Category: Cages

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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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Aviaries

Spring is a great time to take advantage of the beautiful, warm weather and let your birds enjoy it. For small birds, aviaries are a good way to let them exercise and fly, and the natural sunlight is good for their health and feathers. Whether you are just setting-up, buying or building an aviary- or even just maintain an existing one, here are some things to consider:

The Birds:

  • Many birds are bred indoors and are not accustomed to outside temperature fluctuations. Acclimating a bird is very important to its long term well-being outdoors. Most birds can handle highs and lows (in moderation), but they must gradually adjust over a period of time. In very hot or very poor weather it is best to bring your birds inside if possible.
  • Mixing different species of birds can give a natural and exotic feel to the aviary, but remember to only house compatible species together to reduce stress and fighting.

The Aviary:

  • Before introducing any birds, make sure your cage is structurally sound and provides a safe and secure home for your birds.
  • Holes in fencing materials are very easy to miss; finches and parakeets can slip out of very small gaps. Thoroughly inspect the cage for broken areas, bent wires, etc. and repair them.
  • If your frame is made of wood, inspect all areas for chewing or rotten sections which could be weak points.
  • Aviaries should have a protected and shaded area so that the birds are not in direct sun all day. These areas will also serve as wind buffers and offer shelter from the rain.
  • Outside areas may bring pests and unwelcome visitors to the cage. Keep your birds safe by detering these animals and keeping the area clean of food waste. Keep animals out by using small spacing and sturdy gauge wire.
  • Consider how you will enter, exit, and clean the aviary. In order to prevent birds from escaping, many are built with second entryways or chain curtains. Also make sure that you have easy access when refreshing food and water.
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Nesting Materials

When breeding birds, it is important for the parents and the babies to have a nest and quality nesting material. In the wild we observe nests constructed of twigs, grasses, bits of cloth, fur and hair. Small birds in captivity, like finches and canaries, also enjoy using a variety of materials to supplement their nests.

Hay and orchard grass: A stiffer, natural material that many birds, like grass finches, enjoy adding to their nests.
Coconut fiber: Prefered by canaries, coconut fiber is very fine and attention must be given so long pieces do not get tangled around the birds. Help prevent this by snipping it into smaller sections.
Fine string: One of the most commonly available materials, this can usually buy it already cut to appropriate lengths and inside a box you can attach to the cage.
Feathers: Some birds will use down feathers or molted feathers to line their nests, but sterile feathers can be offered as well.
*** Do not use feathers collected from the wild as they may contain harmful pests.
Cotton: A soft and light material, untreated cotton fiber is also a popular natural nest building material.

All of these materials can be offered in a bundle tied to the side of the cage, or in a box with a few large openings on the sides that the materials can be pulled out from. Sometimes finches and canaries will have preferences, so it may help to offer small amounts of different materials so they can choose what they like best.

For most parrots, they do not build nests, instead they prefer to find hollowed out logs or abandoned tree cavities. As pets, parrots use nest boxes, and most breeders use a layer of pine shavings in the bottom.

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Types of Perches

Perches are a must for any bird cage, and there are a variety of types to choose from. Simple wooden dowels come with most cages, but they are not ideal if they are the only type of perch in the cage. Birds that enjoy chewing may also gnaw them in half quickly! For birds, perch variety is important, and replicates the different branches and tree limbs they climb on in the wild. Popular wood choices include manzanita and ribbonwood for their durability, and grapevine for its unique style.

Some perches, like pine dowels and some hardwood perches are made to span the full length of the cage. This generally makes for easy access to food and water. Other perches attach only at one side, encouraging climbing; it also makes it easier for you to rearrange them within the cage. It is important to offer perches of various diameters so the foot muscles can stretch and exercise while standing or climbing. Also when selecting perches, make sure to to provide perches of the appropriate size diameter for your bird’s feet. There is a lot of flexibility, but the two best guidelines are:

1. Diameter should not be so small that the bird’s toes are overlapping or crossing at the underside of the perch.
2. Diameter should not be so large that the bird slips off because it can not grip properly.

Having a variety of perch sizes and materials is a good way to provide textural enrichment for your bird, and many people also find them visually appealing.