Natural Perches

 

I would really like to make some of those perches. I found directions to make them, but it says to use stainless steel screws/bolts/washers/etc. I can find the thread that goes into the perch, but not stainless steel, i figuire this particular part doesn't matter greatly. I did manage to find stainless steel washers and wingnuts...if i wanted to pay $7.50 for 3 washers. That's compared to the 50c or so (maybe less, don't remember) for just your standard galvanised or zinc plated ones. I was wondering if soaking the stuff in vinegar would have the same effect as scrubbing down galvanised mesh (like used in aviaries), making it safe to use? Opinions? I would really like to make some perches, but by the time i get enough washers/wingnuts to make the perches, i would have spent over $30 which is completely insane.

Bea, I very much doubt if your budgies will be able to get at the nuts or washers or be interested in them at all. If they can put something around them like a plastic bottle top for a cover...whatever works

I would worry to much as we have only used standard gal bolts washers and nuts and pop rivets on my Flights and the birds don't worry about them and I haven't lost any birds because of them.

If you are too worried do what Kas said.

Bea, I very much doubt if your budgies will be able to get at the nuts or washers or be interested in them at all. If they can put something around them like a plastic bottle top for a cover...whatever works

I like that idea, thanks! I will go shopping next chance i get.

I think a plastic bottle top would stop in place,for as long as it took you to put it there,unless you super glued it on.

I think a plastic bottle top would stop in place,for as long as it took you to put it there,unless you super glued it on.

I was assuming Bea would know how to attach it once she had the sizes worked out.

I didn't do the bolts and screws, I believe it was Shawna who said she just layed her across and put them between the cage or aviary bars firmly. That is what I did

Bea, where did you find the instructions on how to make them???

The link is in her first post

I have been very good and only ever used stainless pot rivets, washers etc.. I just closed my eyes and ears and handed over the card to pay

 

I can't see a problem with using gal stuff either, Bea. The main part you would need to be worried about is the washer as that is the most accessible part.

 

 

Feathers.

The link is in her first post

 

 

thats just the picture. She said there are instructions...

gotcha didn't look at the link assume they were instructions ....(Laughing out loud)

Linking to the instructions would also link to another forum, so i wasn't sure that i should do that. I'll PM them to you Marlony.

 

I didn't do the bolts and screws, I believe it was Shawna who said she just layed her across and put them between the cage or aviary bars firmly. That is what I did

That's what i do now, but i much prefer the idea of being able to put them anywhere and not having to use branches that are long enough to go from side to side or across corners.

 

I have been very good and only ever used stainless pot rivets, washers etc.. I just closed my eyes and ears and handed over the card to pay

 

I can't see a problem with using gal stuff either, Bea. The main part you would need to be worried about is the washer as that is the most accessible part.

 

 

Feathers.

I will try to cover the washer on the inside so that they can't get at it.

 

I had another idea, with my cement perches the washers and wingnut are coated with a plastic-y paint. Any ideas what it might be?

Couldn't you just get a twig or something from a tree? Thats what I would do. I have heard that its okay, as long as you know that there are no pesticides on it...is that tru?

all my branches are tree branches in my aviary. I just go for a walk with my dogs every so often and gather branches. that sound wrong, i walk my dogs often, but i only bring home branches on the odd occassion. (Laughing out loud)

There are certain woods that are safe and some that are not so just breaking a branch from a tree is not a good idea. There is a website if you like that has a list of safe wood to use. I personally used Maple branches which is on the safe list.

Maple, eucalyptus, poplar, apple are all good tree branches.

 

Bea couldn't you also wash the washers (hahahah (Laughing out loud)) with a vinegar water mix too, just to be on the extra safe side.

Or maybe you could paint them to seal in any nasties if there is any.

Once cleaned, the big gal washers (commonly called "mudguard washers") should be no greater risk than your aviary mesh, also (almost certainly) gal mesh of some type or another.

 

If you use fresh natural branches they will shrink a little on drying out - not a problem unless you're attaching them at both ends!! If you use dead branches they could have wood borer so check for any telltale holes. The borers wouldn't bother your birds (they'd probably even relish it as a tasty treat ) but it might become a problem for other untreated timber or trees in your back yard.

 

Cheers,

KathyW.