Crepe Myrtle branches safe??

[wilksk]

Are these branches toxic? Have not found any information.

[kristy29]

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

I don't see it listed there.

I love Crepe Myrtles, too bad we don't have any up north. So pretty.

[chapala]

I know people who have used crepe myrtle branches for years, no harmful effects.

[Chicklette]

I know people who have used crepe myrtle branches for years, no harmful effects.

So do I so I think it's safe.

[asulli]

I have heard the branches were safe. I just have to do somet research about the flowers. My guys love the flowers of the hibiscus and rose.

[wilksk]

Thanks so much! We are in Tx and have huge ones in the yard. Anyone know about the flowers?

[Falsk]

I've been using crepe myrtle for the last few months. Bee loves tearing up little twigs I give her. It's the only tree in my yard that I have that is safe. My only other options are red maple and pine. X__X

[kellywess]

You can use Crepe Myrtle Branches... however, you have to let them dry for at the very least three years. Then you can use them.

www.beaknwings.org/ed/woods.pdf

www.thelaughingparrot.com/Safeplants.html

[chinniechantel]

If the branches are small enough you can boil and then bake them instead of waiting 3 years. And with chinchillas kiln dried or dried pine is safe, I wonder why it is not for birds? I do this for my chinchillas. I boil and scrub them, then bake for about 2 hours on 285, or hotter depending on the size of the branch. That kills all little buggers that could be there and gets other bacteria off too. Make sure to keep an eye on it for burning and open the door every 20 minutes to let the smoke out. Chins eat wood more than birds do so you have to be even more careful with their wood, so I am used to this!

[chapala]

Kiln dried pine is fine for parrots, and many toys use pine wood. Fresh pine of course has the sticky sap, and you wouldn't want to use it for birds.