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Rope Perches

Rope and sisal perches are a fun alternative to dowels and natural wood. Most are made with rope that has been braided around a central wire that allows the perch to be bent into many different shapes and spaces. This versatility makes them great when setting up a cage that has awkward empty spaces, or areas where other perches can’t fit.

***TIP: Flat or dome-top cages can also be outfitted with rope perches to create a play space on top!
Rope perches also offer a softer texture for the feet, and because they are braided, they help maintain healthy feet muscles. Many birds can also grip these materials better than hard wood, and love to cling upside down from them. They can be found in different diameters for all types of birds, as well as different lengths for a variety of uses and cage sizes.

  • Small lengths are good for corners, or upside-down U’s that birds love to snuggle into for the night.
  • Medium lengths are good for straight tightropes, or creating a low-to-high ramp. These gentle slopes can assist birds that are old, or have handicaps which don’t allow them to climb well.
  • Long lengths are good for large cages, or zig-zagging throughout the cage.

With rope perches, regularly inspect them for loose threads and sections which may unravel due to wear or chewing. These excess threads should be trimmed and discarded. Sisal is less prone to this, and is a natural material that many small birds like to preen.

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Filled Celery Bites

An easy, crunchy, sweet treat that can be modified to your bird’s preference!

Ingredients:

Stalk of celery
Filling: Peanut butter, almond butter, cream cheese, etc.
Topping: Chopped nuts, seeds, puffed cereal, etc.

Directions:

1. Wash a stalk of celery and dry it completely. This will help the filling stick.
2. With the dished side of the celery face-up, spread the filling of your choice into the celery.
3. Turn the celery over (filling side down) and cut into bite size chunks appropriate for your size bird.
***TIP: If you have multiple small birds together, feed the whole stalk to entice them into eating socially.
4. Prepare the toppings of choice on a plate. Press the celery bites filling-side down into the toppings until they stick.

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To Pet a Parrot

It is obvious just by looking at birds, that they are much different from the typical house pets like cats and dogs. Aside from the physical traits and dietary needs, it is also how we interact with them. It is human nature to want to show our affection by touching and petting our animal companions, but we must realize that not all birds want such a hands-on approach.

Many birds, like cockatoos and conures, love affection wanting to be pet everywhere! Under the wings, over their cheeks, down their back, and more. Other species are very tolerant, such as cockatiels, senegals, and macaws, offering their heads when they want a scritch on the back of the neck. Others types, like some amazons and African Greys are not always as hands-on. If your bird does not like being pet, don’t worry! This does not mean it doesn’t like you or trust you, they just may prefer a different form of interaction! Some parrots enjoy singing and talking with their owners, dancing and bobbing up and down on a perch, or even playing with toys together.

Many people try approaching a new or unfamiliar bird too quickly and from high above. If this action is perceived as a predator, the bird may nip or bite. A more relaxed position would be to hold the bird, and start low at the tail until it is comfortable, then you can work your way up the back. Another method is starting with light touching on the toes and moving up to the chest.

For birds that actively enjoy being pet, please take into consideration that under the wings and at the rump, where the base of the tail is, are areas that can be overly stimulating for them- and why your bird may perceive you as a potential mate.

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Step-Up Basics

Stepping up is a basic, but very important building block that all feathered friends should be familiar with. It is useful for moving birds in and out of cages, to and from stands and people, or retrieving them from the floor or unsafe situations. It is easy for us to get too comfortable or lazy with this simple training tool because tame birds seem to instinctively respond. Sometimes birds can forget as well! Some parrots that do not step-up may not understand for a number of reasons: they were not trained to step-up, they were trained to be moved with sticks/perches, they have free reign of the house or room and do not rely on people. Babies and sometimes untamed birds or adults may need practice, or a refresher course. Many young birds will learn fast, especially if hand fed and handled frequently.

  • Different birds learn in different ways, and some birds may be very scared or sometimes aggressive if they have not been handled. Training is best done in a safe, quiet environment (sometimes in a different room, away from the cage), in a tidy area with minimal hiding spots.
  • It is good practice to use a verbal cue, like “step up” or “up” that a learning bird can associate with the physical action. Initially, birds may need a light touch or pressure from your finger placed low on their chest.
  • Some birds will step-up from vulnerable places like the floor, but small T-perches work well for birds that are inclined to avoid, or run away from hands.
  • If your bird is food motivated, a small treat held just out of reach can be used to coax your bird onto your finger where it can then eat the reward.
  • Once a bird is perched on your finger, alternate your hands to have your bird step-up in a ladder-like motion. Remember to use the verbal cue! This is best done if the bird is facing you. Make sure after a few steps that you allow your bird a break, that can be its own reward.
  • Take a few minutes each day during normal playtime and handling to reinforce this behavior.