Summer time fun

[MrFeathers2004]

I have two summer time questions for the group. With summer almost here, outdoor activities are upon us ( ex. Barbecue’s) and my Tiels will be coming out side with me to catch some rays. My first question to the group is, flies gnats, and bee’s ruining a good barbecue, can I used tiki torches around my birds? If I can, which one is safe for my Tiels? If not, is there a alternative to stop the gnats and bee’s ruining my out door activities and my bird catching some rays.
The second question is, I will be using wood chip for the first time in my barbequing. Is their a wood chip that I should not burn that would cause harm to my Tiels?
Thank you in advance
Danny

[Monica]

I don't know about the tiki torches because you need to use oil to keep the fire burning, or something similar. You can try going outside when there are less bugs out and about (I usuall notice gnats around dusk anyway).

As far as woodchips, the only one I can think of off the bat would be cedar... Pine I'm not too sure as this usually needs to be aired out before use around birds, but then again I'm not too sure how birds would take to having a barbeque going on around them...

[The Outlaw]

Well, I don't think that smoke in and of itself would be too problematic so long as you make every effort to keep them away from it, much like you would a human infant. As for burning tiki torches, I wouldn't around the birds. Frankly, by the time you light them up, you really should have the birds back in the house anyway.

I know you won't be burning cedar chips at least I HOPE not. I don't think that would make dinner very appetizing.

THE OUTLAW

[Crebain]

"Hmmm ... this burger tatstes like closet!"

LOL - No, mesquite is the chip to use, and like Outlaw said, keep the birds out of direct smoke.