the blog
Best Perches for Parrotlets
Parrotlets use perches for standing, sleeping, climbing, playing, swinging, cleaning/rubbing their beaks, and chewing. You should offer your parrotlet a variety of different perch types and materials in their cage setup. The best perches for parrotlets are made of different materials and sizes to help mimic trees, shrubs, twigs, and other places parrotlets might frequent in the wild. A variety of perch types also keeps little parrotlet feet healthy and happy.
What Diameter Should a Parrotlet Perch Be?
Although parrotlets are one of the smallest parrot species, they need properly sized perches. Aim for ½ to 1 inch in diameter, however, this is not a hard-set rule. It’s a good idea to have smaller and larger-sized perches so your parrotlet can decide what they like best. Varying diameters also allow parrotlets to distribute pressure to different areas on the bottom of their feet and activate different foot muscles.
Generally speaking, parrotlets’ feet should be able to firmly grasp a perch with the tips of their nails gripping the surface. They should not be standing on top of a surface (like a platform) with their feet flat and their toes spread open.
If you were to give a parrotlet a perch with a diameter of a pencil, you would see its toes wrap completely around and touch. This is NOT what you want and can be an uncomfortable grip for your parrotlet. It’s okay to have one perch this size but it should not be the only one offered.
How Long Should a Parrotlet Perch Be?
Most parrotlet perches should be at least the width of their wing span or approximately 9 ½ inches. This allows your bird to flap its wings without risking hitting the sides of the cage and injuring its wings.
Most parrotlets learn not to fly in their cages simply because the cage is too small. Instead, they climb on the bars, toys, perches, etc., to get where they want to go.
Where Should Perches Be Placed in a Cage?
Parrotlet cage setup can be a challenge, to say the least. Especially when you need to change things up every few weeks to keep your parrotlet stimulated. The biggest thing to consider when it comes to perch placement is to avoid placing them directly over food and water bowls. Otherwise, your parrotlet will end up with a bowl full of poop.
Another consideration is to keep perches far enough from the top of your parrotlet’s cage. You want them to comfortably perch without having to hunch down to avoid the top bars. You’ll also want to make sure the perches aren’t too close to the back of the cage. Avoid placing a perch so close that your parrotlets tail touches the bars. You don’t want your bird to tatter or damage those gorgeous tail feathers.
What Materials Make the Best Perches for Parrotlets?
Wood, rope, pumice, ceramic/cement, and plastic are the most common perches for parrotlets. But remember that just because you offer a variety of the best perches for your parrotlet, you may find them perching (or sleeping) on a toy, food dish, or other cage elements!
Best Types of Perches for Parrotlets
1. Wood Perches
Wood is the obvious choice for parrotlet perches since wild parrotlets perch mainly in trees and shrubs. In fact, most cages come with one or two smooth wooden dowels that serve as perches that typically run the full width of the cage—from one side to the other. (While dowel perches are a fine cage element, they should not be the only perch offered.)
You can purchase parrotlet perches in a variety of wood species. Manzanita is a popular choice and is readily available for purchase. Wood perches can help keep parrotlet beaks and nails dulled as the bird chews, grips, and maneuvers on the perch. If you notice that a wood perch has splintered, replace it as soon as possible. Splinters and split or broken branches can cause injuries to your parrotlet’s feet.
If you choose to forage for your own branches to add to your parrotlet’s cage, make sure you know how to properly identify the wood. Especially if you are picking up loose branches from the ground. There are several unsafe and toxic wood species that parrotlets cannot be in contact with.
Even non-toxic wood species need to be washed, disinfected, and oven-dried (200°F for 30 minutes) to kill any visible and/or microscopic fungi or insects that could harm a parrotlet.
2. Rope Perches
Rope perches are readily available online and in most pet stores. They come in all shapes and sizes and are typically made of hemp or untreated cotton. Treated materials are typically not safe so do your research and purchase from a reputable source.
Along with toys that have rope elements, rope perches must be closely monitored. Parrotlets chew on pretty much anything, with rope being no exception. Once they start to fray, the rope fibers can be easily swallowed (which may lead to impaction), and little feet and toes can become entangled in the strands.
All perch types will end up getting dirty with food and feces and need to be cleaned often. This is more of a challenge with rope perches than with other material types.
3. Pumice Perches
There are two types of pumice perches available on the market.
- Natural pumice perches are made of genuine pumice stone which is a type of volcanic rock that forms when lava quickly cools during an eruption. It’s porous (with lots of small uniform holes), lightweight, and has a spongelike appearance. Be careful when handling natural pumice perches. If you drop it, it will break!
- Synthetic pumice perches come in natural and dyed versions and have the same overall appearance and feel of natural pumice. Depending on the manufacturer, synthetic pumice perches may contain chemicals that could be harmful to your parrotlet.
4. Pedi-Perches or Pedicure Perches
This type of perch has a smooth top surface to protect the pads of a parrotlet’s feet, with a rough (sandpaper-like) texture on the sides for keeping nails trimmed. Although parrots in general do not need grit, these perches are often made of soluble grit which can include cuttlebone. When birds climb on a pedi-perch, it helps dull their nails and beaks.
5. Cement, Sand, and Sandpaper Perches
Cement, sand, and sandpaper-covered perches are generally considered a no-no for parrotlets. They have rough, scratchy surfaces and can cause cuts, scrapes, and abrasions to the underside of your bird’s feet. Consider the amount of poop that quickly accumulates on a bird’s perches, and you have a recipe for bacterial infections and discomfort for your parrotlet.
6. Heated Perches
Proper temperature is a big factor in keeping parrotlets healthy. Heated perches are a good way to keep them warm, especially at night. If you keep your home cooler than 68 degrees Fahrenheit or have drafty doors or windows, a heated perch is a way to keep your parrotlet warm enough.
Unlike the other perches mentioned in this article, heated perches require electricity. Although unlikely, if you choose to use a heated perch, you should regularly test it to make sure the temperature does not get too hot. It should feel barely warm to the touch at all times. If you feel it fluctuating, please dispose of the perch and replace it.
You’ll also need to make sure your parrotlet cannot access or chew on the cord.
Summary of The Best Perches for Parrotlets
A variety of perches are necessary to keep parrotlets happy and healthy. Aim for 3-4 different types of safe and appropriate perches to place throughout your bird’s cage. Be sure to purchase ones that are appropriately sized with your bird’s comfort in mind. With modern conveniences like bird-specific online stores and Amazon, it’s easy to find the best perches for parrotlets.
What types of perches do you have in your parrotlet’s cage? What perches does your parrotlet seem to like best?