Perches

[eliholtman]

What perches should I get for parakeet? I just saw that apparently sand perches are bad? All along I thought they were needed for birds


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[ZephyrFly]

I recommend; cement, calcium, and natural wood perches. It's a longer story about which wood is safe if you want to make your own natural wood perches which I don't have time to explain at the moment (someone else will chime in I hope).
Sand perches are a risk because sand is not edible and eventually the sand starts to come off. Parrots do not need grit, and they chew things so it can lead to health problems. Plus the the adhesive they use to stick the sand to the perch is also a health risk.
Cement perches last longer and calcium perches are digestible, both better choices for keeping nails trimmed. They can be a bit rough though so you shouldn't only have these perches.

 

[GaleriaGila]

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

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

I have a calcium perch in each of my birds cages, and they NEVER USE THEM!! The sand perches can be rough on the bird's feet, so stick to rope, natural wood, calcium, and cement perches. Don't use plastic, dowel, or sand perches.