When you visit a local parrot rescue and decide to give one of those rehoming birds a loving home, you want to ensure that they have everything they need for a comfortable life. Pet birds need everything from cages, toys, a balanced diet, and a suitable perch for their daily activities. Some pet bird owners might think that any old play stands or perch are ideal for their new feathered friend, but they would be mistaken. 

One particular bird behavior clearly indicates what potential adoptive bird owners need to carefully consider what their perch’s material is — frequently chewing. 

Why Does a Bird’s Tendency to Chew Matter?

When an exotic bird is kept in captivity, it won’t have the same freedom of movement it would have in the wild. They tend to chew things like branches, tree trunks, and other natural materials to keep their beaks and even their nails trimmed. In captivity, severely limited options mean that their perch becomes what’s readily available for their personal maintenance. Selecting a bird perch made from a suitable material for this becomes crucial.

So when bird owners look to outfit their avian friends with the toys and perches to keep them happy and comfortable, the materials play an essential role. People have to be ready for these perches to be readily replaceable depending on how often and vigorously they chew and claw. 

Natural Wood

Since birds have evolved over the generations to regularly use wood to chew on, having a natural wood perch will be the nearest equivalent to their natural habitat. However, you need to be careful of which trees the wooden perches are made from. Some trees can contain microscopic fungi and insects that can prove harmful to your companion parrot’s health. 

Trusting a respected institution like Todd Marcus Birds Exotic with your wooden perch needs can help eliminate that risk. Our inventory features wooden perches that are known to be bird-safe. 

Rope Perches

While natural wood might be the closest thing to their natural habitat, wood perches aren’t your only option. Perches made from hemp can provide a soft and durable perch that your bird will love. It’s an easier to grip surface, so your bird can get more readily comfortable. The rope perch becomes a more popular option to combat arthritis as your bird ages. 

Cement Perches

Providing a contrast in your bird’s cage helps keep them from getting bored and helps improve their ability to trim their beaks and nails. Cement or concrete perches can be a helpful tool in that regard, but it shouldn’t be the only perch in your bird’s habitat. Overexposure to the harder surface can become abrasive of the bird’s feet and lead to more significant problems in the future. 

Plastic Perches

One of the most readily available and easiest to clean perches on the open market, plastic provides what seems like a safe option for your bird. Be careful, though — the plastic may be too slippery for your bird to grip, and larger birds can potentially chew through the perch and create plastic shards. 

Shop for Your Bird’s Newest Perch with Todd Marcus Birds Exotic!

Shopping for your bird’s newest perch shouldn’t be a long and challenging process. Todd Marcus Birds Exotic has an expansive inventory of perches that come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Browse our selection and find your bird’s new favorite perch today!