Is the whole cajeput/paperbark tree safe?

[loyallyroyal]

My neighbor is clipping his tree and I got some huge branches with the leaves and the flowers still intact, so I was wondering is it ok to give him the whole thing? (I washed it down real good)

[greencinacheeks]

i am assuming a paperbark birch?

[greencinacheeks]

BIRCH COMMENTS - The following comments are a PARAPHRASE from Gillian Willis - author - with clarification:

Birch is Betula species. LEAVES & BARK contain salicylates and a few substances ... . The low concentration ... Birch should be considered safe for natural wood perches. The seeds inside the cones are a special goodie safe for birds to eat. (end of paraphrase) Think: Automobile fumes can be damaging. We don't want to be enclosed where the fumes are trapped. But walking down the street where those fumes are in the air at low concentrations, we feel safe to breath. As noted, Birch should be considered safe and the risk of leaving bark is inconsequential.

i copied this from a wood/tree/plant site for parrots.

so basically yes...it is safe as long as the bird and branches are not in an enclosed space

hope this helps!

[fluffy_stitch]

i use birch for perches and playstands,the birds love peeling off the bark,i use a little bleach in the bath to disinfect it and make sure its well scrubbed and dried before i use it.

[loyallyroyal]

Is this what your trees looks like?

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0S0206BIX.../paperbark.jpg

[Savery]

Originally Posted by greencinacheeks

BIRCH COMMENTS - The following comments are a PARAPHRASE from Gillian Willis - author - with clarification:

Birch is Betula species. LEAVES & BARK contain salicylates and a few substances ... . The low concentration ... Birch should be considered safe for natural wood perches. The seeds inside the cones are a special goodie safe for birds to eat. (end of paraphrase) Think: Automobile fumes can be damaging. We don't want to be enclosed where the fumes are trapped. But walking down the street where those fumes are in the air at low concentrations, we feel safe to breath. As noted, Birch should be considered safe and the risk of leaving bark is inconsequential.

i copied this from a wood/tree/plant site for parrots.

so basically yes...it is safe as long as the bird and branches are not in an enclosed space

hope this helps!

I think the automotive comment is a reference to the salicyate content (being of a low concentration in the tree branch, as opposed to an aspirin tablet, much like a running car in a closed garage can kill you, but standing next to the road won't) not about keeping the tree in an enclosed space...