How to Build a PVC Pipe Parrot Gym

Parrots are very active creatures and need time out of their cages but also time away from their human companions to develop independence. There are several types of play gyms to choose from with a wide range of pricing. Building a play gym out of PVC pipe is fairly easy and cheap. They are also much easier to clean than wooden play gyms. The following instructions for a PVC pipe play gym are suitable for cockatiels and conures. Depending on species of parrot, increase perch (pipe diameter) accordingly.

Things You'll Need

  • 20’ of ½” PVC pipe (cold-water)
  • Tube cutter
  • 3 x ½” cross fittings
  • 8 x 45-degree ½” elbows
  • 14 x ½” T-fittings
  • 4 x ½” end caps
  • 2 Screw-on plastic bowls
  • 1 Large cement-mixing pan (27” x 20”)
  • Vet wrap
  • Casters (optional)
  • Nickel-plated or stainless steel screw eyes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Start by cutting the PVC pipe for the base. Four 5” pieces are needed, four 12” pieces and four 18” pieces. The 12” pieces are connected by a cross fitting to steady the base (horizontally). The cement-mixing pan rests on the bottom cross. Connect the 5” pieces via T-fittings to the 18” pieces, top with T-fittings (vertically).

    • 2

      Next, cut four 6” pieces and put in T-fitting top opening. Cut four 8” pieces to serve as perches as well as four 12” pieces to build the second cross section, fitting the 12” pieces on the T-fitting facing inward (remember, the section is to look like a connected cross). The 8” pieces will be inserted into the openings of the T-fittings. Add end caps.

    • 3

      Insert 45-degree angle fittings on top of 6” pieces along with a 2.5” piece and another 45 degree angle fitting to form another cross out of two 10” pieces (need to be cut and added diagonally) and add two more 12” pieces which are also added diagonally to a T-fitting. Add a 45-degree angle fitting to each of the 6” pieces. The 10” pieces must be connected to the 45-degree angle fittings.

    • 4

      Cut two more 12” pieces to be added to the remaining T-fitting openings to build the feeding area of the play gym. Top the 12” pieces with 45-degree angle fittings and add a 2.5” piece to both sides along with a 45-degree angle fitting. Cut a 20” piece. Drill holes to attached feeding bowls. Insert 20” piece into the 45-degree angle fittings.

    • 5

      In order to ensure a good grip for the bird, wrap PVC pipe with vet wrap. Putting grooves in the PVC pipe can cause lose fibers which are toxic if ingested by the bird. Vet wrap will need to be replaced when soiled on. Notch out an area on the cement-mixing pan to fit on top of bottom cross.Depending on preference, holes can be drilled into the different perches to attached toys. Make sure toys are placed in a soil free area.