Natural Camphor Wood Parrot Play Gym

In this guide, I will show you how to build a natural climbing stand for small parrots using pruned Camphor wood branches. This project is eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and provides a safe, aromatic environment for your birds to play.

Materials:

1. Camphor Wood Branches: Freshly pruned from the roadside (ensure they are pesticide-free).
2. Wood Slices: Round slices (commonly used for DIY crafts/painting).
3. Hemp Rope: Natural and untreated for safety.
4. Water-filled Base: A parasol base or similar heavy-duty plastic base with a center hole.
5. Hardware: Long screws, large washers, and plastic cable ties (zip ties).

Tools:

1. Pruning Shears or Hand Saw: For cutting branches to size.
2. Flat Wood File: My secret weapon for debarking!
3. Utility Knife: For fine trimming.
4. Electric Drill: To make holes for screws and ties.

The first step is to prepare your scavenged wood. I chose Camphor wood because it is naturally pest-resistant and smells amazing.

1. Trimming: Use pruning shears or a saw to cut the branches to your desired height. Remove all leaves and small twigs.
2. Debarking: I highly recommend using a flat wood file instead of a utility knife. It is much more efficient for removing bark quickly.
3. Why Debark? Removing the bark helps the wood dry faster and allows you to inspect the branch for any hidden pests or rot.
4. Sensory Bonus: While filing, you will smell the refreshing scent of Camphor—it's the most time-consuming step, but very therapeutic!

Parrots love to climb, so a ladder is essential.

1. Cut the Rungs: Cut small, thin branches into 8 equal sections (or as many as you prefer).
2. The "Anti-Slip" Groove: Here is a pro-tip: Use your file to carve a small circular groove around both ends of each rung.
3. Lashing: When you tie the rungs to the main frame with hemp rope, the rope will sit securely in these grooves and won't slide off even if the birds are being energetic.

Platforms give the birds a flat surface to rest on or eat snacks.

1. Prepare Wood Slices: Take your pre-cut round wood slices and drill two small holes near one edge.
2. Secure with Zip Ties: Thread a plastic zip tie through the holes and wrap it around the main branch.
3. Double Security: For the other side of the platform, try to rest it on a natural "Y" fork in the branch. Use a screw from the bottom to lock the platform firmly in place.

While birds have great grip, adding some texture makes the stand safer and more beautiful.

1. Wrapping: Wrap natural hemp rope around certain sections of the main branches.
2. Purpose: This provides extra friction for the parrots' feet and creates a rustic, "nature-meets-handmade" look. It also gives them something safe to chew on.

A stable base is crucial to prevent the stand from tipping over.

1. The Base: I used a standard water-fillable umbrella base. These are great because they are heavy once filled but easy to move when empty.
2. Mounting: From the bottom of the base, insert a long screw through a large metal washer.
3. The Connection: Drive the screw directly into the center of your main vertical branch. The washer ensures the screw won't pull through the plastic.
4. Add Weight: Fill the base with water. This provides a low center of gravity, making the entire structure rock-solid.

Sharing a photo I took in the countryside a while ago, with some post-editing. I love nature!