I wanted to share this fun project with you all! A breeder friend got rid of all her birds and was throwing out all her old toys, broken bits and pieces and some extras. Well of course I took what I thought I might be able to use. These swings are some of those odds and ends.

Here are the three Macaw swing frames: one was metal and I attached a wooden perch, the dark blue frame was not broken and will add to it another day, the bright lime green with broken with a bit snapped off the end.

I used a hand saw after measuring the sides and trimmed off both sides making them even.

I pre-drilled the holes in the frame as well as the dowel; the plastic material will shatter if you don’t! I marked where I wanted the holes on either side, giving six extra holes for threading leather and rope with toys.

Toy supplies ready for adding.

Straws are a favorite! The straws were marked and the holes punched before cutting them into small pieces. If you cut the straws up first, it's much more difficult to punch the holes.

Straws cut up and punched. To make threading the rope easier, cut off the end and wrap with a small amount of clear tape.

Done! Straws on the left, wood wheels and shredders on the right. Toothbrush, leather and straw pieces, shredders and toothbrush on the left.

Sugar-Plum couldn’t wait for me to set it up before getting on the swing. She loves the tooth brush, leather and especially the straws.

What a surprise to watch her playing with the swing and toys! She is so reserved most of the time but not with this swing. I wonder if it reminds her of a pleasant time from the past? Who knows; I’m just thrilled to make her happy!

There she swings!