Need to take bark off of perches?

[Chesphoto]

I cut off a couple of branches that will make great perches. Almost all perches I have seen have had the bark removed. Is there a reason that bark is removed?

Also, how should I disinfect the branches before I put them in the cage?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[HalfInsane]

Removing the bark helps remove any molds, fungus, etc that may be on the branches. It is not a reliable way to remove pesticides, however, and treated trees need to be avoided. I think it is also done for durability, and visual appeal.

That being said I have perches with the bark on; I thoroughly washed them with a bleach and water solution, rinsed them, and then 'baked' them in the oven to kill any remaining nasties. You'd clean debarked branches the same way. The baking in the oven is perhaps overkill, but I figure better safe than sorry.

 

[sodakat]

Removing the bark should be the birds' job, not yours. Why have natural perches if the birds cannot enjoy them thoroughly?

 

[christinereed]

I tried to leave the bark on, but in the process of washing the perch, the bark started to come off, so I took it off.

 

[Blancaej]

This was a great question. I just got some branches to use as perches the other day and was wondering the same thing. Thanks for bringing this up!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I leave the bark on very healthy branches, but on dryer branches I always remove the bark and bake it because they tend to have bugs and stuff hiding in here.