Is cork bad for your bird ?

[Digital_Fid]

Hi guys,

We discovered that our Corella likes to destroy (amongst a whole bunch of other things) cork. Or maybe she's trying to suck the wine from it - I don't know! She really picks at it with zest, not as hard as wood but not as soft as carrot.

It doesn't look like she's swallowing any but it does raise the question... should we permit this as a toy?

Any comments on this?

DF

[catschair]

Magellan loves to eat corks!

[rc766]

I've not heard anything about cork, one way or another, but on Alex (the African Grey's) website it states that one of the three greys being trained up at the Univ in IL by Dr. Pepperburg loves cork (can't remember which one).

However, the big thing would be are we talking playing or eating or perhaps both? Sometimes it is hard to tell. If someone chimes in that it is not harmful, then you might consider getting some that have not been dipped in wine.... ooh-lah-lah- - can you say, "happy, happy bird"???

I don't recall seeing any cork in any bird toys, but I also don't remember ever hearing it was dangerous.

[Parrotpeople]

My TAG enjoys wine corks, doesn't eat them, just picks them apart ... makes a big mess, but he has fun

[Lisa B]

I am a volunteer for the Alex Foundation. I do know that Alex can identify Cork, but is not "supposed" to chew on it. I would think, that it would be the same make up as corn cob bedding and that has shown to impact the birds if swallowed.
I would use caution, and take it away if indeed you see him injesting ANY~(JMO tho)