Post by digitaldog on Jul 16, 2015 15:04:17 GMT -5
I understand kestrels like flat surfaces to perch on. And I would like to make my perch. I have cut the round block but would like to ask what I should use for the top.. I have seen plastic astroturf and natural fiber mat. What if I made a four strand braid with hemp and coiled it up? Second part: for an outdoor perch can I make a bow perch, if I can what is the diameter of the perch for a kestrel?
I can look for pictures of my different perches used, I'm pretty sure I still have most of them if not, but my main indoor perch was a ring perch. Approx 10" diameter 3/4" flat metal rolled into a ring. That was then wrapped with parachute cord. Your idea of hemp I would think should work too. As long as it can be washed, brushed clean, and dries relatively fast. Thing you want is when your bird perches after a bath the feet dry off quick, helps prevent bumble foot. My outdoor perches are block perches 4" diameter for the Kestrel should be fine. Mine I made 6" thinking that way I could use them for other birds also. For the block perches I went to Home Depot type stores and picked up sample pieces of astro turf. Hope that helps.
I can look for pictures of my different perches used, I'm pretty sure I still have most of them if not, but my main indoor perch was a ring perch. Approx 10" diameter 3/4" flat metal rolled into a ring. That was then wrapped with parachute cord. Your idea of hemp I would think should work too. As long as it can be washed, brushed clean, and dries relatively fast. Thing you want is when your bird perches after a bath the feet dry off quick, helps prevent bumble foot. My outdoor perches are block perches 4" diameter for the Kestrel should be fine. Mine I made 6" thinking that way I could use them for other birds also. For the block perches I went to Home Depot type stores and picked up sample pieces of astro turf. Hope that helps.
Thank you. I do know hemp drys fast and isnt susceptible to rot.. with your ring perch: I would've thought that 3/4" would be too big more for a red tail or bigger but if ur certain I will be sure to use your advice. Im still not sure if my mentor will allow me a kestrel for the first round but it would be good to be prepared for either on.. thanks for your help
Here is my outdoor perch with a Kestrel on it. I can unscrew the block and change it to any size I need. If you look close she has a sparrow under her.
Ok, had to go dig up the ring perch, Yep your right on the size. The ring is 6" diameter and 1/2" flat stock rolled into the ring. The base is a 6" dog dish flipped upside down perch mounted, then the base was filled with concrete.
Ok, found a picture of the ring perch I made for my Red-Tail. Same design as the Kestrel but I used an old shop stool to make it. There were rings that held the legs apart on the stool, I took those and made 2 perches out of them. I'm looking for better pictures but you can see the top of the perch in this pic, and go figure, I used hemp to wrap it :-)
Ok, found a picture of the ring perch I made for my Red-Tail. Same design as the Kestrel but I used an old shop stool to make it. There were rings that held the legs apart on the stool, I took those and made 2 perches out of them. I'm looking for better pictures but you can see the top of the perch in this pic, and go figure, I used hemp to wrap it :-)
So cool! Thanks for providing pictures too that is so helpful. Your birds are amazingly beautiful. Thank you for helping me out I really appreciate it. What diameter ring is the red tail ring before and after the hemp?
I have used a shelf perch indoors for a Kestrel with a place for the mutes to land covered in paper towels underneath. I prefer Coco Mat (door mats) for a surface, but the edges can catch the jesses easily. I switched to the astroturf the could roll over the edge. Either way, the Kestrels love to pick at things and tear it apart. Hemp or Sisal would not last long so be prepared to replace it often.