How to make your own wood branch perches for a wire pet cage. This is perfect for rats, birds, and other critters!
I just got rats and it’s really important to me to build an enclosure that is engaging and exciting for them. Rats need lots of things to climb on and chew.
These perches allow for both, and they’re very easy to make if you have safe wood that you can prune off a tree in your yard.
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DIY Wood Branch Perches for a Wire Pet Cage
Project Supplies
- Thick branches made from wood that’s safe for your pet to eat (I’m using apple tree branches)
- 44947 1/4-20 x 3-Inch Stainless Steel Hanger Bolts, 12-Pack: https://amzn.to/49CCf9H
- Wing Nuts,1/4″-20 Wing Nuts,304 Stainless Steel Wing Nuts,Fasteners Parts Butterfly Nut,Hurrican Screws Hand Twist Tighten Ear Wingnuts,50PCS: https://amzn.to/3DctKWD
- 290015 Zinc Fender Washers 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ Steel 100 Pieces: https://amzn.to/4gjCCIE
- Yost Vises LV-4 Homeowner’s Vise | 4.5 Inch Jaw Width with a 3 Inch Jaw Opening Home Vise | Secure Grip with Swivel Base | Blue: https://amzn.to/3OVekZE
- Ryobi Drill https://homedepot.sjv.io/a1EdkQ
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose some branches. You want them to be fairly thick so that the quarter inch screw can go in without splitting the wood. I find that a 1-in diameter or 1 and 1/2-in diameter piece is very helpful. I have two apple trees that I prune every year so I used wood from them.
Step 2: Cut your branches to the right size for your cage.
Step 3: Optional: You can sand your branch or do other things to help ensure that there are no pests in it. I find that putting it outside on the porch for a few days usually gives critters time to evacuate.
Step 4: Put the hanger bolt into your drill with the pointy end out. Tighten it. You’re pretty much putting it in the drill like you would a drill bit.
Step 5: Screw the bolt into the middle of the branch end. Repeat with the other side of the branch. I recommend using a vise clamp to hold the piece of wood in place while you’re screwing this in. I used a towel wrapped around the branch but I still hurt my hands a bit.
Step 6: Once you have bolts screwed into both sides, you can place the branch inside your cage with the other side of the bolt through the cage bars.
Step 7: Place a washer on the outside of the bar around your bolt and tighten a wingnut over it.
Repeat for the opposite side.
If you use shorter sticks, and you have a lightweight animal, you may be able to just have one side screwed in.
If you ever want to replace the stick, all you need to do is unscrew everything, compost your stick, and reuse the hardware. Easy peasy.
Please share and pin this post! If you make this project, share it in our Stuff Mama Makes Facebook Group. We have regular giveaways for gift cards to craft stores. You can also tag me on Instagram @doityourselfdanielle; I love seeing everything you make!
