Perches: Setting Up a Cage with Perches

Eclectus on a shelf perch
We hear that birds need variety in their perches all the time. But, what does that mean? Birds are on their feet most of the time, so perches are not only important for enrichment, but also for their physical health. New bird owners often look for tips on setting up a bird cage. We often start by adding perches, and then add toys, foraging toys, bowls, and other items. Our 4-3-2-1 perch criteria is a great check list to help ensure you are encouraging exercise, providing enrichment, and promoting physical health.

Does your parrot's cage pass the 4-3-2-1 perch test?

Illustration of small, large, and medium perches
Make sure every cage has:
  • FOUR different diameter perches: To make sure the perches in your bird's cage really promote foot health and decrease the possibility of sore spots, make sure there are at least four different diameter perches in the cage. Have at least one that seems too small, one that seems medium, or just right, and at least one that seems too large. Additional perches can be added that are in slightly different diameters, but also fit into the small, medium, or large categories. Place an appealing toy or foraging toy near these perches. This will encourage exercise and have your bird putting pressure on different points of their feet throughout the day
  • THREE different materials in perches: Use different kinds of wood perches. Include some perches with bark, and perhaps some without. One or more soft cotton perches are often a welcome addition to a cage. Many birds like to sleep on cotton perches. (As with anything, just keep stray threads under 1" in length, and make sure they aren't ingesting them if they chew them. Most don't, but some might.)
  • TWO ACTION perches: Make sure there are at least two swings, bungees/boings, ladders, or other action perches in the cage. This encourages your bird to balance, which is great, low impact exercise for them. Most birds need more exercise in their daily lives.
  • ONE flat shelf or platform perch: Many birds like to have a flat perch in their cage somewhere, as well. This allows them to put their feet completely flat. It can also be an excellent location for a more difficult foraging toy that they may have to really maneuver around to access the food inside.

Running out of room inside the cage? Make sure the cage meets at least the minimum cage size requirement for your parrot's species.