Bird Toys & Other Accessories-

1. A=amazon,
2. B=finch-budgie,
3. C=cockatiel-conure,
4. T=large cockatoo-macaw,
5. G=smaller cockatoo-greys,
6. M=multi-specie size.
   

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   • Cement Perches,
   • Mineral Blocks,
   • Mineral Perch,
   • Rawhide & Nut Toy,
   • Pinecone Favorite,
   • Branch Swing,
   • Beak-N-Claw Fun,
   
   

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   (M)Cement Perches:
   
   Materials-
   PVC pipe(dimensions according to bird),
   Duct tape or masking tape,
   One 2"lag screw per perch(lag screws have threads at both ends, no head),
   2 washers per perch(wider than the spacing between cage bars & PVC pipe),
   1 wing nut, sized to fit lag screw(1 per perch),
   1 bag all purpose sand,
   1 bag cement,
   1 coffee can to hold molds in.
   

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   Instructions:
   
   
   1. Cut PVC pipe to desired length of finished perch. If making more than one, it's a good idea to cut them all at once.
   2. Cut each piece of PVC down the middle to make a seam. (Note: Seam doesn't have to be perfect, jagged lines are okay.)
   3. Take the duct or masking tape and tape bottom, to prevent cement mix from falling out. Also, tape along the seam, closing the sides of the seam. You should now have what looks like a piece of PVC pipe with a tape end cap and tape down the middle of it. Stand all of the molds in coffee can.
   4. Mix 3 parts sand to one part cement, adding just enough water to make mix pourable. Mix well(wooden ruler, stick or dowel makes good mixing tool), adding more water as needed. If colored perches are desired, add food coloring while mixing.
   5. Pour mix into each mold, overflow is good, you want to make sure to fill each mold completely. Now is the time to add your hardware. Place a washer, than a lag screw, then the final washer into the mixture(first washer will prevent the lag screw from sinking into mixture). Only about 1/2"of the lag screw should be pushed into the mixture, make sure wing nut does not sink into mix as well.
   6. Allow to set for several days, approximately one week. The longer the better. Don't attempt to remove too early, or perch will fall apart.
   7. Once cement has set, remove tape and spread PVC. Using a pair of plyers, remove perch from mold.
   8. Once out of the mold, the perch will most likely be smooth. You can use some sandpaper to roughen it up for better grip.
   9. Attach to cage: one washer against cement perch, the other washer and wing nut outside of cage against the bars. Tighten wing nut, until you can't turn it any more.
   Average cost per perch-$0.50!
   

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   (M)Mineral Blocks (chalky kind)-
   
   Materials:
   
   Equal parts of:
   Plaster of Paris,
   Calcium Carbonate,
   Garden lime,
   Piece of wire shaped into U(coathangers work good).
   

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   Instructions:
   1. Mix together with enough water to make mix pourable(about custard texture). Can add eggshells for another source of calcium(can not replace calcium carbonate with anything).
   2. Make a mold out of pop can with top cut off. Use a can opener to do this. Line with wax paper(to help get the finished product out easier).
   3. Pour mix into molds, add U shaped wire, leaving about 2" protruding out of mix(this will be used to hang in cage or aviary).
      

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      (M)Mineral Perches:
      Procedure:
      Following the directions for making mineral blocks, take the mix and pour into molds(like the kind for cement perches, see above), if colors are desired, add food coloring to mix. Then add hardware, same as for cement perches, and allow to set for 1 week. After 1 week, remove from molds and attach to cage bars. Can be roughed up with sandpaper, for better grip. These perches are edible, and are a good source of minerals and calcium.
      

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