Perch Material

I recently purchased a Prevue Hendryx stainless steel Amazon cage. The cage comes with two stainless perches. The literature states that the perches, which are scored and not smooth, are better for the parrot's feet. I am not so sure of this, and am contemplating replacing them with wood and some rope perches. What does everyone think?

sounds good for the nails but not for the feet. There are a lot of perches available that are smooth on top but have the underside "scored" as you put it to wear down nails over time.

I think you're right going with wood but I'd have to know more details about the perch.

My amazon has a textured stainless perch on his big stainless swing. He really seems to enjoy that perch, which is a bit strange to me because it's a thinner diameter than typically recommended for an amazon and being metal it gets cold. But not having parrot feet, I'm unable to say what actually feels comfortable for them. He also has many other perches made out of many other materials too, so his feet get a good workout.

Amazons should have a variety of perches in a variety of materials. They should have perches ranging from 3/4" to 2+" in diameter. Wood, rope, (a) cement perch... a little bit of everything is best for their feet! While my bird does seem to enjoy his metal perch, he also spends plenty of time on his rope, wood, plastic and cement perches as well. So yes, it is fine to include one or both (depending on cage size) of the stainless perches, but be sure you have plenty of other perches in her cage and play stand too so her feet stay healthy

P.S. Those stainless perches may work well placed lower in the cage, as they are very easy to clean if they are pooped on! Trying to clean poo off a rope perch sucks. Perches on all levels of the cage help your bird utilize their full "indoor" space, not just the top part.

Since my husband works nights and I work days, someone is always home. Sam spends most of his time outside the cage on the playpen top. He only sleeps inside mostly. He has a cement perch and a rope perch, but seems to prefer metal. I also have a heated perch for when it is really cold. I think I will replace the stainless one on the playpen with wood and leave all the others inside.

maybe the cold of the metal is like the cold side of the pillow for us?

Really the best perches are tree branches, it's what those feet are built for, of course other perches alongside are good to have too. Having many different diameters and feels of perch keeps their feet rested and exercised at once

I always get the Manzanita ones. This way we can't chew through them in 2 days. Strip the bark off real quick though.

My thoughts for you...
I really recommend getting those nail-trimming perches... they can eliminate nail-trimming, which was always so stressful for me and the Rb. It took a few years, but I eventually established a pattern/rotation that keeps him trimmed. I haven't had to do his nails in 20-plus years. I keep a dowel as the main "highway" down the middle of the cage, but the special cement/trimmer/textured perches are all over.
A few brands... but there are many: Polly's Sand Walk... Pumice Perch... Trimmer Perch...
Be sure to introduce them gradually: they're abrasive to their tender feet at first. I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are smooth on top and abrasive underneath. Very easy to install/clean, oo.
Sweet Feet and Beaks Pedicure Perch xsmall for parrots, Feather Fantasy
Natural branches *ARE* good... but I have trouble finding ones that haven't been exposed to mosquito spray and pesticides...

I have on of those, but Sam lets me trim his nails. I give him a nice wooden clothespin which he chews while I cut. I have the same powder the vet uses in case of any bleeding. Never have any problems with it.

Seems like everything's fine then, I'd just watch him and see what perches he likes.... get more of those.

Manzanita. We bought 4. One for inside, two little ones for by the food cups inside, and one for the play top. He is feeling much better.

Great success then!