Travel cage

I got a cheap rectangle 16x16x24 cage today to use for travel. It came with 2 wooden dowels and I know they are a no-no but this cage will only be used for 48 hrs at a time max, and maybe once every 3/4 months at that. Would it be ok to leave the dowels in as long as I offer Toto a rope perch as well? Also, what if I covered the dowels with coband/vet wrap? I have heard it can help a little bird keep their balance when traveling in a car.

Might as well just toss both dowels out and replace with better perches. You can leave one or both in if you really want, but you definitely want more variety than just wooden dowels. (you did mention adding a rope perch!)

The dowels are just fine in a travel cage. Don't even worry about it.

The issue with dowels is when they are the ONLY perch a bird ever stands on for decades. Their feet need varied size and texture on perches over the long term to help prevent developing early arthritis. Sitting on a dowel every couple months is not going to do any damage. You can use a rope perch if he will be traveling overnight with you, as it will probably be more comfortable.

As for balance- Kiwi's travel cage has a dowel perch. He has never had issues balancing in the car as he just grips the perch with one foot and the bars of the cage with other. Never once has he fallen or even lost balance. Then again, I think Kiwi might have gecko feet. His play tree is plastic and got horrid reviews online because peoples birds would slip off it. He runs around, hangs upside down, swings off it with ease, so he may just be good with gripping stuff. I have heard of some birds who have rather poor balance naturally, so if your bird has trouble gripping his regular perches, vet wrap may not be a bad idea.

Ditto Kiwi's thoughts... unless you are traveling for months and your guy is stuck in the small travel cage most of the time, then I'd worry about it. But for runs to the vet or things like that, would not think twice about it.