A cage full of straight dowel perches gives a bird one grip and one foot position, held all day, and that is how pressure sores begin. A perch that bends lets you build curves, arches and zig-zags instead, so the foot has to keep adjusting as the bird moves along it. That variation is really the point of the thing, rather more than the chewing is. Five lengths are offered, from 50cm through to 90cm.

It is natural wood and corn cob on a flexible core, so the surface changes texture along its length and there is something worth nibbling at every stop. Corn cob wears down under a determined beak, and that is a feature rather than a fault, because chewing is what keeps a caged bird occupied. Fix both ends firmly to the bars, then bend the middle into shape rather than leaving a long unsupported span in between.

• Bends into curves, arches or zig-zags inside the cage
• Five lengths: 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90cm
• Natural wood and corn cob surface
• Varied texture supports foot health
• Suits budgies, parakeets and small parrots

Two things worth knowing. And a chewable perch is a consumable, so inspect it weekly and replace it once a bird has worked through to the core.

What the options mean. Sold in sizes from 60cm to 90cm — £7.99 to £9.99.

Who it's for: Owners of budgies, parakeets or small parrots who want to change the shape of the cage rather than add another straight dowel.