Wood....

[smiler]

Hi! I'm new here, and I hope I'm posting this in the right spot. But, I'm very excited that this is my first post... woohoo!!!

Anyways, those of you that make your own toys... if I buy my wood at Home Depot, is that ok? Is there a specific type that you buy? Yes, I've spyed the safe woods, and pine seems to be one of them, but is it safe to buy it at Home Depot? How do I know if the wood has or hasen't been treated with something, and if it's safe to use? If you do buy your wood from Home Depot, is there anything in specific that you look out for?

I also have access to Citrus, some apple, and some manzanita wood. I've only seen Citrus wood on some of the safe wood lists, what's your opinion on it? I've read on one site that you should clean your wood with a bleach/water solution and then bake it in the oven for an hour at like 250 or something (gee, isn't that a fire hazard?)... but then I've read on another that it's not safe to use bleach solutions around your parrots. So, what do you clean the wood with?

I need to figure out how to do my profile... but until then, I'm a new mommy of a CAG, and will be recieving my baby in July, so I'm busy "nesting" for my little darling.

Thanks so much for your help, I'm excited to be here!!!!

[The Outlaw]

Welcome to Birdboard.

Pine is the easiest to use and to dye. You may certainly use lumber from any lumber yard, including Home Depot. Please cut away the ends and discard them. They are often treated with stuff to water seal them. Also, NEVER use pressure treated lumber.

Frankly, I think its easier to simply cut, dye and drill this wood than harvest stuff from around your yard. For one thing, most fruit trees are sprayed for insects or fungus. If so, you can't use it anyway.

I highly recommend Vitacritter dye. It is the BEST.

http://www.vitacritter.com/

[smiler]

Thanks for replying so fast! So, the ends of the wood are all I need to worry about? And how do I know if it's pressure treated, will it say? Thanks!

[Joel]

Welcome Smiler (WOOHOO!!!)..... I would ask a supervisor in that dept. to back up what you are told by the dept. aisle people...... Others on here who have that knowledge will chime in soon also. I'm not a baker or bleacher of woods so can't personally help ya out there either......Where are ya from if ya don't mind saying?

Just came back to say: Damn that Nancy is quick. ;)

[smiler]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm from California. Oh, and I forgot to ask, is it ok to use dowels from Home Depot? (Can you tell that's what I have in my town, haha) Are they the right wood? Do I need to clean them with a bleach solution too? Thanks.

[Joel]

Ok, I won't ask ya what part.

Originally Posted by smiler

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm from California.