The Best Type of Perches for Pet Birds

Perches are some of the most important items in your bird’s cage, and whether for standing, playing or cleaning their beaks, a well-designed perch is crucial for a bird’s health, comfort and well-being. Birds spend a significant amount of time on their perches, so it is important to provide a variety of perches, often made of different materials, to cater to their needs. Read on for some tips when selecting a perch.

Natural Wood Perches

Natural wood perches are a great choice for many birds, as their smooth surfaces are comfortable to rest on and can provide entertainment value for birds that love to chew. The varying diameters of wood perches allow your bird to easily distribute pressure to different areas of their feet, preventing foot problems and giving them an easy way to exercise. As this material mimics the types of perches birds would utilize in the wild, it is often considered one of the best to use. One important factor when considering natural wood perches is to opt for ones made from non-toxic, washed and disinfected wood – as birds often chew on their wooden perches, wood that is potentially toxic or not properly sanitized can be detrimental to their health.

Concrete Perches

Concrete perches are another popular option and can be especially beneficial for owners looking to keep their bird’s nails trimmed naturally, as concrete can act as a natural nail file. Many owners find that they have to trim their bird’s nails much less frequently or even not at all after installing and using a concrete perch. Concrete perches are a little more expensive than wood perches, but with occasional scrubbing and upkeep can last a very long time.

What Size Perch Do You Need?

Other than material, the size of your bird’s perch is important in ensuring that they have a comfortable place to rest or play. When choosing the size of a perch, consider the size of your bird and the space it requires – smaller birds like finches need smaller perches, while bigger birds like macaws need larger perches. Multiple perches with varying diameters are also a good idea, giving your bird’s feet some exercise while they adjust and move between different perches. Many cages come with identically sized perches installed, so it can be beneficial to replace those with perches that are made from different materials or come in different sizes.

At myBird, we know how much joy birds can bring and seek to give bird lovers the knowledge they need to best care for their pets. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out our other posts about birds or take our quiz to see which types of birds may be right for you!