Homemade Bird Swing

Pet birds not getting enough exercise could be jeopardizing their mental and physical health. Feather picking, self-mutilation, screaming, poor blood circulation and respiratory function and foot injuries can result from lack of daily exercise. A swing is an item that birds enjoy, and this is an toy you can easily make on your own. A swing will strengthen your bird's legs, torso and neck muscles. With a few items that you already have you can easily create a swing for your bird to play.

  1. Beaded Swing

    • With beads, string and a dowel rod you can make a decorative wing. Find a piece of dowel rod with a hole through the center at a craft store. Saw the dowel rod at the length you want your swing to be. Cut a piece of hemp string long enough to go through the rod and have about 8 inches hang over each side. Put beads down both sides of the string until there is only 1 inch of string showing on each end. Tie the two ends together, and then tie the swing in a double or triple knot onto the cage. Move the swing around as you wish by undoing the knotting. This gives the bird a different view.

    Three-Rod Swing

    • At a craft store buy a dowel rod about 1 inch in diameter and two half-inch rods. Two metal hooks to fit into the inch rods are also needed. With a small saw cut the large dowel rod as long as you want the swing to be. Cut the smaller dowel rods as long as you want the swing to hang. Take a half-inch drill bit and use a screwdriver to drill two holes into the the larger dowel rod. Push the smaller dowel rods into the larger one where you cut the two holes. Use superglue if the fit is loose. You should now have a U shape. Place the two metal hooks into the ends of the smaller dowel rods not connected to the large dowel rod. Connect the metal hooks onto the top of the cage.

    Ring Swing

    • With a large circular ring, D ring, glue and string you can make an easy swing. Take a large metal or wooden swing at least 6 inches in diameter, or larger if you have a large bird. Wrap the entire ring with hemp string or leather string. Start by gluing a small area and wrap around until the entire ring is covered. Glue the last wrap so it doesn't come unraveled. Attach a D ring to the large ring. Hang the D ring on the top of the cage.

    Wire Swing

    • Using metal wire, some string and jump rings you can make a durable swing. Take 3 feet of 20-gauge metal wire. Bend it to make a square shape, but overlap one side with wire. This will prevent a loose leg. Open two jump rings with pliers. Put two jump rings around the double-sided leg of the square. Wrap what will be the bottom leg of the triangle with hemp string or leather cord and glue into place. Close the jump rings around the top of the cage.