Safe Branches?

[domyoburk]

I've read several different sources on safe branches for parrots (to collect fresh and let them play on and chew). Sometimes the lists seem arbitrary, but naturally we feel very cautious. Can anyone on this forum give us some live, fresh advice about branches that are definitely safe? Our parrot Ursula would LOVE to explore fresh branches, especially if they could retain their leaves.

 

One source (a great book on parrot play stations) instructs us to sterilize all branches in the oven first. On the other hand, I've seen photos of people using fresh pear branches on their parrot play stands. Anyone have any feedback?

 

Thanks!

[Toni]

Safe natural wood branches for birds include the following:

 

Apple

Arbutus

Ash

Aspen

Beech

Birch

Cottonwood

Crabapple

Dogwood

Elm

Fir

Hawthorn

Larch

Magnolia

Manzanita

Mulberry

Pear

Pine

Poplar

Sequoia (redwood)

Willow

 

 

DO NOT use apricot, cherry, peach, prune, plum or nectarine. These trees all belong to the Prunus species. They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.

[Poppy]

Thanks Toni for this advice

We have got a huge apple tree in our back yard !!

It will be so cut down now ! :lol:

[Toni]

Apple is safe its the bottom ones to worry about.

[Poppy]

oh sorry

it was the way i put it over !!

i meant i will always be taking bits off it ! :cheer:

so there will be no more left !!

[domyoburk]

Thanks for quick response and the useful list of safe tree species - especially the explanation for why some trees are toxic!

 

But - any thoughts on the sterilization in the oven (on 250 degrees for and hour and a half)? It would be great if that wasn't necessary - it takes time, energy, the branches have to be small, and it stinks.

[Toni]

I would do 250 degrees for 30 minutes to make sure any bugs wont survive but not anymore than 30 minutes cause you dont want the branch to dry out and the brk to fall apart.

[cflanny]

You can wash them with a 10% bleach solution and if you think there are bugs they suggest putting in a air tight bag for 30 days .

[Anmlhggr]

Wow that's great! I have a mulberry tree in my front yard! Well, I live in an apartment complex, so I hope no one minds me stealing (parts) of it my landlord loves woody so i'm sure he'll say yes.

 

:laugh:

[danmcq]

Mulberry Trees are a great source of branch material. I am not certain if your landlord cuts all the "Suckers" off every year in the Winter, but here it is a common practice. If he does, stock pile those things somewhere and you will have an endless supply of natural perches your Grey can shred and have with. :-)

[Anmlhggr]

I'm definately going to call him after class today! :woohoo:

[domyoburk]

Anyone know why we need to sterilize the branches or kill any (hidden) bugs?

[danmcq]

Its a common practice to wash and scrub them good with a hot water and a little bleach added solution to remove any residual pesticides or other chemicals they may have had sprayed on them. Then let them dry in the sun which also kills germs.

 

Bugs of course could have burrowed in to the bark, which is pretty uncommon in mulberry trees. You can spot such activity visually looking for any small holes in the bark.