How to Make a Bird Playpen

Birds are intelligent creatures that need mental stimulation for optimal health. Providing a playpen, t-stand perch or play stand for your birds gives them needed stimulation and exercise. For some birds, time spent out of the cage will help prevent them from acting out for attention or from boredom. Whether you choose to make a simple t-stand perch or a tabletop playpen, a portable play stand allows you to keep your sociable pet with you anywhere in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Perches
  • Branches
  • Bird Ladder
  • Bird Toys
  • Base
  • Bird-safe glue
  • Food and water dishes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a play stand kit or the individual parts from a vendor of your choice. Choose materials that are appropriate for your bird's size, tail length and beak strength.

    • 2

      Choose your accessories. Look for natural, clean and unsprayed wood. Manzanita, maple, eucalyptus and fruit trees are good choices. Avoid soft woods or branches with pitch (which is harmful to birds), like pine. PVC pipe also works well, as it is safe and easy to clean.

    • 3

      Select a base for your stand. A formaldehyde-free particleboard or laminate is preferable.

    • 4

      Construct the play stand. If you purchased a kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions for this step. Otherwise, creatively decide where to place perches to allow your bird a good mix of exercise and convenience. Spread out the perches so your bird will have plenty of room to climb, but place them close to where you plan to hang toys and treats. Be mindful of where droppings may fall, and do not position any perches close to the edges of the base. Then drill out the base and cut the perches so they fit together tightly. Reinforce these components with bird-safe glue. The end result should include perches of different shapes, sizes and textures on multiple levels, perhaps connected by a ladder or two.

    • 5

      Attach food and water cups near the play stand's highest perch. Birds are prey animals and feel vulnerable when eating. The height provides security and allows your bird to enjoy treats while on the play stand.

    • 6

      Decorate the play stand with plenty of appropriately sized toys. Hang a couple above the perches you want your bird to spend the most time on. Then hang a climbing toy in a less convenient location to encourage your bird to exercise. If the toys did not come with a fastener, try a nickel-plated cup hook.

    • 7

      Test each component of the play stand before allowing your bird to play on it. The components should be sturdy and able to withstand your bird's weight.

    • 8

      Introduce your bird to the play stand slowly. Monitor your bird on the different perches and make necessary adjustments. If your bird slips on any perches or PVC, try sanding or wrapping the slippery surfaces with vet wrap or sisal rope.