FINCHforum

Can a bird that's used to sleeping in a nest sometimes fall off a perch at night?

My new little one fell off the perch and I'm just wondering if it's because he's not only used to sleeping in a nest but in the enclosure he was in at the pet store had a large branch as a perch but it looked way too big for small finches. It looked more suitable for a budgie or other larger birds. When the finches would perch on it, their feet would slide on it and the couldn't get a decent grip because of the width of the branch. My perches are smaller than the branch so could his feet not be used to gripping something smaller in diameter?

I know I could put a nest in there but the last thing I need is for Wayne to possibly become aggressive by placing a nest in the cage.

It's a good idea to have different size perches for your birds, that's why many use natural branches rather then dowels. It will exercise their feet. When a bird perches it has a tendon that locks the toes closed unless it releases it. After offering a variety of size perching spots and letting the bird build up muscle see if it still happens. Personally I think it would be better to build up strength and balance then add a nest he doesn't need.
best of luck

debbie276

Thanks, Debbie.

As cute as they look all huddled up in a nest, it's something I really didn't want to add to the cage because I'm always afraid that someone might become aggressive because of it.

I plan on using natural branches when I get a new cage so I'll make sure the branches are different sizes for their feet.