Ideas for perches/shelf inside cage

[BeatriceC]

My AV wants me to completely redo the inside of Charlotte's cage on account of her balance issues. He wants her to have some wide, flat places to rest without perching and he wants her primary perch to be something like a 2x4 piece of lumber so that she has a wider place to rest. Of course, she's going to chew up something like that frequently, so it has to be something that I can replace easily. I can put something together no problem, but it will likely be boring. I was hoping that some of you might have some ideas for making a more interesting environment in her cage while still following the vet's directions.

 

[Flboy]

Take a look at these for ideas. Many are dead easy to make! Nice ideas for thinking outside the box!

Perch Factory | Corner Bird Shelf Perch - Parrot Platform Perches

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...5TOAhXLmh4KHUDGAyEQMwg7KBcwFw&iact=mrc&uact=8

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...5TOAhXLmh4KHUDGAyEQMwhSKC0wLQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

 

[BeatriceC]

Ohhhh! I like the flat rock idea!

*puts paving stones on the shopping list*

 

[Flboy]

Ohhhh! I like the flat rock idea!

*puts paving stones on the shopping list*

Yep, drillbit, epoxy, post!

 

[jugoya]

I once saw a lovebird setup where the birds perches were shelves that made a ramp like system on three sides of its cage... All leading to each other ya know kinda like a ferret cage just upon in the middle? They used two by fours (untreated of course) covered in fleece.

 

[MonicaMc]

There are two macaws at work who both have 2x4 perches.

One is a hyacinth who's feet point outwards at the ankle. Surgery might be able to correct his feet, but he's able to get around pretty well, despite not being able to walk properly. His main perch consists of one 2x4 wrapped in thick sisal rope. Not exactly fun to clean... He also has two other 'regular' perches (some sandy type perch) attached to the sides of the cage. The other macaw, a B&G, has mutilated feet (self-inflicted... she's literally chewed off some of her own toes...). Her main perch (and, consequently, the only one she uses... don't know why she has other perches... which are rope perches...) is a "T" perch, of sorts, wrapped in vet wrap. The main 2x4 goes length wise from one side of the cage to the other. Then, there is a shorter piece between that and the back of the cage. Neither one chews up their perches, although the B&G is kind of prevented from doing so thanks to some rather large e-collars to prevent self-mutilation.




I wouldn't consider either perch to be "fancy", but I do think the birds appreciate a flat surface to stand on.

 

[Stlphilo]

You can get some 2x4 joist hangers at the hardware store.

 

[Flboy]

You can get some 2x4 joist hangers at the hardware store.

Nice idea, but the metal is an issue, for toxicity and sharp edges! They sell simple screw in studs, SS, at Lowes. Be a lot less than what you have pictured. Those are nice though! One is SS, other is power coated.

 

[SailBoat]

There are lots of possibilities on the Wood Side once you open your mind to them. Anything from stair railings (top) to the good old standby 2 x 4.

Regarding 2 X 4's: As you are searching for the perfect one, note that they have different weights. There is a specification, and the range if fairly open. Search for the heavier pieces, you will note that there is a greater number of growth rings on the heavier pieces, which means that they will be harder for your parrot to chew.

 

[Stlphilo]

I know they have SS joist hangers that I am going to go check out at Mernards...I will look into the screw in studs also I did not think of that. Screw in studs with SS washers on the back side might be the winner. A friend of mine had also suggested staining the 2x4 with rubbing alcohol and food coloring....anyone have any insight on that as far as being safe?

 

[Flboy]

I know they have SS joist hangers that I am going to go check out at Mernards...I will look into the screw in studs also I did not think of that. Screw in studs with SS washers on the back side might be the winner. A friend of mine had also suggested staining the 2x4 with rubbing alcohol and food coloring....anyone have any insight on that as far as being safe?

Wood dye.. Here ya go!

http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/40852-how-make-your-own-wood-dyes-tutorial.html

 

[BeatriceC]

Thanks! Here's some pictures of what we have so far. We just cut a notch into the edges of one piece and attached dowels to the ends of the wider one (for more stability). We're adding a little at a time because she's a normal parrot and scared of new things. (Forgive the mess. I haven't done morning cage cleaning yet.)

 

[Flboy]

Looking nice! Just double checking, no redwood, right? (Toxic)

 

[BeatriceC]

Nope. No redwood. It's poplar, which we went with because it's a little bit harder than pine, and was on the list of safe for birds wood that the vet gave us.