Dowel question

[renaelock]

I want to buy dowels and cut slits in the ends to put inside my bird cage. Does it matter where I get the dowels from? Is any dowel safe to use in a bird cage? I don't want to risk the health of my bird, so I am trying to make the right/safe choices. Thanks!

[Freedomoflight]

Most dowels are made of pine, so you should be safe. If you are unsure what the dowel is made of, ask the manager of the store you are purchasing from, and cross reference that with a list of toxic and safe woods. the website mdvaden has a great list.

[chapala]

Dowels don't make the best perches because the bird can't change the pressure on the feet by moving around - they are the same diameter the whole length. Natural branches and rope perches are better.

[NotEnoughTime]

I have to second chapala's comment. Natural wood varies in size and requires the bird to move its toes in order to maintain grip in different places on the wood/vine more closely mimicing the "natural" environment and reducing the likelyhood of nasty things like arthritis in the foot...

[Duky]

As long as wood is not toxic or pressure treated it should be fine. Last year I made a huge play tree for Ducky with various sized dowles wrapped in different fabric, they worked well but it got messey after a while. And I think Ducky prefers her natural wood perches, those commercial pedi perches and commercial manzanita perches. But if you just want dowels to ease mobility around the cage they should work pretty good.