PlayGym/Playground Help

[JoanneinNC]

On Friday night I purchased a ph PREVUE HENDRYX Portable Play Ground called Cockatiel Court Model #22530. I opened it up today and there are no instructions or explanation. I placed the pieces together, but it is so instable a flea could land on it and knock it over. It says it is made for Cockatiels and other small birds. There is this little plastic orange tub. I couldn't figure out what it was. Then I realized it had a cap. I opened it up and got glue all over my hand! That was how I realized it was glue. I used a bit in the openings and it is as unstable as ever. I am so frustrated. This is the only play gym I have been able to find in my area. Does anyone have one that could help me? Is there one you purchased that is better? Where did you purchase yours? So much for trying to use it today. Thanks. I feel so stupid; it seems so simple. But it doesn't make sense

Joanne :0)

[tielfan]

I never find play gyms that I like in pet stores - there's a much better variety online. Use google to check out sites until you find a style and price that you like.

I bought one that looks like a cut-down cage then put it on a rolling kitchen cart and added toys, ladders, perches, etc. The tiels love it! I can rearrange the toys whenever I want to, and I've added several natural perches to the exterior since this picture was taken.



If I buy another one, I'll look for something with a lot of natural branches. I've seen some very tempting ones at bird marts, and it's mainly space considerations that are holding me back.

[stepht25]

We have the prevue hendryx playgym model you're taking about Joanne. You have to glue the pieces together then let it dry at least over night - if not a few days. Ours lasted a year or 2 before falling apart. I think it would do better if you hot glued it together. (just have to do it away from your fid and let it dry well - wipe away any excess glue etc.) At least it would last you a little bit until you made or bought something better.

http://www.aviannetwork.com/buyersgroup/vendshow.htm Here's a link to a group you can join (for free). They have participating vendors that give members discounts - some give free shipping. (you don't have to be a member of the group to shop at the vendors of course!) I know there's a few vendors that mostly carry playgyms - and a lot of them carry a wide variety of all bird related items, including playgyms.

You can also do a search on ebay. Sometimes you'll see some neat ones there.

If you do a search here on the board for pvc playgyms you should get some hits to threads where poeple show pics of ones they've made to give you ideas to make your own!

Last not but not least - http://www.cheepparrottoysntips.com/index.html here's a great web site devoted to making your own bird stuff. They have a section on playgyms with pics, material lists and instructions.

HTH! How are things going with your parrotlet?

[JoanneinNC]

hello.

Thank you both for your replies.

Stephanie, Nemo is doing okay; I think. He is starting to play with his toys a bit. It was so neat to see him on his swing last Sunday. Today I saw him on a wood perch I haven't seen him on before. Yesterday was the last day of the ten days of giving him medicine. I hope the parasite is gone. Boy do I hope never to have to give medicine again. :-) I wish he was happier being out of the cage with me. But I think he at leasts tolerates me if I leave him in the cage and talk and sing with him. I am working on, or trying to anyway, work on having him enjoy coming out of the cage and spending time with me. Thanks for asking. I hope your babies are doing well

Joanne :0)

[stepht25]

Hi Joanne - I hope you don't have to give anymore medicine either. It's never fun. But it does sound like Nemo is starting to settle in and get more comfortable! You might try and find a favorite treat - millet usually works well. Then when you have him out with you offer it to him while he's sitting with you - that way he'll start associating you = yummy good stuff! Once he gets interested in his toys you can see what he likes and keep one or 2 for when he's out with you. I do this with all mine. Cosmo was scared of millet when he first saw it - so I had to cut small pieces off and gave them to him in his cage till he figured out they were food and really good. The kids and I made birdy necklaces to wear when we have the fids on us. We used plastic chain (it comes in all sizes and colors) and then used cotton rope, leather laces and paulie rope to string toy parts through the chain. The fids love to play with them while on us. I'm pretty sure you can buy something like these at some of the online bird stores - I think most call them bonding necklaces - or something to that effect. But that way they know they're going to have fun if they're out with you!