Sand? For Tree stand base

[ConureAZ]

I want to make a tree stand for my baby Oliver ( he won't need it for a bit though. I have an umbrella stand I would like to use as the base. But what should I put in it to hold the wood up? Of course I want something bird safe I was thinking heavy rocks/ bricks in the toe to give it more stability. Let me know what you think.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Will those 2 riding boots be the bottom of the stand? They look AWESOME!!!!!

Rocks and/or sand would work well to stabilize the boots.

 

[Merlee]

Interesting idea. Are you going to cover the top of the filler with something to prevent droppings from getting into it?

 

[Megapixel]

I'd use sand or aquarium sized gravel and leave enough space on top for shredded paper
I doubt it would be necessary to add anything extra to the toe area. I'm guessing it would take close to 20# of sand to fill the stand, so it would take a lot of force to tip it. The only thing I would maybe do for stability, though I doubt it would be at all necessary, is attach (via glue of some sort) a wood base to the bottom. probably 12-16" square or round.

 

[MikeyTN]

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/39512-trip-lifetime.html

In the above thread if you look in the pictures on how they have their stand over sand on the bottom. I would probably use clay kitty litter, fragrance free ones.

 

[ConureAZ]

Those are great ideas! I hadn't thought of droppings... I think maybe doing the aquarium gravel form the bulk and the adding a fine sand on top, that I could just scoop poop up. Now I need to go branch hunting. We have mesquite trees here

Thanks for everyone's help. I will post pics when it's done

 

[MikeyTN]

I wouldn't do any aquarium gravel period. It makes the scooping part complicated. Cause once in awhile you should empty the whole thing out and replace with all new litter.

 

[Megapixel]

The poop in the sand/gravel/litter issue could be easily eliminated by using something like a plastic tray or platter. Just cut a hole in the center and it could either rest on the boots or it could be raised by adding something to the pole to support it.
That's what I did when I turned an old coat rack into a bird stand. I haven't use it in years because it's gotten kind of wobbly, but I still have it in storage collecting dust and cobwebs. I'll get a pic of it later

 

[ConureAZ]

Hmmm good point... Litter would be easiest then

 

[ConureAZ]

The poop in the sand/gravel/litter issue could be easily eliminated by using something like a plastic tray or platter. Just cut a hole in the center and it could either rest on the boots or it could be raised by adding something to the pole to support it.
That's what I did when I turned an old coat rack into a bird stand. I haven't use it in years because it's gotten kind of wobbly, but I still have it in storage collecting dust and cobwebs. I'll get a pic of it later

Ya, they sell these thin plastic pans at the dollar store. That would be easy to cut to fit. I could put it just below the rim and then put down a paper towel or something that is disposable.

There are so many options!

 

[Mattroma]

I would avoid using sand bought from Home Depot or lowes. it is filled with some type of metal shavings. Shavings are small but wouldn't want to take risk of bird ingesting some.

 

[Megapixel]

As promised I dug out the old stand to show how I used a plastic tray. In the process, I ended up cleaning it up and I got it ready for use again.
I posted my own story/how to with pics in a separate thread found here
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/39568-hat-coat-rack-bird-stand.html#post343329