
Is Birchwood safe for birds?
The low concentration of these salicylates makes it unlikely to cause toxicity among birds. Birchwood is also used for items such as Popsicle sticks and toys. Removing the bark of this wood will eliminate exposure to salicylates. The branches of this wood are considered as safe for making natural wood toys and perches.
Are wood toys safe for parrots?
Even woods that are considered as bird safe which have been made for products aside from bird toys may have also been treated with chemicals or preservatives. If you are doing a DIY project for your own bird toys, keep in mind that not all types of woods are safe for your parrots.
What kind of wood is safe for lovebirds?
The softest wood, Balsa, is a common material if you want your toys to be destroyed. A hard wood is better for perches, as your lovebird cannot easily chew it to pieces. Some hard woods that are safe for a lovebird are Manzanita or Java wood. Java wood is a popular material to use in perches. Below is a list of wood that is safe for your bird.
Where can I buy bird safe wood?
Wood is used in bird toys, bird perches, and on bird play stands. There are many options available both online and in your local pet store. But, not all woods are the same. How do you choose bird safe wood? Why do birds love to chew on wood? What kind of wood should you stay away from?

Is balsa safe for parrots?
Your bird is relying on you to make sure that it's bird toys are safe....WoodDensityBird Size Toy ApplicationBalsa7-9Extremely soft wood that is excellent for small bird toys.11 more rows
What kind of wood is safe for birds?
Common bird-safe wood for perches and toys: Balsa. Poplar. Ash.
Can budgies chew balsa wood?
Balsa wood is non-toxic and safe for your budgie to chew.
Is Basswood safe for birds?
Safe woods (partial list) include: Pine, Balsa, Bamboo, Beech, Birch, Basswood, Cajeput, Dogwood, Douglas Fir, Hickory, Poplar, Maple, Walnut, Ash, Apple, Elm, Cactus (Cholla) and Manzanita. Unsafe woods (partial list) include: Cedar, Cherry, Plywood and Oak.
How do you disinfect wood for birds?
0:272:06How to Disinfect Sticks to Use for Bird Toys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe outside bark with a bleach solution the bleach solution is going to be one cup of bleach to oneMoreThe outside bark with a bleach solution the bleach solution is going to be one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. This is so that it kills any type of parasite see it also is going to disinfect.
What materials are birds safe?
Safe Bird Toy Material Pine, balsa, birch, basswood, poplar, maple, walnut, ash, apple, elm, cactus(cholla), manzanita. 100% natural fiber ropes such as cotton, hemp and sisal. Stainless steel is best, being non-toxic, zinc and lead free and easy to clean. Nickel plated is also acceptable.
What wood is toxic to budgies?
Unsafe Woods These include red alder, apricot, azalea, boxwood, elderberry, flame tree, ground cherry, hemlock, holly, horse chestnut, hydrangea, juniper, mountain laurel, walnut, wisteria and yew.
What type of wood is safe for parakeets?
Most shop-bought perches are made from untreated pine, of the kind used in dowels, and this is fine. But avoid fresh pine, which has a sticky resin. Balsa wood is safe, but won't last very long as a perch: an industrious parakeet will chew through in a few days!
What wood is safe for cockatiels?
Manzanita Wood. Manzanita is a hardwood that is best for making larger bird toys and bird perches.
What are the safest bird toys?
The safest toys to use include hard plastics, untreated wood and paper, and native branches and flowers. Make sure your bird has a variety of toys and even hide some treats in them so they can spend their day foraging and exploring.
What is safe for birds to chew?
Leather is a great material for birds to safely play with and chew on. Most birds especially like to spend hours untying knots made in leather strips. Only vegetable tanned leather should be used on bird toys.
Can I put tree branches in my bird cage?
Tree branches do not grow in uniform shapes and sizes. They widen and narrow, bend and twist, and rise in fall in ways that give our birds variety and options as they navigate their cages and allow them to choose what size and shape feels best to them. That variety is important to the good health of their feet.
Can I put tree branches in my bird cage?
Tree branches do not grow in uniform shapes and sizes. They widen and narrow, bend and twist, and rise in fall in ways that give our birds variety and options as they navigate their cages and allow them to choose what size and shape feels best to them. That variety is important to the good health of their feet.
Is pine toxic to birds?
The unsafe list has plants potentially dangerous to birds. No tender plants are listed, but some shrubs and vines with firm stems that could be improvised as perches are included. Pine in the safe list refers to branches, not lumber. Beware of residue on stems.
Is Cedar toxic to birds?
Cedar bedding and cedar oil are known to irritate birds' delicate respiratory systems, and at high doses, can actually kill them. Birds are especially vulnerable to strong scents—like those found in essential oils, candles, and manufactured fragrances.
Is Cedar OK for bird houses?
Cedar is known as the best and most popular choice for a birdhouse. The great insulation properties of cedarwood can provide a warm environment inside the birdhouse. This is important especially in winter, as birds love to stay warm. Cedar is also an affordable and common wood type you can easily go with.
