Need some new perches

[natalie]

I have to get some perches for my new blue and gold. She only has one in her cage.

Was wondering what types you all prefer for your macaws...what they like, what seems durable enough, etc....what NOT to buy

Give me a good start on my search. Thank you

 

[Gristleboy]

I have a combination of concrete perches & closet rod in their cage. If you are looking for a free standing perch, let me know & I will post up pix of the ones I made. Cheap & good!

 

[natalie]

Thank you ~ I'd love to see pics of what you made. I need both, cage perches and a stand.

 

[Gristleboy]

No prob, I'll try & snap a couple tonite.

 

[HarleyMom]

I have one concrete perch in front of one feed bowl. I was told to put it where she would have to stand on it a little each day to help keep her nails filed down some. I have a closet rod I guess, as Gristleboy called it.

I also have 1 large natural wood with the bark on it that goes from one end to the other. It is her favorite. It is level, then goes up a little and then drops back down. If I take it down and remount it another way, it goes backward then forward. I hand picked this one and it is so cool. You can remount it 4 different ways for 4 different perches to keep their mind entertained.

I also have 2 other natural perches that are sanded that don't go from one end to the other, they are about a foot and a half long and she likes them too. Hope this helps!

 

[natalie]

Thanks for the input
We actually gave her a big natural apple branch from our tree in her cage. It has different sizes all through it. She seems to like it.
I really need to buy/make her a stand now. Time to get busy

 

[Gristleboy]

OK, I can't seem to get a decent set of pix so I will try & explain how to make this thing!
Stuff needed:
Patio Umbrella Stand (the heavier the better for obvious reasons - macs are fiesty!)
2 - 2' sections closet rod (available at any hardware store)
Approx. 4' 1 1/2" abs pipe
1 - 1 1/2" abs 't' fitting

Place 1 section of rod into stand
Place ABS pipe over rod
Drill 2 small holes thru pipe in fasten with screws
Decide on final height of cross section & mark
Cut off excess pipe
From left over pipe, cut 2 - 3" pieces & insert intoeach end of 'T'
Insert second section of closet rod thru 'T', drill & fasten as before (I put the screws on the bottom so as not to attract the birds attention)
Glueing the pipes together makes it stronger but less portable - your choice

Cheap & works great. Hope this is helpful.

 

[natalie]

yes...that is helpful! Thank you so much

 

[antoinette]

OK, I can't seem to get a decent set of pix so I will try & explain how to make this thing!
Stuff needed:
Patio Umbrella Stand (the heavier the better for obvious reasons - macs are fiesty!)
2 - 2' sections closet rod (available at any hardware store)
Approx. 4' 1 1/2" abs pipe
1 - 1 1/2" abs 't' fitting

Place 1 section of rod into stand
Place ABS pipe over rod
Drill 2 small holes thru pipe in fasten with screws
Decide on final height of cross section & mark
Cut off excess pipe
From left over pipe, cut 2 - 3" pieces & insert intoeach end of 'T'
Insert second section of closet rod thru 'T', drill & fasten as before (I put the screws on the bottom so as not to attract the birds attention)
Glueing the pipes together makes it stronger but less portable - your choice

Cheap & works great. Hope this is helpful.

Wow that is a great drawing and explanation, you should become a teacher LoL

Even I understand it haha :63:

 

[Gristleboy]

Thanks Guys!
A couple of other things: If you use a 'T' that is threaded you can glue the whole assembly & still have it come apart easily. It also makes it a lot easier to change the rod (our GW destroys 'em in about a week so I keep plenty of spares). I also realized that I actually use a 16" piece for the actual perch. We also tie ropes & odd things to it & she will swing & play for hours on this thing, handy for when you're trying to do things that aren't enhanced by a nosy 4lb bird!

=====

 

[natalie]

lol ...

Holly is still afraid to sit alone on a stand or anything esle for too long. 16 years of her life was spent in and on her cage, and not doing much at all.
It's nice seeing her come out of her shell .... I don't think it will be long before she can use one and like it.

Thanks again