Hi Phoebe and Yellofront!

We have sealed cement floors and are currently using pine shavings for the floor.  It is difficult to clean and I have thought about using sand.  I could block the drains I guess.  I really like the idea of straining the sand.  One idea we came up with is a really cool swing idea.  I will send a photo with my next email.

Hi again! 
Here is the swing idea we came up with.  One could attach feeding cups on the ends of the branches. 

To construct:

An “open” hook (as opposed to an eye hook, open hooks look like a “?") into ceiling.

attach a “swivel” to the hook. 

Build the PVC portion of the swing by gluing a 2 foot piece of 2 inch pvc to a 4 way (2 inch pvc) piece, repeat 2 foot section of pvc and then glue a “ T “ joint to bottom.

Attach assembly to ceiling by drilling a 2 “ screw through pvc and THROUGH bottom of swivel.  This will hold everything up and keep birds from climbing to ceiling!

In the spirit of our open discussion to the WPT list, I am cross-posting the following exciting new information.

“Please help me extend a warm welcome to our newest online specialists, noted avian veterinarians Dr. Brian Speer and Dr. Ellen Cook, and Australian parrot behaviourist Mr. Jim McKendry.

These 3 specialists have recently joined an impressive panel of parrot experts who have volunteered their time to answer questions from WPT members. They are joined by renowned specialists in parrot behaviour, care, and conservation, including E.B. Cravens, Dr. Susan Friedman, Phoebe Green Linden, Steve Martin, Jamie Gilardi along with several others.

To use this great resource, make sure that you are logged into parrots.org and then visit ‘Ask an Expert’. Follow the steps on the screen and review some of the great answers already posted.”

PS
For those who might be interested, the 8 quakers on the swing were rescued along with 25 others, during a recent nest removal in the Bronx.  We hand fed them for 5 weeks, 9 hours a day!

Marc, you and Karen just truly amaze me with your generous spirit of taking care of all of these birds.

Steve,

I’ve spoken to Dr. Speers regarding my wild caught severe ----it is very nice to have him join the board!

Marc, I love the swing idea - good invention!

The best thing about the swing is that it rotates on the swivel.  The cockatoos love them.

Hi Marc and Yellofront,

Marc, amazing. Not only the swing idea, but the images of those babies are outstanding. The little Quakers, so beautiful. Makes me pause.

Do they land on the swing? Days of babies flying around—I dream of it, a lot, always.

Re: floors. The sand idea we tried, too. Sifting it became a nightmare and it grew mold in this environment (can be damp here). I guess there is no substitute for human diligence.

To work,
Have a great day,

Phoebe

Check with the local floor covering stores.  As long as you are not concerned with exact matches for tile.  We have been getting leftovers and flawed tile donated for our bird rooms.  We think it will be the easiest to keep clean.

Wendy Waas
http://www.ziggyshaven.com

Hi All, Welcome WENDY!  Great to see you here. 

Yes the babies are all fledged and we are about to open their outdoor aviary for them so that they can start to explore nest building!  They are very interested in sticks and we have been providing them with small sticks and branches.  They are so active and I can’t wait to see them building their new homes!
Marc

We burn the pattern onto the pvc with a blow torch.  Do this outdoors and away from your birds.  Noxious fumes are given off!

Hey Marc, You should think about selling these !!

[Marc Johnson writes]

The best thing about the swing is that it rotates on the swivel.  The cockatoos love them.

< Angela who is here still trying to figure out how to do a signiture line in default with this forum.>
______________________________________________________________
Ciao, Angela Rosaria Cancilla Herschel in Southern California ......
Being kind is more important ... than being important.

If only I had the time Angela!  As for a signature line, I am still trying to figure out what “default” means.

Hi Marc,
I still think they are great and you should make the time ( yeah sure !) to make them.