What is balsa wood?
Balsa wood is one of the least dense hardwoods there is. Because of that, despite being very light, it can still support a lot of weight. This makes it perfect for creating miniatures, like airplane models and houses, and perfect for your budgie’s perch and toys.
What is the safest wood for budgies?
Bamboo is another safe wood for budgies. In fact, it’s considered one of the safest woods to give to pets.
What Wood Is Bad For Budgies?
When choosing wood for budgies, it’s best to avoid soft wood. This will include any type you can dent with your fingernails.
How to tell if a budgie has shredded wood?
A budgie’s small but powerful wings can fling wood pieces a fair distance. That’s especially true if the budgie has shredded the wood into tiny shavings or dust. Check clothing, sofas, and carpets. You’re likely to find wood chips or splinters stuck there.
Why does chewing wood hurt budgies?
The friction caused by chewing wood will sharpen a budgie’s beak. Without this activity, the beak would become overgrown, curling in to harm the budgie.
Can budgies chew driftwood?
Driftwood is not safe for budgies to chew on. It may look pretty and be a cheaper option, but it isn’t one specific type of wood. Because of the trials that it faces before washing ashore, it can be difficult to narrow down what your driftwood actually is. You could accidentally give your budgie a toxic variety.
What wood is used for perches?
Pine wood is softer than most others on this list. Because it’s a popular wood, pine is easy to find and commonly used in medium-sized perches.
What woods are toxic?
Controversial Woods (Use at your own risk) APPLE (insecticides are most likely the culprit of the controversy) CHERRY (sap is harmful, must be dry, debarked and any traces of sap removed) OAK (high tannin levels are controversial) PEAR. POMEGRANATE (high tannin levels are controversial) MAGNOLIA.
How long to bake wood in oven to kill pests?
To eliminate pests you can bake freshly cut wood in a 250 degree oven for a couple of hours to rid it of unwanted pests.
Is wood toxic to birds?
While some bad woods are highly toxic, some are listed here due to reports of potential harmful chemicals or portions of the wood that can cause long term health issues in birds. The ‘safe list’ is assuming that the wood is already devoid of pests, pesticides, stems, leaves and residual sap.
Safe wood material for perches and bird toys
Wood can come from trees, but also plants or grasses (bamboo is a grass). Lovebirds love to chew on things, so a toy (or perch) made of a soft wood is ideal for this. The softest wood, Balsa, is a common material if you want your toys to be destroyed.
Unsafe wood material you should never give your lovebird
When talking about an unsafe wood, I’m referring to the potential toxicity of the wood to lovebirds.
Safe and unsafe rope materials
Rope toys and perches should be 100% natural fibers. Safe rope materials are:
Fabric based toys and the dangers
In general no fabric is safe for your lovebird. This is because birds like to shred and chew things and can ingest the fibers.
Safe metals for a lovebird
Metal is nearly unavoidable when taking care of your lovebird. You will find it in toys, cages and food bowls.
Metals you should avoid having your lovebird come in contact with
Avoid galvanized metals at all cost. Galvanized materials have a layer of zinc on them which can become toxic if your bird is in contact with it.
Safe and unsafe leather
When giving your lovebird leather, make sure it is not tanned in arsenic or any chemicals for that mater. Vegetable tanned leather is safe.
What wood is used for bird toys?
Application: Ash wood is a moderately soft wood that is perfect for making medium to larger bird toys.
What is the best wood for bird perches?
Manzanita is a hardwood that is best for making larger bird toys and bird perches.
What is poplar wood used for?
Application: Poplar Wood is a moderately soft type of wood that is great for making small to medium bird toys.
Is birchwood good for birds?
The low concentration of these salicylates makes it unlikely to cause toxicity among birds. Birchwood is also used for items such as Popsicle sticks and toys. Removing the bark of this wood will eliminate exposure to salicylates. The branches of this wood are considered as safe for making natural wood toys and perches.
Is it safe to pick a tree for a parrot cage?
If you are sourcing your very own ‘wild’ wood, it is important to stay safe and avoid any wood which may be toxic. It is often safe to choosing native tree species, primarily because not all types of ornamental woods have already been tried and tested in making parrot cages and other accessories.
Is it safe to cut wood for birds?
Not all types of wood are safe, so it is emp hasized. This is because certain types of woods have toxic properties. You can stay safe by selecting woods which have already been tested and proven as safe by actual bird owners. Keep in mind, however, that if you cut your own wooden branches, they may be filled with bugs. To avoid this, some suggestions include baking a freshly cut wood perch inside a 250-degree oven for about a couple of hours in order to remove some unwanted pests.
Is pressure treated wood toxic to birds?
Also, pressure-treated wood is toxic to birds. Avoid choosing wood from trees that grow in the side of a railroad or highway because they are most likely treated with herbicides. Even trees that are non-toxic may also be infected by bacteria or fungi that produce toxins.
