My homemade cargo net

[blackhawk007]

First off.... Rope can be dangerous/deadly for birds. I can not recommend the use of something like this unless your parrot is under constant supervision.

OK now to the thread. A little while back I ordered several hundred feet of untreated rope for various projects. For this one I used 5/8" manila rope. I then soaked the rope in water to cause it to shrink, then dried it in my dryer (on my dryers shoe rack). This results in a thicker 1 inch rope that's easier to tie knots. I had done a ton of research on how to make these. As it turns out, everything that I read was tossed to the trash. I ended up looking closely at the net listed on MSBS and used the knots that look like theirs. I decided to make each square 8 inches long/wide. This just seems like it would work well with both my Amazon and Macaw.

So far I have about 3/4 of it done. Its nice to be able to make it the exact size that I need to hang behind my double java tree. But I will likely never make another one. It's just too much work to make more than one.

Its hanging there just until its completed.

 

[gemini84]

i myself am wanting to make one of these for my alex's. what sized ropewoukd you suggest and how much if it would i need to make one for them? i was thinking of making it about 1.5m x 1.5m, i think thats about 5ft x 5ft
thankyou so much

 

[blackhawk007]

For that size I suggest you take a look at one of the 4 listed at MSBS. I say this because the rope will cost you about the same price. Its only beneficial to make it on your own when your making something bigger. Mine is 8ft x 8.5ft.

Aronico Canopy Medium Short Cargo Net - *NEW* ITEMS by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

 

[Jtbirds]

Wow black that is really nice... How long has it taken you to make that?

Sure ruthie will love it

 

[blackhawk007]

The whole project lasted a few days. But I stopped several times to change things around, and restarted when I made changes.

This is the first test run to see how it hangs. We like it, it turned out well. When I am done will rotate it 90 degrees so its more wide than tall. If I leave it the way it is now they will be able to climb down to the floor, that's not a good thing.

 

[Kiwibird]

Very nice, it looks professionally made! I bet your flock will be quite excited to try it out. I've actually been debating making a (much smaller) version of one of these for the new play tree I ordered Kiwi. The gap between the lowest branch and the base appears too big for him to get to the bottom (he likes to pick up dropped treats). I would also need to make a custom size. Do you have a link on how to tie the knots so they are secure, or did you just figure it out on your own?

 

[Merlee]

Beautiful job!! I would like to make one as well, but would like step by step instructions on how to do it.

 

[MarciaLove]

it looks awesome! im just starting mine now

 

[blackhawk007]

I will try to get a short video together to explain some of it. There are really only a few things you need to be told about. The rest is totally up to you and your birds.

For example I went with the thickest rope that my Amazon likes because I wanted my Macaw to be able to use it too. The rope spacing is also a compromise for both birds. So I will show you my knots and a few tips. The rest is where the DIY takes over.

 

[blackhawk007]

Its starting to look like the picture I had in mind. Just need to trim the loose ends and tighten up the slack.

 

[JerseyWendy]

PHENOMENAL, Steve!!! My jaw's literally WIDE open! You did an outstanding job with that thing.

Darn, so you don't feel like making one for me, huh? :54:

As per your post, did I understand you correctly that it is worth buying from MSBS as the materials are quite costly??

 

[Parrotdise]

That looks really nice, is there a special type of knot you are suppose to tie in order to make it?

 

[blackhawk007]

PHENOMENAL, Steve!!! My jaw's literally WIDE open! You did an outstanding job with that thing.

Darn, so you don't feel like making one for me, huh? :54:

As per your post, did I understand you correctly that it is worth buying from MSBS as the materials are quite costly??

The sizes that they offer are well worth the price they are selling them for. I would only recommend making it if you wanted one that is bigger or a special size.

But yes, its awesome! I am making videos of their first climbs right now.

 

[blackhawk007]

That looks really nice, is there a special type of knot you are suppose to tie in order to make it?

There are a few places online that suggest certain knots for things like this. I just found that the knots were way too bulky. This link exactly that
How To Make A Climbing Net For Your Parrot

I will make a video soon of what I used. For now we are all playing with it.

 

[blackhawk007]

Here is Teka's first adventure. He doesn't do so well when the smooth branches don't have vet wrap. He did well for the first time.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4ipqNyT76A]Teka testing out the climbing net - YouTube[/ame]

 

[blackhawk007]

Ruthie is just a bit faster and has a slightly easier time traversing the entire setup.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t3NNVEn3Z0]Ruthie's first time on the net. - YouTube[/ame]

 

[ConureCrazy]

That's awesome! Your birds seem to LOVE it!I'm looking to make a large one now, to hang from the ceiling as a central hanging gym, equipped with toys, etc. I would love to see a video explaining the knots! Are they just the simple everyday knots or something a bit different? I can't tell.

 

[Merlee]

Looking at the knots via the link is confusing. I am looking forward to seeing a video. I also have a macaw and amazon parrot so I will have to make it so it's safe for the Big Bird. lol.

 

[blackhawk007]

Success! At least I know it was worth my time.

[ame=http://youtu.be/4kXnsZusKjw]Ruthie apparently learns quick - YouTube[/ame]

 

[blackhawk007]

I hope this helps.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2xVV32TLVo"]Parrot cargo net knots Part 1 - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-7tvvQTLfY"]Parrot cargo net knots Part 2 - YouTube[/ame]