Putting branches in cage?

[birrdylove84]

When people put the branches with leaves in their cage it always looks really cool, but arent there bugs?

[sweetnlow]

Yes, some wild branches can be used but they have to be safe types of wood and cleaned properly. A lot of people dry their branches in a low temperature oven after cleaning if they are not too large. Here is a site with information on how to pick safe wood and how to clean it properly.

http://www.avianweb.com/safewoods.html

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by birrdylove84

When people put the branches with leaves in their cage it always looks really cool, but arent there bugs?

It not only "looks cool" but is good for the parrot's feet. The avianweb link above is good...

[birrdylove84]

Awsome site, thank you

[LovelySydney]

Great link sweetnlow. Just to add, sometimes when the branches are small enough, you can bake the wood. This kills any bacteria growing or bugs that may be inside. After that, clean it and dry it in the sun. I would do 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

[birrdylove84]

How I like what you added about baking them, good idea!

[ThreeX]

Originally Posted by birrdylove84

How I like what you added about baking them, good idea!

Yeah, except my oven won't accept a 4,5' branch :)

Gotta admit i don't do anything except water-rinse and brush off any loose debris on mine. I also have only natural branches in my cages.
mostly Sorbus aucuparia, European Mountain-Ash and Betula pendula (Silver Birch)

[birrdylove84]

Wow, you have a large selection of trees. I would love to get willow tree "vines".

[perchingbird]

I don't do anything to mine, either. Kit can eat the bugs.

She LOVES CHEWING. LOVES.

Tree branches are one of her favorite things. :)

[maggy]

Yep me too, a quick squirt with the hose, brush over with a scrubbing brush dry in the sun and in it goes. Most of my branches come off my fruit trees so I know they don't have spray on them.