Any suggestions on making toys and gyms for larger birds, like my B&G?

What size PVC is better to use? I made a T-Stand with 1" PVC.. and I had to do a lot of work to make it stable, so I was thinking the 1" wasn't enough support?


Also.. I want to make a boing, but from what I've seen I'm not sure if it can handle the weight.. and my bird has a tendency of just bouncing up and down and rocking back and forth uncontrollably lol




Also.. toys... any websites? I've bought so many toys.. he destroys them (which is normal).. but the ladder, he ate through in a day.. it was a linked ladder and he pretty much took it apart by breaking through it lol.. so I would like to MAKE something that may last more than a day!

Any suggestions?



I saw the gym that.. Camille?.. lol made for her CAG, I would like something like that.. would you suggest 1-2"??? I was wondering if the gym she made was very supportive, because it looks like the design would be?

Hi Amber. Lets see if I can help you out.

As far as pvc pipe goes, 1" should be just fine. I made my gym with 1" and my geenwing plays on it with no problems. The diameter of the pvc is not going to make a difference with regards to stability. Keep in mind the taller you make a t-stand or gym, the more support its going to need. You will just need to find a design that will work for you. I had hubby's help with the support for mine.

With regards to the boing, they make them big enough for macaws or you can make your own. The difference is the wire in the middle of the boing. A thicker wire is used for larger birds. That should not be a problem. A thread was started before about how to make a boing. If you do a search, it will direct you to a website on how to make them. On the site, I believe it says what size wire to use for larger birds.

Toys.....ah yes. First thing to remember is a macaw is going to go through them fast. Thats what they do. But since they are so expensive for macaws, I make my own. Raeka will go through wood like nothing flat. This is what I do....I go to Home Depot and buy untreated pine 2X4's. Pine is safe for birds. You just have to make sure that its not treated with anything. I cut the 2X4's into pieces that I can drill holes into and string on strong hemp with other items and hang in her cage. You can even dye the wood if you want with food coloring. I do not recommend using kool aid as it has flavor and we want to discourage the fids from actually eating the wood. I get most of my toy parts from the dollar store. As a general rule of thumb, if it is safe for a baby, it will be safe for a bird. Buy stuff with non toxic paint, no zinc or lead. A great site is CheepParrotToysNTips...Welcome!!!. There are some great ideas and they are safe for the birds. Be careful though. Making toys can become addicting. LOL! As a matter of fact, I just bought a miter saw and a drill press because I make so many for my birds and others. Going to be cutting some wood today as a matter of fact. I believe there are instructions on how to make a boing on this website too. Good luck and have fun! Feel free to pm me with any questions or anything. I love making toys for my babies.

although by birds aren't actually big, I use a copper pipe base that I put the PVC gyms on top of. If you use 1" PVC 3/4" copper would slide into it nicely.

Ollie's PVC palace is great because the gym up top doesn't get any wider than the base. I think it's nearly impossible to knock over. I don't know much about macaws, so I can't be of anymore help!