question about playgyms and vet wrap

[sweetnlow]

I have been wondering about what to do with my pvc gym that I made. I have made gyms in the past with pvc and vet wrap but I found the wrap would become sticky and the fids were picking pieces of it off. I would like to wrap this new gym for my baby green cheek but I just need some reassurance that it is safe to use. The vet wrap is actually called "True Flex" from a farm and horse supply store. For those of you who use the wrap, how often do you change it and is it safe if my baby picks at it and tries to eat it. He is at the age where he beaks and bites everything, including my fingers and the nice little mole on my neck. I need to get that removed before he does it for me . Is there a better alternative for the gym that would not be a huge expense. Its a fairly large gym and I would need a lot of material for wrapping.

Thank you very much for your help
Amanda

[Kachina]

You can use cotton rope, or something similar. It's not too expensive if you get the thin stuff and you can just wind it around the pipe. I use a combo of that along with vet wrap on my pvc gym.

[sweetnlow]

Thanks, I will make a trip to TSC, the farm store, again :)

[Shandra]

I wrapped alot of my perches in hemp rope that I got at walmart, The monster roll cost about 5 bucks and goes on forever lol Eyva loves to chew on it and it is safe, non toxic.
Therese

[sweetnlow]

Originally Posted by Shandra

I wrapped alot of my perches in hemp rope that I got at walmart, The monster roll cost about 5 bucks and goes on forever lol Eyva loves to chew on it and it is safe, non toxic.
Therese

That sounds like a good idea. The walmart here in my town seems rather limited in their supplies. It is similar to twine? Perhaps I could try the garden supply store as well.

Thanks again, I need to get my gym done this week. My fid wants to be with me all the time and I would like to see him playing more independently
Amanda

[MissV]

Craft stores should also have untreated hemp and in the embroidery section (or sewing section..something like that) you'll find Jute rope. That's untreated too and comfy enough. Totally nontoxic and you can get it on the cheap.

The vet wrap, though, is safe. I would only worry if the fids are ingesting it. Vet wrap is made originally to wrap horses' legs, who have a tendency to chew on it, so it's not harmful at all.

But like I said, if they're ingesting it for real...that would be worriesome.

I like to wrap the whole thing up in a multicolored vet wrap and then cover parts in rope to add variation to the textures and perch sizes. It's good cheese for their feets. ^^

[chapala]

Originally Posted by sweetnlow

That sounds like a good idea. The walmart here in my town seems rather limited in their supplies. It is similar to twine? Perhaps I could try the garden supply store as well.

Thanks again, I need to get my gym done this week. My fid wants to be with me all the time and I would like to see him playing more independently
Amanda

Don't use twine - loose threads can wrap around a bird's toes causing injuries. I know someone with a 'Tiel that has a permanently deformed foot from getting caught up in twine. As far as sisal that is available in hardward stores, Walmart, etc., it often is treated and not suitable for birds. Many bird businesses carry bird-safe rope of all kinds - Grey Feather Toys is one, Bird Toys by Grey Feather Toy Creations. Parrot Swings, Bird Boings, Bird Toy Parts, Bird Play Gyms, Natural Parrot Food, Stainless Steel Hardware, Oxine, Bulk Toy Parts & More!

[jimpierce7]

I use vet wrap, jute or sisal ropes. Jute is real cheap and I get mine at the craft store.

[sweetnlow]

I have decided to go with vet wrap. I am going to wrap it in dark green to match my living room :) I am hoping to get it done this weekend and I will be sure to post a picture. Thanks for all the help!

Amanda