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The correct type and placement of the perches in your bird's cage can affect its health and well-being.
Perches should be placed at the same height and as far apart as possible. They should not, however, be placed so near to the end
of the cage that the bird will rub its tail against the cage when turning around. Such contact quickly results in an unsightly, frayed tail. Perches should be placed rather high in the cage and care should be taken
to arrange them so that they, or a bird sitting on them, cannot be defecated on by another bird sitting on a higher perch.
 Perches are commonly fashioned from wooden dowels. These are easy to scrub/clean but they also have serious disadvantages. Besides being too smooth for secure footing they are all of the same diameter and
curvature. This forces the bird to always bend its toes in the same way. This lack of stimulation can predispose to foot troubles. Perches of natural tree branches or twigs cut from nontoxic trees and shrubs (fruit
trees, elm, ash, maple, birch, willow or nut) make ideal perches for all birds. These perches are more difficult to clean but can inexpensively be replaced as needed. The sand-coated dowel perches (designed to help
keep the toenails short) are not recommended. They are too rough for sensitive birds and can actually cause problems
By providing "natural" perches your bird will be happier and have healthier feet. These branches can be
purchased at many craft supply stores (H & H Floral, Stats, etc.) or from floral design shops.
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