How To Make Homemade Bird Perches?

[SquawksNibbles]

Does anyone know how to make homemade bird perches? I might like to make my own, natural bird perches in the future.

 

[expressmailtome]

Bump.

 

[DQTimnehs]

1. Cut branch off bird-safe tree (no pesticides either).
2. Scrub with soap & water.
3. Wash with vinegar.
4. Let dry.
5. Install in cage.
5a. You can put it between the bars of the cage and secure with zip ties.
or
5b. Quite a bit more difficult - drill hole in one end and put in hanger bolt and use with butterfly nut. I didn't have much success with this as even screwing it in with a cordless drill messed up the threads.

 

[JLcribber]

You cut the branch, clean it, and install it. You can use zip ties, screw bolts, stainless steel wire, etc. Sometimes you need to be a little creative to mount them.

 

[DQTimnehs]

An easier way to do the bolt part is just to put a screw in the end with some large washers (larger than the distance between 2 bars of the cage). One washer on the inside of the cage bars, one on the outside. The problem with it is that you have to use a screwdriver when you want to take it out to clean it.

You'll need the washers for the hanger bolt method too.

 

[vanyasmom]

@JLcribber so you cut the branch from the tree that you want to use - for example a mulberry tree? Or are you saying that you pick up a branch that was on the ground and already a bit dry/old -- and you cut the branch to the desired length?

 

[faislaq]

drill hole in one end and put in hanger bolt and use with butterfly nut. I didn't have much success with this as even screwing it in with a cordless drill messed up the threads.

I saw that Blu's Bird Toys carries a "Hanger Bolt Driver Tool". I've also seen a tutorial somewhere that used 2 wingnuts with 1 turned backwards so they would lock together & screw the bolt in. Then you just unscrew each wingnut separately & they come off without damaging the threads. I haven't tried either yet.
Hardware for Bird Toys

 

[DQTimnehs]

I saw that Blu's Bird Toys carries a "Hanger Bolt Driver Tool". I've also seen a tutorial somewhere that used 2 wingnuts with 1 turned backwards so they would lock together & screw the bolt in. Then you just unscrew each wingnut separately & they come off without damaging the threads. I haven't tried either yet.
Hardware for Bird Toys

I may have to get one of those! And see that video. Thanks!

 

[webchirp]

I saw that Blu's Bird Toys carries a "Hanger Bolt Driver Tool". I've also seen a tutorial somewhere that used 2 wingnuts with 1 turned backwards so they would lock together & screw the bolt in. Then you just unscrew each wingnut separately & they come off without damaging the threads. I haven't tried either yet.
Hardware for Bird Toys

YES! It is a wonderful tool! Highly recommend.

 

[faislaq]

Now I see that they're closing their business. I gotta order mine before y'all buy 'em all!

 

[DQTimnehs]

Now I see that they're closing their business. I gotta order mine before y'all buy 'em all!

Oh, I forgot about that!

 

[JLcribber]

I only use live healthy freshly cut limbs from trees.

 

[faislaq]

I only use live healthy freshly cut limbs from trees.

You don't need to wait for it to dry out first? They'd last longer if they're still green, that's for sure.

 

[JLcribber]

You don't need to wait for it to dry out first? They'd last longer if they're still green, that's for sure.

Much tougher when they’re green. I use apple tree so the wood is tough as nails green or dried.

A lot of people insist on sterilizing everything. I'm not one of them. I wash them well. A little dirt and the odd bug never killed anyone. It's actually good for you.

 

[Begone]

Or attached it like I do:

 

[Begone]

You don't need to wait for it to dry out first?

I only use fresh and change mine twice a year. (sometimes more often if that's necessary) They love to chew on fresh branches.
Once they are dried mine don't like to chew on them, but I guess that they are a little bit spoiled.
And I also make toys from fresh branches, I use both apple, birch and pinewood. (pinewood is very soft and not so good for branches, but excellent for toys) They like those trees.
I have been using other trees, but they where not so tasty and popular.

 

[vanyasmom]

@Eloy - you are using zip ties to hold them together? would that work for a play gym? I would like to have a couple play gyms, being able to use branches from the mulberry and orange trees would be very nice. Both seem about a good diameter for a budgie.

I wasn't sure if I could use zip ties, or it would be better to get some bird safe rope.

 

[Begone]

you are using zip ties to hold them together? would that work for a play gym?

Yes, zip ties will work well if you buy good quality.

 

[Begone]

If you want inspiration for a budgie here is a "bling bling" gym. (he loved pearls)
(and taking naps on my water glass. )

 

[faislaq]

I like the chandelier look of it!