I've been inspired

[Jinx n Noodle]

So I saw the boing that Cooper was sitting on in one of the pictures. I thought hey, that's cool and it should be easier to clean than the rope ones that I have since my guys love to poop on them!

And then I thought, hey, it should be pretty easy to make. Well, after a couple of tries, this is what I have:) I only had to get the tubing, everything else I had a home!

I made 2. One is smaller and one is larger. I used different beads. I still have enough tubing, so I think I'll make a third. Though I don't have anymore plastic beads for the top or the bottom anymore... I'll have to see if one of the craft stores carry them.

[Wuzzoluvr]

VERY cool!!! Good job!!! Looks extremely easy to wipe off...I need one of those too!

[rubberstampman]

maybe you should start a little business- I'd buy some.........where do you get the tubing? and a quick question- are we sure the tubing isn't toxic or anything?

[michiganlet]

Yes way cool I would buy one if your selling them, and the birds seem to like them.

[michiganlet]

What did you use to plug the ends.

[Jinx n Noodle]

The tubing is PVC flexible tubing used in plumbing. I figured if the PVC stands that are made are fine for birds, then this stuff should be fine too. Either way, it's a smooth enough surface that I don't worry about my guys chewing it. They do have textured stuff, but I worry about my guys picking at it.

Depending on the size of my end beads, I either used a pony bead or the wire that goes through the center of the tubing holds the beads in. I'm pretty sure that the wire is going to be toxic, but since it's encased in the tubing and then covered by the plastic bead and leather/cotton rope/hemp string, I don't worry about it. But just like anything else in the cage, I'll be watching for wear and tear.

If you want one, just PM me. Otherwise, when I get my act together I'll post instructions:)

[krysm]

I have a perch made with this tubing and the beads and then on the ends it has suction cups and I can put it in the shower, kitchen sink or the window. Never thought of making it myself!!

[Crys12065]

Looks great!! Glad I Cooper could inspire you:D

[Jinx n Noodle]

I found some info about toxicity of the flexible PVC tubing... apparently it is thought to be potentially toxic, though it hasn't been confirmed. There were links to some environmental groups, but they didn't work anymore. But when I looked up happy perches which is what these things are called commercially, they use the same PVC tubing, it's just food grade. I'll have to get some of that to be safer.

[Evelyn]

Great job !! I like them !!!

[Sondra]

It is wonderful and you can get food grade from milking supply companies if you go that way and if you want a name of one let me know. Personally as long as they aren't chewing on it then it really isn't toxic I don't believe. By the same token if they chew on it then even the food grade could hurt them if swallowed.

[sunnydays]

Very neat, awesome job! I was looking at those boings, too, and thinking I might buy one, but maybe I'll make one!

[Jinx n Noodle]

It's not so much chewing and there is suggestion that there may be leaching of chemicals. Apparently, lots of people think that baby toys are safe, but there is also suggestion that PVC in baby toys/teethers can leach into their mouths because of the licking/chewing action even though they don't chew pieces off.

Good idea about milking companies. I know of a couple of places that sell stuff like that locally (MN is quite a few dairy farms) and home depot carries some too, though I bet their prices are higher than a milking company.

[Jswede]

The main concern is probably BPA and/or the cooling fluids used during the extrusion process for the tubing. I wonder if they make polyethylene tubing? I use HDPE (high density poly ethylene) for animal products that my employer makes and if you buy the right material, it's safe for contact with any part of the body, inside or out.

Food or medical grade urethanes would also be a good, safe option, in my experience.

[Jinx n Noodle]

So, just for safety sake, I emailed the company that makes the tubing that I bought (I just wanted to make sure). Apparently the tubing made by Watts, which is what I got at home depot is considered safe for food and water uses (just not ice maker due to pressure reasons). It's lead free and nontoxic. Since I doubt that my guys would be able to chew it without getting at the ends of it and there are no kinks in it, I feel safe using it.
This is what the email stated: "all clear vinyl tubing in addition to being non Toxic, lead Free , it is
certified to NSF 61 section 9 Clean drinking water standard. Normally the
tubing would not be subject to chewing by children etc."

[tstmard]

That is such a great idea. Would be alot easier to clean then the rope.

[Sally]

I love what you did!! Great jpb!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/st%20paddy/Chippybasket.gif

[sugar.skulls]

I was looking for a diy shower perch but stumbled across this post. Those perches look great. Good job Jinx!

[jeannepp]

Wow! So talented! They are so pretty too. You definitely were inspired.

[blymor]

It looks great! and obviously the birds love it? can't wait for the instruction info. I have a ton of the beads waiting to be used!:)

[Tiki Baby]

Those are great! Your guys seem to love them!

[triciakoontz]

Very cool!!

[yve2]

Wow I'm getting some great ideas on here, Thanks for sharing!

[Dublin Lin]

Cool! I love the way it turned out!

[Singer]

That is amazing! You know, I'm noticing. Parrotlet owners tend to trend to small homes :P, I don't know if your home is small or not, mine is. But your effective storage seems so. It's good to know, I live in a studio, that I made a good choice for a companion.