How to Build a Playpen for a Parrot

A parrots playpen should replicate the trees in the wild.

Avian pets like parrots can be very rewarding to own and offer great company. Like all animals, though, parrots need somewhere to play. Dogs and cats can be let outside and small rodents have wheels and balls to play in, but parrots require something a little more specialized. Because they can't be let outside, the outside has to be brought indoors for them.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Saw
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Glue
• Hammer
• Nails
• Parrot toys

Instructions

1. Collect some wood to build the playpen. This can be fiberboard or natural, unsprayed hardwoods. Leaf-bearing trees, such as maple, oak and poplar, are hardwood. Any cone-bearing tree, such as a pine, isn't suitable.

   One thick piece about 2 foot high and 4 inches thick will be required, along with a variety of shorter thinner pieces to act like branches on a tree. A base that's wider than the branches and about 2 inches thick will also be required. Cut to fit, if necessary.

2. Sand down all the pieces of wood, if using fiberboard. Remove any rotting or splintered parts from natural wood.

3. Drill holes at intervals into the main trunk. These should be a few inches apart and spiral around the trunk. This is so the branches can act like a ladder. The size of the holes depends on the diameter of the branches. Each hole should go 1 ½ inches into the trunk for support.

4. Apply a little glue to each hole and the end of each branch and attach to the main trunk. The glue needs to be nontoxic and safe for birds.

5. Turn the trunk upside down and place the base on the underside. Attach the base to the trunk by hammering four nails through the bottom of the base and into the trunk.

6. Attach toys to the play stand. Feeding and water cups can be attached near the top to encourage the parrot to climb. Attach rings to string and hang from branches. Add knotted pieces of rope to branches, too. Use whatever toys your parrot likes to play with.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of constructing the branch from scratch, use a branch off a tree. It needs to have several smaller branches. Sand all branches.

• Having a base wider than the tree above leaves parrot droppings falling on the base rather than the floor.

• PVC piping can be used instead of wood.

• Drill holes through the trunk and use longer pieces for the branches for extra support for larger birds.

• Avoid using metal fixtures, as these can be poisonous if ingested by parrots.

• Clean the feeding and water cups on a regular basis.

• Adjust the size depending on the bird. These measurements are too big for a smaller cockatiel, but not large enough for a macaw.

References

• The Daily Puppy: How to Make a Bird Playpen