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Selecting the Right Perch for your Pet Bird






Selecting the right Perch for your Pet Bird is important
because Birds spend a lot of time sitting on their Perches.


When not flying, basically anything a pet bird stands on
can be considered a perch. Perches also give birds something
to chew on, something to rub and groom their beaks on, and
a safe haven to view their world from.


In nature, most birds perch in trees or on lofty structures.
The higher the perch, the safer a bird feels.

Perches also provide a pet bird with exercise as he climbs,
hops or flies from perch to perch.



How to Select a Perch for Your Bird

Consider: safety, variety and how well the perch will hold
up under use.

A different variety of sizes are important in helping keep
a pet bird's feet exercised and healthy. It is not healthy for
a bird's feet to be constantly clutched in the same position,
which will happen if he is using perches of only one size or
shape.

A perch that can be totally encircled by a bird's foot so
that his toes overlap is too small. A bird should be able
to get his foot at least three-quarters of the way around the
perch.


Birds have a tendency to chew on their perches, so make sure
the perch isn't too soft to be easily destroyed. If a bird
is being chewed up and becoming worn, replace the perch
before tweety swallows some of the perch material.


Types of Perches

1. Plastic Perches

Plastic Perches come in acrylic and PVC, both are
easy to clean and sturdy, Acrylic perches are hard to destroy,
PVC can be chewed and swallowed, definitely not a good
thing.

Plastic perches can be slippery and uncomfortable and plastic
is not a natural type of perch which may cause some foot problems.


2. Wooden Perches

Wood perches most closely follow what a bird would perch
on in the wild. Wood perches can be purchased already made,
in a variety of sizes and complete with hangers.

If you have access to willow, birch or fruit trees, branches
from these trees make ideal perches. They come in all sizes
and interesting shapes and won't cost a penny. It's a good
idea to have several natural perches for your birds and
change them from time to time in the cage. This helps the
bird exercise it's feet and relieves some boredom.

Remember: Do Not use branches from trees that have been
sprayed with any kind of insecticide or pesticide!

Do not use branches from trees or any other plant that may
be poisonous to birds.


See Our List of Plants Poisonous to Birds

Plants Poisonous to Pet Birds


3. Mineral Perches

Mineral perches are also called concrete or cement perches.
They helpful in wearing down the nails and beaks of birds,
preventing them from becoming overgrown. These perches
are also comfortable and relatively indestructible. They come
in a variety of shapes, materials and combinations of materials.

Almost every bird should have one mineral perch.


4. Sandpaper Perches

The use of sandpaper perches in not recommended. The sand on
them may cut a bird's feet or cause other feet problems. They
provide no real benefit.


5. Rope Perches

Most birds like to sit on rope perches. It has a good feel
for their legs and feet and provides a solid footing for them.

Purchase a stiff rope coil. Do not use a rope that will
fray or be chewed easily. If the rope perch ever does become
frayed, replace it immediately. Birds can swallow bits of
rope and even get their claws stuck in a fray.


Helpful Hints on Perches

* It's a good idea to have several perches of different sizes
   and shapes.

* Place the perches on several levels, horizontal and vertical.

* Don't put perches over top of feed and water bowls.

* Don't put perches directly on top of another perch.

* The smaller the cage, the more you will want the perches
   closer to the ends of the cage to provide more flying room.


See Also

Why Pure Air is so Important for your Pet Birds



Cheerful Bird Calendars


Simply Irresistible Stuffed Plush Birds