Updated

A clear bird-care answer

What perches should I avoid?

Avoid relying on smooth dowels, sandpaper perches, toxic woods, dirty rope, loose fibers, perches that are all the same diameter, and anything too small, too large, slippery, splintering, or hard to clean.

Perches shape a bird's feet every day.

Natural wood bird perch set with varied diameters and a cockatiel beside the perches on a bright table.
01

What changes the supplies answer

Use varied bird-safe natural perches and remove perches that create pressure sores, traps, fibers, or unstable footing.

02

Skip sandpaper covers

Rough abrasive perches can irritate feet and do not replace nail care.

03

Do not use one dowel only

Identical smooth perches force the same foot position all day. Variety helps normal grip and pressure.

04

Inspect material

Avoid unknown branches, pesticide exposure, toxic woods, loose bark with mold, fraying rope, sharp hardware, and dirty surfaces.

05

Best default

Varied, clean, bird-safe natural perches beat decorative or abrasive shortcuts.

Sources and further reading