PVC Playstand

[kathyinfl]

My husband is going to make a PVC playstand for our Redfront Macaw that will be arriving in December. I see some of the premade ones talk about scoring the PVC so the bird gets a better grip.

Has anyone done this? What's the best tool to use so that it scores without affecting the strength or making it too rough? I thought we could use a wire paint stripping tool on a drill and then sand it down. Anyone have any other ideas?

[kp_in_scott]

You can use a plain metal file, or an electric sander. You could also use vet wrap or sisal rope and wrap the perching bar. Honestly, I just leave mine as they are. The birds don't seem to care.

[The Outlaw]

There are a number of things you can use. A palm sander with a very coarse grit paper, a drill with a metal brush, a metal file (rasp) or a Dremmel tool all do a good job. I don't like using vet wrap or sisal because is just gets too dirty too quickly.

[kathyinfl]

Thanks Outlaw and kp.

I thought about all those options. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't more complicated than I thought.

I'm getting a RF from Wendy in December. Time to start getting everything lined up.

Thanks again!

[The Outlaw]

Wow! Consider yourself among the chosen few. Her redfronts are always in demand. Congratulations!

[kathyinfl]

Here's a picture of the girl--



She's in the front. I need to come up with a suitable name.

[The Outlaw]

How about Dixie. After all, she's a Dixie Chick

[kathyinfl]

That's a cute one. Being one of the few native Floridians, it makes sense, too. I've been emailing with the woman who's getting her only clutchmate and we've been talking names. We've got time--unfortunately. Can't wait for her to get here.

[Skyebirdsmom]

I had a PVC stand and I had one Quaker with perching issues, so I simply wrapped it in vet wrap and changed it monthly or whenever it got scraggly.
Linda & Skye~

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I have also used a table saw with the blade set barely above the table and run lengths of PVC in a 'bark like pattern' over it. It's not that difficult if you have a long piece- and I can always find a use for it! After scoring I then sand it like mad to make sure there are no filings left and then bleach it and rinse well...