These accessories are essential for every feathered companion’s cage because for them it represents a place to relax, to play and an activity to do. These items contribute to the bird’s health by stimulating the physical and mental activity helping the bird to be happier and more active. There are a lot of options in a pet shop when it comes to these accessories because you can choose different combinations of materials and textures that stimulates the bird and helps it avoid boredom, keeping it constantly active. It is important to choose adequate perches because if it is not done right it can cause injuries for the bird.

What Are the Bird Perches and Why Are They Essential?

The bird perches are basically ( https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/shop/category/bird-perches ) the supports on which caged birds sit, sleep and move around daily sustaining its activity through the day. These accessories can be made out of different materials such as natural wood, abrasive materials, plastic or even rope, each one of them having a different role in a bird’s health. First of all, the bird perches help the bird to build stronger leg muscle and to prevent joint conditions or injuries from unsuitable surfaces. You need to be careful and pay a lot of attention when buying these accessories because if the material is chosen correctly it can contribute to natural dulling of their claws and beaks.

And as a bonus, these accessories can mentally stimulate the bird because it makes them want to explore, climb and increase the level of physical activity. Therefore, perches are not a simple accessory in a bird’s cage, it is an essential addition to it for your feathered companion’s happiness and health. Choosing a bird perches is required to be well informed about every detail that can disturb or help your bird.

VCA Animal Hospital ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/perches-for-birds ) also mentions ‘Wood branches make the best perches because their varying diameters allow birds to distribute pressure on different areas of their feet. Natural manzanita wood perches are commercially available for birds. Branches from non-toxic trees (see list below) found outdoors can also be used as perches. These, however, should be washed and disinfected by heating them in an oven at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes, as the wood might contain microscopic fungus, bacteria, and/or insects that can be harmful to birds. Some types of wood also contain oils that can be toxic to birds if they chew on the wood.’

Different Types of Bird Perches Available in a Pet Shop

As also mentioned above, these accessories are absolutely necessary for a bird and its cage because it can improve the health and comfort of the little feathered companion. The most popular option found in a pet shop is the one made out of natural wood. Natural wood is preferred because not only is the texture durable but it can also help with the natural dulling of a bird’s beak and claws. Natural wood also provides good grip and a natural look, ideal for active birds.

The plastic and acrylics are a practical option also found in a pet shop because you can clean them really easily, but it is not fully recommended to have only plastic perches in a bird’s cage because it can offer a varied texture for the bird.

Other material frequently used is the abrasive, with texture ones made out of special materials that are supposed to help the natural dulling of claws. These should be used sparingly to avoid injuring your bird’s feet.

And last but not least, there are rope perches that are very flexible and excellent for mental and physical stimulation because the bird can climb and play while exercising their leg muscles.

For a natural and more interesting atmosphere for your bird you can mix the options mentioned above and create the perfect cage for you little feathered companion.

My Bird ( https://myrightbird.com/articles/the-best-type-of-perches-for-pet-birds ) also mentions the importance of these accessories by implying ‘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.’

How to Choose the Best Perches for Your Bird

For your bird’s health and comfort it is essential to choose perches suitable for them. Therefore, the first thing you need to consider when buying perches is your bird’s species. For example, the big species need durable and thick materials such as the natural wood mentioned before, and the smaller species like parakeets and canaries prefer thinner perches.

If you wonder about the perfect sizes and thickness for the perches you can find out by the fact that the bird should be able to wrap its claws around the perches, without it being too loose or too tight. In a bird’s cage it is recommended to be more than just one or two perches, the ideal number of perches is three or four to be able to have different textures, materials, and dimensions and so on and also to position them in different corners of the cage. This way the bird has more options of relaxation or movement.

And last but not least, be careful with the materials used. Choose perches made from safe, non-toxic materials, without sharp edges or pieces that can be swallowed. Safety is a priority, especially for curious birds who will peck at anything.

Conclusion

Therefore, there are a lot of options of bird perches that you can find in a pet shop. If you want to choose the right perches for your bird you can inform yourself from online sources with advice from professionals or you can ask the staff directly from the pet shop. Either way you have to make sure your bird is firstly safe.