Thanks, my grandfather used cedar to build his house and it's TOUGH! My first thought was cedar then I learned!
Most pine is okay. Certain pines have nasty sap! Down here even wild birds avoid bull pine. Pine pitch sticks are full of sap and can be used to start fires. If you use pine, I recommend baking it first.
Something else common here is Beau Dark sp. (Are you familiar with Beau Dark Balls?) We were always told to only use their wood collected in winter. I don't know why. It probably has to do with the sap settling for a better fire or fruiting. It makes for good perches.
Anyway, I order mine from Drs. Foster and Smith. (I think they were bought by PetSmart or PetCo or PetSense. You can get some great deals now.) @Mizzely probably knows.
I know what you mean about that nasty sap on some pine... a couple of boards on my back deck have that, and you better not step in it, as it will get your feet/shoes all sticky and it's so hard to get off!
Yes, I remember that Bois D'Arc wood! I had never seen this until my first home back in the 70's. I didn't remember it had balls, for some reason, but I sure do remember some has thorns.... ow! I think you're probably right on about the reason of only using in winter... I just remember that the wood is really tough to cut because it's so hard, and probably dense as all get out.
I love the idea @Mizzely had of putting the pedicure perch right by the food. Mine is not in a very popular spot, and I don't think they are getting the benefits. *Note to self: move that pedi-perch~!
I was going to mention something about Fergus' water dish - it's crazy the way he drinks water now, I think he doesn't wish to get his feet wet - he will be on the side of the cage and LEAN in to get water, rather than stepping on the perch on the bowl! Maybe he stepped on it once after I had just filled it, and got his dainty little feet wet?