Finding the right bird perches and stands

Sometimes it's the smallest details that matter the most in maintaining your bird's health and happiness. Take perches, for example. If your avian companion's cage was purchased from a pet supply store, it probably came with plastic or wooden perches. These are many times adequate but, devoted avian caretaker that you are, you'll no doubt want to provide the best perches possible for your bird. Here's how to raise the bar.

Tips on the perfect bird perches

The perfect perch is more than just a place for your pet to stand. For one, it can be gnawed on to satisfy a bird's urge to chew. It also provides a surface for beak rubbing and polishing, and it allows your feathered friend to exercise his feet while doing double duty as a nail file.

Natural wood is the way to go

Some owners prefer to replace all standard-issue plastic perches with wooden dowels. These are indeed more natural and can be easily cleaned, but if they are all of the same diameter and shape, a bird is forced to constantly hold his toes in the same position, which can lead to foot problems. To provide some variety, experts recommend natural branches or twigs from non-toxic trees. Take care they have not been sprayed with any chemicals, and wash and dry them before fitting them in the cage. We suggest:

• Fruit trees
• Ash
• Maple
• Willow

Avoid cherry wood, which is toxic to birds. When selecting branches for this purpose, keep in mind the size of your pet. One- to two-inch-diameter perches will accommodate larger parrots, and smaller avians will need perches that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. If you don't have a ready supply from trees in your backyard, you can find these branches at crafts stores and floral design shops.

Please note that sandpaper perches, though popular and readily available, are not recommended. They can be too rough and tough on tender avian feet, and their use can actually cause problems. Birds who must regularly stand on these abrasive surfaces can develop sores and eventually become lame.

Choose perch and stand installation locations carefully

When it comes to arranging perches in the cage, location is everything. Place them at differing heights – one, of course, at level with the food dish. Make sure that you do not install them so that a bird can defecate in his food dish – or on a cagemate! Take care around the corners, too. If a perch is too close to the corner or end of the cage, a bird must rub his tail against the cage when turning around, resulting in frayed feathers.

Bird cage stands and gyms prevent boredom

If you have a larger parrot, his cage is no doubt bulky and heavy and should be placed on a table or secure floor stand; hanging stands are not recommended. Some stands are designed like wheeled carts, which can make clean-up a lot easier. And it's smart to invest in a large, sturdy T-shaped perch for your bigger bird. Set it up outside the cage, where it will serve as a "classroom" for training sessions and a rest area during play time out of the cage. You can also check out the many play gym perches available, complete with swings, rings, ladders and toys for climbing. These are great boredom busters – just be sure the model you purchase is sturdy and does not contain any small parts that could be broken off by strong parrot beaks.