How to Make a Climbing Grid Out of Rope for Large Parrots

Birds of all sizes like to climb. Rope climbing grids help your large parrot feel like it is exploring its natural environment in the jungle. Such a grid can also give your parrot something to play with, allowing it to create its own games with the gird. Pet and bird supply stores carry climbing grids in different sizes and shapes; however, these can be expensive. You can easily make your own at home for little money and little effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Sisal rope
  • Scissors
  • Quick links
  • Eye hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the space you will be setting up your completed climbing grid using a measuring tape. Add 4 to 8 inches to the total measurement. This will determine the size you want the grid to be.

    • 2

      Choose a rope that is at least 1 inch thick. Sisal rope is the best rope to use; however, you can also use cotton, untreated rope. It is safe for your parrot if it gets in its mouth and will not unravel and tangle its feet. The amount of rope you need depends on the size of the space where you will be suspending your grid.

    • 3

      Cut four lengths of rope to match measurements you took in Step 1. These four pieces will be the edges of your grid. Place these pieces on your work surface to create the outline of your grid, making sure the ends of the ropes overlap at the corners, so that the ends stick out between 4 to 8 inches. The exact length of overlap depends on the size of the grid. These loose ends will be used to attach the grid to the space.

    • 4

      Tie the corners of the grid together using a square knot. You can use another knotting technique, such as a rolling hitch, but you want to avoid anything that will slip.

    • 5

      Cut the remaining ropes into lengths that will fit within the outline of the grid. Ensure each rope has an additional 4 to 8 inches to the length to allow for tying. The number of ropes you will need depends on the size of your grid. The actual squares inside the finished grid should be 7 inches by 7 inches, so you will place a rope every 7 inches on the grid.

    • 6

      Place the ropes onto the grid to check placement. Do not place them closer than 7 inches. Otherwise, your parrot may become stuck and entangled in the final product.

    • 7

      Use the knotting method you used in Step 4 to tie the ropes together at every intersection and at the edges.

    • 8

      Use scissors to trim away any excess rope from Step 7. Also trim away any loose threads from the rope that may be sticking out.

    • 9

      Attach four quick links to the four lengths you left in Step 3. To do this, tie a knot in the ends of the ropes and then attach the quick links to it. Quick links are metal hooks, similar to a carabineer; except they have a screw closure instead of a spring-loaded one.

    • 10

      Install four large eye hooks into the space you intend to hang your finished grid spaced out the size of your grid. Hook the quick links through the eye hooks to hang your grid.