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.