Branches

[Redstorm1721]

I was wondering,what types of branches from outside are good for our birds? I want to make some perches for my birds and I don't want to get the wrong kind? Do you think Apple branches are good? Also can our birds eat leaves? If they are of a good sorce? Like perhaps Apple? Please let me know? Thanks,Gail:confused:

[birdgirl]

Apple wood is safe to use. I don't know about the the leaves

[dlaura]

Hi Redstorm1721,
I too had wondered about branches from outside our home. A clerk at the pet store I frequent (she also is owned by birds) told me to start making a tree stand and bird toys - instead of buying them.

She said that branches from outside can have parasites living in them that could harm our birds. Her formula was to place a branch or two in the oven at a low heat (150 - 200 degrees) and leave them there overnight. This would kill anything that might be lliving in the branch.

I have not tried this myself - as I was concerned about the danger of this catching fire in stove. So, ......................

dsimko

[JSimko]

Hi Gail,
Any avian vet will be able to tell you over the phone what types are safe, however there can be many harmful paracites that live in the branches that you would find outside. These bugs can be a danger to your bird and quite possibly to your house as well. Make sure whatever you choose is not too large to put in a pot of boiling water for about 2 hours. In case anyone is wondering what can be harmful to your house the answer is termites. Boiling the branch for two hours will insure nothing harmful will survive, not even the eggs will survive. I was given this info by my vet.

[Redstorm1721]

so nice of all of you! thank you all ! ( :

[birdygirl]

I've been told tha info at other boards as well.