Choosing and Locating Perches
April 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Bird Supplies
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It is absolutely essential to obtain the correct size of perch and fix it in the correct position. You can determine the correct size of perch by looking at the bird’s feet. When it is sitting on the perch, its toenails should reach all the way round and almost touch each other. Nail the perch very firmly to the side of the aviary framework, preferably fixing it in two or three places. If the perch is fixed on the wire and is not secure, it will gradually drag the wire down and leave a hole. You can also attach perches to a post in the centre of the aviary or to the roof. If the aviary is long and narrow, place the perches at either end to encourage the birds to exercise by flying between them.
Smaller birds and some species of softbills appreciate a few springy perches on which to jump about, instead of sitting on a solid foundation. It is quite safe to provide perches with a degree of springiness, but consider their shape carefully. Avoid using sharply V-shaped branches as perches; it has been known for stressed birds to fly straight into the ‘V’ and be caught by the neck. Do not attach a perch on a piece of wire hanging down from the aviary roof; if a bird suddenly panics, it is quite likely to break its wing by flying into the wire. Also avoid placing perches over food or water dishes, as you run the hazardous risk that droppings will fall into the food or water.
Many types of perches are available for cages and aviaries. Plastic and wooden types are both suitable in most cases, but it is very important not to give plastic perches to large parrots that can chew them; the birds may break off pieces of plastic and swallow them, which can be dangerous, if not fatal. Large wooden perches are best for parrots, but since they are usually destroyed so quickly, it can he cheaper to cut natural perches from trees.
Sandpaper perch covers are useful in several ways. They are easy to replace to keep the perches clean; they give the birds an excellent grip on the perch; and they help to keep the birds’ toenails short as they are rubbed against the abrasive surface.