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Are sand perches safe for my cockatiel? Where should I put them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Female | unspayed | 1lb

I've been doing research before I get my cockatiel and one topic I've seen a lot of controversy on is sanding perches. Both on whether to use one or not and where to use it. If you advised to get one where do you advise me to put it? I saw some people say use it as your feeding perch so that the bird is forced to use that and other people say leave it elsewhere and the bird will use it as they choose?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on September 28th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about your cockatiel. There are concerns over sand perches as the abrasiveness can lead to minor dermal trauma, and then possible infection if standing on a perch with feces. Not recommended. Good luck.

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