My Parrot and her perch?

Question

We ususally make her perches out of wood from a tree in our yard but she just chews through them in a week or so causing it fall with her on it! we've tried several different perches from the store as well even really expensive ones. Any ideas? I feel so bad for her when she falls like that!

Answer 1

Get Bottle brush wood. It's kind of soft on the outside making it very appealing to a bird, but when they begin working on it, it gets harder and harder. Eventually she'll chew through it, but it's going to take a while.
Does she have toys? You didn't mention what kind of Parrot she is. She sounds like a real chewer and you are going to have to either buy or construct some very "chewable" toys.
Here's some websites for ideas and patterns for making your own parrot toys:

http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/ideas.htm

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww70e.htm

http://www.cleos-corner.com/Toy%20Info.html

http://birds.about.com/od/livingwithabird/ss/homemadetoys.htm

http://birds.about.com/b/a/236762.htm

If you get her interested in things to chew on other than her perch, you might not have such a problem.
I wouldn't go with a perch made of anything other than wood. It's simply too hard on their feet. I dislike cement perches as I hate standing on cement. How could I expect my birds to stand on them?
I think by supplying her with toys that have "Parrot-Appeal", you will find a change in behavior. Remember that bird toys are meant to be chewed, kicked, beaten up on, dropped, smacked and other wise destroyed...that is their purpose.
A destroyed toy is a GREAT toy! Go get another one just like it!

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Have you thought about using natural wooden perches, instead? These are definately my preferred perches- and they are free! As long as you dont use any woods that are toxic to your bird (I think some fruit trees, pines, etc- are- but I am not an expert on this) It should be fine- and much safer than resulting to cement perches that can cause your bird harm. I do not like the store brought perches at all- including those doweling ones that your bird is eating through. In nature- your parrot would be sitting on a variety of different textured and sized perches, and not the same one all of the time. These doweling perches can damage your bird's feet. The sandpaper covers are a waste of money and can cause your bird harm- especially if he eats it. The coloured mineral perches tend to dye white birds- so I hate to think of what they contain and the possible health hazards they might cause. I think that its great that your parrot is chewing- it keeps the beak in great condition and your pet entertained. There are a heap of toys out there that encourage foraging and chewing- these might be the right ones to select for your Senegal. Good luck!

Answer 3

How about a perch called a Polly perch it is made of cement and I am sure the bird will not be able to chew through it, plus it helps keep there nails manicured so they aren't so sharp.
I also want to encourage you to continue to put the wooden perches in there and let the bird chew them up, the bird obviously has the need to chew. That is just nature. PVC perches are a little to slick and difficult to stand on for some birds.

Answer 4

How about pvc pipes? Is there any toys in the cage? Maybe try hanging some wooden toys or even just hanging some branches in the cage and she'll chew those instead.(?)

Answer 5

Mine loves the kind covered in a sort of sand paper-brightly colored. Ask at a Pet Smart or large pet store. They have them.All different sizes.