I want to build this, anyone have any tips?

[Doris48]

I saw this on Amazon.com and thought this would be perfect.BUT its almost 200 dollars.So I want to build it myself out of PVC.

Heres the link..Do you think this is possible to build?
Anyone try something like this?
Do you think birds would like this?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/DUST3004-Playgym-Medium-82in-Bird/dp/B004CLJ1UI/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1330952142&sr=8-13"]Zoo Max DUST3004 Playgym Medium 24 x 28 x 82in Bird Toy: Amazon.com: Pet Supplies[/ame]

 

[roxynoodle]

Definitely you could build that. Someone here did one with the ladders out of PVC. You will just need to buy a lot of connectors, lol! It's all those Ts and 90 degree corners that are expensive. The pieces of pipe are pretty cheap really. But, certainly you could do it for less than that one at Amazon costs.

 

[Wulfgeist]

Now I want to make a trip to Home Depot lol

 

[IcyWolf]

Building with PVC is super easy! Here's what I would recommend though...

Decide how big you want it, since you're custom making it for your birds, not only will you save a ton of money but you can make it as big or small as you want and change anything you don't like. Graph paper can make it a little easier to keep your scale correct but I've never had a problem just winging it with pvc.

Buy a pvc pipe cutter! They aren't expensive and you will not regret it! I've made stands in the past and all I had was a hack saw, by the time I was done my arm was killing me and my floor was covered in little plastic shavings :20:

Count how many joints you will need and make a list, it's always best to get a few extras if you can.

Kicksnj had some great advice for texturing and staining pvc that can be found here. This will up your cost a little bit, if you don't feel up to doing all of this, you could always just use vet wrap. http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/15622-pvc-bird-play-gym-stand.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/15622-pvc-bird-play-gym-stand-3.html

I think you will be surprised with how easy it is to make things out of pvc, and it is incredibly cheap, I just picked up 1/2 inch pvc pipe for about $3 a pipe and you can buy the connectors in bulk bags at home depot and they only usually run about 50 cents a piece. Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[roxynoodle]

I second a pipe cutter unless you have a power miter saw. If you do, you can cut very quickly and easily. I use my miter saw whenever I can.

Doris has a GCC and an amazon so it would probably be a good idea to use larger CVPC or PVC and add some half inch parts for the greenie. They do sell transition pieces of plumbing to connect larger and smaller pipe.

 

[stephend]

I would reccomend some sort of floor for your copy. A sheet of plywood, or just a sheet should work.

 

[Doris48]

Thanks everyone. I will def. get a pvc cutter.I only have a hacksaw.
I was thinking about making one for the amazon, maybe not as detailed because he is a bit of a couch potato and one for the conure and the tiel to share.

 

[luvmytooo]

That's a great idea Doris48 , I have so many projects that I want to start , lolol.
Now I will add yours to the pile

 

[triordan]

I made one it wasn't hard at all... I also have extra pieces so I can change it around

 

[Remy]

triordan - That's a great stand!

I haven't made a PVC stand yet, but the online tutorials I've watched make them look super easy. I definitely wouldn't spend $200 for that stand, even though it is pretty cool. You can also paint the parts yourself, and make them any color you want!

 

[luvmytooo]

triordan , I have no words ......I'm awestruck ! The stand isnt bad either
No really , it's a work of art , just beautiful . The GW is stunning

 

[Rio Mom]

This is the one my husband and I made. We used 3/4inch pvc pipe, kind of inbetween the perches sizes of the two birds so they can both use it. (one at a time of course) I think the materials cost a total of around $60-$70 to make all three things, with some leftover supplies too.

 

[luvmytooo]

Nice job ! And you cant beat the price for making all three !
I like your choice of sizes of the PVC too . I bet your guys love climbing on it

 

[Rio Mom]

Nice job ! And you cant beat the price for making all three !
I like your choice of sizes of the PVC too . I bet your guys love climbing on it

Thanks! River loves playing around on it, and since that picture was taken the swing in the middle has been replaced with a huge boing. Pepper just got brave enough to step onto it the other day.

 

[luvmytooo]

I hung a boing up for my guys . It took Rosie all of five minutes to get on it , lol.
Yoshi , well , he takes things in before making any rash decisions , lol. He jumped on it after 3 days , lolol. He is a very careful young man
Once they get on it , get ready for some entertainment !
I'm sure Pepper is going to love it

 

[Doris48]

Wow triodorn and riomom those both look nice..My biggest concern is making sure its sturdy so the dogs dont knock it over, but not so bulky I cant move it around.

 

[roxynoodle]

One advantage to PVC is how light it is. These days I consider light weight important; either that or wheels!

 

[Rio Mom]

Mine has wheels on it, makes it easy to move wherever.

 

[triordan]

Wow triodorn and riomom those both look nice..My biggest concern is making sure its sturdy so the dogs dont knock it over, but not so bulky I cant move it around.

mine is on wheels~ that particular one i leave at the beach house, that way its always there and less to pack! It easily fits through a siding door back into the house~

 

[chksbak]

here is the one i made. and with the vet wrap and ropes i used to wrap it in i do got about 60 bucks into it. and magoo is too scared to use it still after about 4 weeks of looking at it, he will beak it a little but has not got on it yet.