I got the idea for making this tree from someone on a parakeet messageboard. This "tree" is a great exercise gym for your birds. It also provides a great source of wood for your feathered friend to chew up! The only limitations for this tree is your imagination as you can customize it based on the needs, likes, and personality of your bird!

SUPPLIES

There only a few simple items I suggest you use to make your tree.

*Planter: I suggest getting a round planter, with as wide a diameter as possible. The reason is that when your birds use the bathroom it will land in the planter instead of on the floor! We got our planter at Walmart and I think we may have paid around 5.00 for it.

*3- 6 foot tall Bamboo Sticks: We got our tall bamboo at a locally hobby store. These are what add the height to the tree..very important because birds love being up high!

*Pea Gravel: We used almost 2 bags. Available at Lowes/Home Depot, etc.

*Sisal Twine: Used to attach branches to your 6 foor tall bamboo branches.

*Corn Cob Litter: This is what you use to cover the pea gravel and for easy bird poop clean up!

*Branches: We used Poplar branches. Just make sure that your branches come from a tree that is safe for birds. Also get them away from a heavy traffic/pollution area. We cleaned and disinfected prior to using!!

*Toys/food cups, etc. Note I suggest getting food cups with a flat back. Then you can use adhesive velcro to attach the tall bamboo. Note the food cups in the photo below.

Click for larger view

HOW TO ASSEMBLE:

Assembly is very easy but I would suggest having two people there.

*Make sure you clean and disinfect your branches, outdoor and tall bamboo branches before starting!!

*Fill the planter a little less than half full with pea gravel.

*Insert your 3, 6 foot tall bamboo stalks. The wider you get them apart the more room you'll have.

*Fill planter around 3/4 full of pea gravel

*Add corn cob liter over the top of the gravel

*Add your branches horizontally. I would suggest your branches be wider than the space between the bamboo stalks. It just add more space for your birds to play. Use your sisal twine to attach the branches to your bamboo stalks. Just wrap around until the branches are VERY secure. The photo belows shows how we wrapped the sisal twine around the branches to add to the bamboo stalks:

*Now customize as you wish. I suggest putting ladders between the levels. My husband made ladders using sisal twine and smaller diameter branches! See the photo below of Grendel climbing the ladder!

NOW THE FUN!

Just add birds! lol Just make sure your bird is comfortable with the tree before bird on the tree. Some birds are more cautious and afraid of new toys. If your bird is timid assemble your tree and let your bird see it for a few days before trying to introduce him to it.

Scroll through the photos below to see my 3 birds enjoying the tree. You may also see more detail on how the tree is assembled in the photos! If you make a tree let me know! I'd love to see the photos!