on the end...

I am ignorant on the terminology, I apologize! A parrot's beak has several ways of entrapment! The upper beak and the nares(nose holes) share a common opening. Lower beak has space where it joins the face, I think! When playing with an open hook, they can easily slip the open end through the other side. The resulting panic is pure horror! Either ugly death or life of extreme handicaps!

 

[Katu]

Okay, I think I get that! Unfortunately, in going through older threads here, a lot of pictures no longer work, and google wasn't bringing up anything either. Thanks!