How to Make a Climbing Rope for Birds

Climbing ropes. They provide exercise and entertainment for your bird. They combine a sturdy rope surface for textured vertical climbing with wooden blocks and perches to rest and nibble on. Making your own climbing rope allows you to make one just the right size for your bird's cage or playground.

Step 1

Measure the area where you plan to place the rope. This will determine how much rope you need. Add about a foot to this measurement to allow for knots, then cut the rope to the desired length.

Step 2

Tie a knot in the bottom of the rope. Drill holes in the center of the wooden pieces you intend to use. Be sure you've chosen suitable wood. Slide the first wooden piece onto the rope and down to the knot. Tie another knot at the height you want to place the next wooden piece. Repeat until you have added the desired pieces.

Step 3

Attach the carabiner to the rope with a knot at the top. Tie the knot and slide the carabiner through. Hang the climbing rope in the cage.

References

• Parrot Chronicles: Roll Your Own Bird Toys!
• World Parrot Trust: A Toy to Climb All Over – Hanging and Gym Toys

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Tips

If your climbing rope will be going in a playroom, use a plant hook to hang the rope from the ceiling.

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Warnings

Many species of birds love to chew wood, but not all wood is safe for birds. When choosing wood blocks or rods, look for hard or soft white pine, balsa, manzanita, yucca cactus wood, agave, citrus wood or driftwood.

Because your bird may chew the wood pieces, look for natural, dye-free, untreated wood. To add the bright colors that most birds enjoy, dye the wood pieces using food coloring.

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