How-to create a Cockatiel Gym
By Lori Shriver

My cockatiels Snowball & Mama pictured above enjoying this GYM

Things you will need to create and easy and cheapcockatiel gym.

1. 1 Christmas Tree Stand
2. Non-toxic, non-treated, branch
3. Bird toys

As a general rule, branches are better for the bird's feet than perfectly round shapes. If you don't provided varying shapes, the bird will always be using the same part of its feet, when gripping the perch. This can lead to many problems, including; foot infections. So, look around your neighborhood for a sturdy branch that has twigs branching off of it.

Before the branch is placed in the stand, boil and scrub the branch in water to kill insects, get rid of wild bird dropping and molds. Let the branch cool before you start assembling it to the tree stand holder. Only work with branches that have not been chemically treated and those that are non-toxic to birds. Here is a small listing of safe branches.

• Ash
• Elder
• Ficus
• Oak
• Sycamore
• Manzanita branches are commercially available in pet stores.

Stick the bottom of the sturdy part of the branch in a Christmas tree stand. The one with 3 screws on either side works well in assiting to balance the branch. Hang toys on the branch.

You can place a cloth, linoleum or newspaper beneath the stand for easy cleaning. Clean stand with disinfectant, and replace branch as needed.