perches

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:55 am

I use bamboo for perches.I grow an invasive one in the yard,When it gets to the desired length,I cut it down to size.Some are spanned 2.5 metres,and lasts three plus years in the weather.It also is thicker at one end and tapers down at the other.Allowing good exercise for feet.No sharp bits for nets to get caught on.Also the perches are easily removed if needed for catching up.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:04 am

Lucky you to have easy access and a good way to reuse the bamboo shoots. My hardy variegated bamboo only grows to about 2' tall here and is NOT nearly thick enough to use as perches.

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:31 am

interesting use of that type of plant. never would have thought of it. Nice cheap way to maintain such a large aviary too, I am sure that IF you could find branche in the store that long, they would be way to expensive.

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 6:40 pm

i have seen them sold as garden stakes in nursery's and disposal stores.For short ones 1.2m long 50cents each.You have to be careful with the longer ones that the diameter does not get to large for there feet.The type I grow are perfect when long.Some grow them in there aviary's as well.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:54 pm

will have to keep this in mind for when my holding aviary is complete.
do you know the name of this type of bamboo (common name or latin lol)?

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:55 pm

The stuff I use is black bamboo.that is all I know.It was already growing when i moved here.The diameter is the important thing.green bamboo Alphonse etc would not matter.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 9:49 am

a packet of panadol is in the mail for you Gomer, your fingers have got to be hurting from answering all the questions

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:21 pm

gomer brought it on himself mick! Showing us all these awesome features of his aviaries! So jealous!!!!

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:48 am

he may have brought it on himself Bonnie, but I need him to keep posting. still have soooooooo much to learn.

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:19 am

I to have learnt things off you guys.There is some very knowledgeable people in our forum.
To be honest I was hesitant in putting in the pictures.As I did not want to be judged for what I have.I have worked damn hard for what I have.Just like anyone else.What I have is suitable for our climate.As cabinet breeding is suitable for Europe and America.I believe there are others here that have similar setups and I hope they come out now.Busy at work this week on shift Mick,So my fingers will get a 12 hour break each day until Friday.

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 2:46 pm

LOL, I fully agree Mick, Gomer provides a lot of info and I am sure has a ton more to share so we can learn.

Gomer we appreciate you "coming out" as I am sometimes hesitant to share photos so as not to be judged. I am learning from this site though that most people are positive and supportive. Your set up is AMAZING and I am so jealous of how beautiful it is. You really are doing a great job and any finch that owns you is a lucky finch indeed!

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:46 pm

Great.. I didn't even think of using the bamboo that grows in my back yard for perches. I purchased some decorative manzanita from a store, but my birds don't seem to like it much..

Are there any bamboo species toxic to finches? I have a variegated clumping bamboo that is growing very tall (25 feet)?

Looks like I may have an unending supply of good perches.. hehe..

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:39 am

Have never heard of any being toxic Bill.Cut it off at ground level,Trim all branches off cut back to the trunk.I use a very small hacksaw.If you want bundle them up in your shed to dry a while.Cut to the desired length at desired diameter.Make sure you keep the off cuts for stakes for the garden.If you are concerned its shiny (slippery) run sand paper over it.And remember you will never have to buy another perch.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:56 pm

Thanks Gomer..

Sounds like I have an un-ending supply of 'green' perches.. Can't wait till I get my leg out of this cast and start my aviary..

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 1:06 am

Cast in plaster?You should do what I did.Two years ago I fractured my pelvis.Two months of work.I spent the last three weeks of that making 50 nest boxes.I did it in a wheel chair and on crutches.I needed help to cut down the sheets of ply to workable sizes though.
Where there's a will there's a way Bill.hope your better soon.