Healthy feet depend on the choice of perches we offer our birds,,we need to get this right.
With the odd exception all birds need the choice of several different types of perches,diameter and texture are important.
A budgie should be able to grasp a perch with the claws going three quarters of the way around,thinner swaying perches will offer excercise and play but are not suitable for general perching.
Budgerigars are great chewers of soft wood and bark especially the hens in breeding condition and this is because the wood fibres are rich in celluluose.
Willow would always be my first choice of perches the branches will be stripped and chewed and the Salicylic acid in the branches is the main ingredient of Aspirin - so it has medicinal properties.
Safe natural wood branches for birds include the following:
Apple - Arbutus - Ash - Aspen - Beech - Birch - Cottonwood - Crabapple - Dogwood - Elm - Fir - Hawthorn -
Larch - Magnolia - Manzanita - Mulberry - Pear - Pine - Poplar - Sequoia (redwood) - Willow.
DO NOT use apricot, cherry, peach, prune, plum or nectarine. These trees all belong to the Prunus species. They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Do not assume the leaves are safe and as a precaution i would suggest they are removed.
Eucalyptus branches are nontoxic and are safe to use as natural wood perches.
Although FRESH eucalyptus leaves have been given to birds without causing illness, ingestion of a large amount of the leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, crop impaction and muscle weakness in avians.
Avoid giving DRY eucalyptus leaves or using dry eucalyptus leaves for nesting material. These may be contaminated with Aspergillus spores.
A wild bird might also need to hang upside or climb vertically to reach a piece of fruit, seed or other food item. This variation tests a bird’s balance and athleticism. We should try to create similar opportunities for our captive-bred birds.
Offer your birds a variety of perches include natural,rope,softwood and hardwood,do vary the diameters which will help keep the birds feet healthy.
Breeding birds also use their perches during copulation, making your perch choices even more important. Without a secure perch, a female might not be able to steady herself during the act. At least several of the perches you give your pairs should be soft enough for your birds to destroy. You need to be prepared to replace perches during breeding season.