Rope perches- yeah or nay?

[alcmene]

I've read that they can be dangerous because toenails can get stuck in them. I've also read that they're awesome and birds love them because they are so soft on their feet. Can't decide if i should buy some or not. Opinions?

 

[gizzygirl]

I have some in every cage. They sleep on them and it keeps their feet warm. I advise checking them and really everything in the cages and play areas to see if there are lose strings to cut off. They can get caught in them but I mainly have that problem with swings and toys. Keep their nails trim and they should be fine with the ropes provided they're in good condition. I take mine to get clipped and trimmed every month. I'm too scared I'll hurt them to do it myself.

 

[gizzygirl]

Cotton ropes on toys are the ones to really watch out for imo. I'm always trimming excess rope on those and swings.

 

[Empath]

nay. read too many stories of birds eating the rope/cotton/etc and having it stuck in their crop

sure you can probably have 20 birds without any probs but then you get that one bird who thinks everything is food and ends up dying cos of it...

 

[Terry57]

I also have rope perches in all my cages, and as Gizzygirl mentioned, I check them on a daily basis and throw them away as soon as they start to fray.

 

[halogen]

I have a rope perch, but I only buy the ones with the TIGHTLY braided material. I also check them constantly to make sure they don't fray, and that the fraying (if any) is not being chewed or eaten. They can be safe, you just have to be careful and attentive.

 

[Ashleigh86]

I have two rope perches and my sun is fine with them, she's a chewer and doesn't even mess with these! I do check them frequently as I do with all her toys just in case, but no problems as of yet! I have tightly braided bendy ones that I got from Petsmart. I like them because they are so versatile

 

[Freespin]

Both of my boys have them and live the., no issues to date =)

 

[BeakFace]

Everything is dangerous. Just keep a close eye out. Yes I use ropes and has been fine. The sleepy hut is loved by Bailey but no more for a while. He got hung up in it and scared me to death! I can't even figure out how it happen. I had to unscrew the hut from the top of cage with him in one hand and gently take his nail out. Anyway I am just so careful about inspecting everything and thank goodness I was there.

 

[Mekaisto]

I've used them with over 300 different birds, and never had a problem. Just make sure you check them often to make sure they're not fraying.

 

[DallyTsuka]

ANY toy can become a danger to any bird. depends on your situation. keep nails trimmed nicely, keep loose strings removed....

if you give it to your bird and they seem to be trying to eat it, then yes take them away.

know your birds and use your own judgement on the toys in your own situation. after all, that's like me saying that all 1/2" bar space cages are terrible and shouldnt be used for anyone because my lovebird got her beak stuck in the bars twice! you need to know your own birds and what is safe for them and what is not

 

[Birdman666]

I have some in every cage. They sleep on them and it keeps their feet warm. I advise checking them and really everything in the cages and play areas to see if there are lose strings to cut off. They can get caught in them but I mainly have that problem with swings and toys. Keep their nails trim and they should be fine with the ropes provided they're in good condition. I take mine to get clipped and trimmed every month. I'm too scared I'll hurt them to do it myself.

I do too...

Just inspect them for hazards each time you clean cages, and remove the freyed parts.

I have also used horse leads as perches, and sissal cargo nets, which my birds love, and practically live on...

 

[hacatta]

I too have them in each cage.
They stand on it and clean their beaks on it,they don't look at it like a toy.
But i do have to wash it every week.

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

Horse lead is a great idea!! I have found videos in how to wire line inside the rope and have tried to make a few rope toys with sisal.
I can get thick hemp rope for $1.10/foot, and will likely try that.
Also I have seen people wrap their rope toys in vet wrap if need be
Once hula hoops come out I've got a few projects with those! I want to make two atoms, but I have also wanted to try something similar with rope.
Like everyone said, everything is dangerous. Branch perches can be dangerous. They can ingest too much and become impacted.
Bells; beaks and toes can get stuck.
Happy huts are a subject in their own, as are hammocks.

 

[kagan1042]

Also I have seen people wrap their rope toys in vet wrap if need be
.

I was actually just about to ask if you could wrap rope perches in vet wrap. I love the "bendyness" of the rope perch, not necessarily what it's made from so thought might be safer with wrap on it

 

[riddick07]

Definitely depends on your bird like Dally said. None of mine really chew on them and I have one in every cage. Any toy can be dangerous...I think our fids sit around thinking about how they can get themselves into trouble next....

And the horse leads is a great idea! Don't know why I didn't think of it with having horses of my own. Granted I never seem to have any since everyone else takes mine.

 

[Birdman666]

I also have rope perches in all my cages, and as Gizzygirl mentioned, I check them on a daily basis and throw them away as soon as they start to fray.

Me too. Got them in the cages, and have some on the playstands as well, along with large cargo nets. My birds practically live on the cargo nets!

 

[Peeko]

Peeko has lots of rope perches and I've never had a problem. Never had to throw any away due to fraying or loose strings, etc. I don't give him any toys that resemble rope, and he just doesn't associate it as something to play with or chew on. I agree with the other posters that it should be considered on an individual basis because some birds are more destructive than others, etc