Q. What kinds of perch(es) does my bird need?
A. Your bird needs an assortment of perches of varying diameter, to provide exercise, to prevent foot injuries and such ailments as sores and arthritis.

Q. Where should the perches go?
A. Your bird should be able to climb all over his cage, so place the perches accordingly. Stagger them, and make sure there's enough clearance for the bird to sit up comfortably. Nobody likes to bonk their head!

Q. What can the perch be made of?
A. Wood--the plain round ones are everywhere. There's manzanita and madrone, maple, and apple wood. They can be made from PVC and from acrylic, like Plexiglas(TM) but these should be sanded slightly to roughen up the otherwise slick surface. There are rope perches, there are even concrete perches, like Polly Perfect(TM) which help to keep beak and nails in trim.

Q. What shape should the perch be?
A. They range from round to flat to elliptical. Provide at least two different shapes. The different shapes and textures keeps muscles healthy, nails trimmed and prevents sores on the feet. T-stand type perches are useful aides in the training of your birds.

Q. What about those sandpaper perches?
A. Okay, but make absolutely certain the bird has another perch to sit on. Or only cover half the perch with the sandpaper cover.

Q. Rope perches in the pet store are expensive! Can I get them elsewhere?
A. Sure. It was posted to the net that they can be purchased at boating suppliers. Make sure you get all cotton-rope that hasn't been treated with chemicals. Ropes are great for feather-pickers, but watch out for fraying, and replace the rope when it gets too frizzy. Booda Bones(TM) makes Byrdy Cable(R) rope bird perches if you'd rather buy them from a pet store.

Q. Can I make my own perches?
A. Definitely. Use wood that you know is untreated, and cure it. Make sure there's no bugs or anything nasty like that in or on the wood. Cure it until it's thoroughly dried out. Leave the bark on, birds love to peel it off. Here is a listing of the most commonly used wood for making perches.

SOURCES FOR PERCHES:
Manufacturers of cages will often offer perches. Manufacturers of toys will sometimes offer perches.

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