When it comes to creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your budgie, choosing the right perches is crucial. Not only do perches provide a place for your bird to rest and relax, but they also offer a place to play and exercise. The best option for perches is using natural branches from trees.
Perches that are very often provided with a cage, when you buy it, are made of plastic or round treated wood. Both of those types are not suitable, as they hurt budgies feet, cause blisters or even lead to bumble foot (painful and nasty illness). Perfectly round perches that all have the same diameter are not good for a grip and can cause callouses. Alternative option that is safe are rope perches.
But let's go back to wooden perches, that are undoubtly the most desirable.
Firstly - it's important to choose the right trees that are safe and non-toxic for your bird. Here are some trees that are generally considered safe for budgies:
Apple tree
Apple trees are a great option for budgie perches. They are sturdy and provide a good grip for your bird's feet. Additionally, applewood is known for being durable and resistant to decay, making it a long-lasting perch option.
Birch tree
Birch trees are also a safe option for budgie perches. They have a smooth texture and are easy to clean. Birchwood is also easy to shape, allowing you to create perches with varying shapes and sizes.
Dogwood tree
Dogwood trees are a favorite among bird owners because they are visually appealing and provide a good grip for your bird's feet. Dogwood perches are also durable and long-lasting.
Elm tree
Elm trees are a good option for budgie perches because they are strong and sturdy. Elmwood is also resistant to splitting and cracking, making it a durable perch option.
Maple tree
Maple trees are a safe choice for budgie perches. They have a smooth texture and are easy to clean. Maplewood is also durable and long-lasting, making it a good choice for perches that will be used frequently.
Oak tree
Oak trees are known for their strength and durability, making them a good choice for budgie perches. Oakwood is also resistant to decay, making it a long-lasting option.
Pine tree
Pine trees are a popular choice for budgie perches because they are lightweight and easy to shape. However, it's important to note that not all parts of the pine tree are safe for birds. Avoid using sapwood or softwood, as they can release harmful chemicals.
Willow tree
Willow trees are a great option for budgie perches because they are lightweight and easy to shape. Willowwood is also resistant to splitting and cracking, making it a durable perch option.
Birch tree
Birch can be a safe wood to use for budgie perches as long as it is untreated and free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Birch wood is generally considered a safe and non-toxic wood for birds.
Sycamore tree
Sycamore wood is a good option for bird perches because it is a lightweight and durable wood that can be easily carved into the desired shape for a bird's comfort. Additionally, sycamore wood is generally considered to be a safe and non-toxic wood for birds, as long as it is untreated and free from any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Sycamore wood also has a smooth texture that can be comfortable for a bird's feet to grip, making it a good choice for perches.
How thick should budgie perches be?
The ideal diameter for budgie perches is generally between 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch (1.3 cm to 1.6 cm). This diameter allows the budgie's feet to comfortably grip the perch without being stretched or strained, which can lead to foot problems. It is important to provide perches of varying diameters to help exercise and strengthen the bird's feet and legs. Providing perches with different textures, such as rough or smooth, can also help promote foot health by preventing the build up of scales on budgies feet.
It is always important to make sure that the branches are not too thick for your budgie's feet to comfortably grip, and that the branches do not have any sharp edges or splinters that could injure your bird.
If you have no access to the trees mentioned above, you can always try online shops, like Etsy, where you can buy untreated wooden sticks and branches.
Or, you can try Amazon, where they have variety of wooden perches, like these ones HERE.
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