New here. Question about perches

[ziko88]

Hi, my name is Zack and I'm new here.
I read on the forum here that sand-perches are bad but pedi-perches are good.
can someone please explain to me please the difference so I don't get the sand ones by mistake.
and also what are these

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... 6&keepsr=0

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=3557971

are they any good? do they really help with nails and beaks?
and why are they shaped like that?
Thanks

[lovemyfinch]

Those are exactly what you are looking for For finches you want the smaller ones.
I imagine that they are shaped that way to make them as similar to a branch as possible. They also come available in just a tubular shape, but those are much more pleasing to the eye.

[L in Ontario]

I use these http://www.petbirdsupplies.co.uk/bird-p ... 16-cm.html in all my finch and parrot cages. Seems to work for most of my fids.

[debbie276]

why are they shaped like that?

Ideally you want a perch that has different thicknesses to it. Making the bird grab thick and thin and not straight perches exercises the feet and toes and is much better then a straight dowel type perch.

[finchmix22]

I have a combination of straight pedi and curved pedi perches, plus some real type branches with varying thickness. The birds sometimes fight over a branch that is their favorite, so I try to put enough to allow flight and perching for all. Good Luck.

[ziko88]

Thanks for all the quick and clear answers
I just have a couple of follow up Q's
Do these perches nullify the need for nail and beak trimming all together?
and if so, how many of these do I need for 2 birds?(the cage is 65cm long 40cm wide and 52cm high)
Thanks again

[nelloyello11]

Do these perches nullify the need for nail and beak trimming all together?

That depends on the species and your individual birds - some birds will grow their beaks and nails faster than others. If nothing else, these should at least increase the time between trimming, at the very least.
As to your question of how many- you want to have enough perches that each bird can have his own space, when he wants it. They should be far enough apart that your birds will get exercise flying between them (let them make good use of the space). I like to put perches at varying heights too, but especially near the top as most finches will opt for hjgher up perches for sleeping and for a feeling of safety. As others have said, variety is good too!