How to Dry Branches to Use As Bird Perches
Birds have a natural instinct to chew on wood, and this is not limited to their toys. It is not uncommon for birds to quickly destroy their natural wood perches. Replacing commercially produced perches can become expensive and frustrating. If you have access to natural bird-safe woods, it is possible to create your own perches. Wood can be harvested from unsprayed trees in your local neighborhood. Common woods uses for perches include pine, birch and apple.
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Instructions
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1
Locate some unsprayed trees that are bird safe. From the trees, cut down some branches that would serve as good sturdy perches for your bird.
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2
Trim the perch down to size using your pruning shears. Remove any small branch offshoots that are growing from the part of the branch that will serve as the perch.
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3
Disinfect the perch using hot soap and water. Scrub thoroughly using a stiff bristled brush. This will remove any surface dirt, sap and bugs.
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4
Set your oven to 200 degrees. Carefully place the perch into the oven and bake for 200 hours to dry the perch. This will kill any residual germs or bugs that may live on the wood.
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5
Turn the oven off and crack the door to release the hot air. Allow the wood to dry completely. Repeat Step 4 until the wood is thoroughly dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Only use an electric oven for drying the wood.
If you are not comfortable using the stove, you can dry wood by placing the piece in direct sunlight for an extended period of time until the wood is thoroughly dry.
Wood is combustible, so during the drying process carefully monitor the wood to ensure it does not catch on fire.
