What plants can I grow in bird cages?

[HareTrinity]

I'm aware of the special sort of grass, though that usually gets stripped bare pretty quickly... Are there any normal plants that would be okay for finches and/or burdgies?

Wasn't aware that birds needed direct sunlight, either... I'll work on that...

In England, though, so... Not much direct sunlight around at the moment, and I generally don't like leaving lamps on when I leave (I don't like leaving strong electrical appliances on when I can avoid it, and another lamp would mean another wire, and I try to keep my room rodent and rabbit proof)... Still; I'll work on it. Worry about opening the windows in case I forget, too, but I'll find some way around it.

Back to the question, though; plants?

[The Outlaw]

As for plants, do an internet search for toxic plants. That will tell you what you CAN'T plant.

All birds need the special benefits of full spectrum lighting. Without it, they will become unable to absorb certain vitamins essential for good health. We did a bunch of full spectrum discussions a while back. I suggest you go back into the earlier threads and check it out.

THE OUTLAW

[AmandaB]

I wouldn't grow them in the cage, that's just not a good idea. Spider plants are not toxic and I know a very knowledgeable rescuer who lets all of her birds munch on them with no ill effects. There's the Le Grass Cafe from Beak appetit, not too expensive and the budgies love it. Anything they like is going to be stripped bare!

[guanohappens]

Also, remember that many toxic plant lists are based on effects on MAMMALS, not birds! I have heard ficus trees are toxic, but my tiel sneaks bites occasionally with no ill effect. Interestingly, before birds I repotted a Dieffenbachia ("dumb cane") and my tongue and throat did get numb. My tiel managed a bite of the same plant two years ago and the only outward effect was she repeatedly stretched her neck while opening her beak wide and slowly. I watched her carefully and it passed within a half hour. I imagine from the feeling I had from the plant what she was feeling (or NOT feeling) that led to her beak and neck movements! I'm not advocating Ficus or Dieffenbachia around birds, just suggesting that a small amount isn't fatal and just requires close observation. I wouldn't give the bird food or water during this in case it would aspirate due to the numbness.

I cut willow switches for my birds (and repress the desire to use them on them sometimes!) and they love chewing the buds, releasing the fluff inside. Then it's time to peel the bark off, then finally shred the wood. A lot of action from a simple branch. I use "kitty"willow (the real name is blocked from posting!), but I understand any willow is nontoxic, as long as it is from an area free of spraying and car exhausts. I have heard Forsythia and Azalea are toxic, and I don't plan on testing the hypothesis.

Wheatgrass is available already up and growing at many healthfood stores. "Mow" some off for yourself (make a tea or add to a salad) for the concentrated vitamins and minerals, then put the rest in the cage. All my guys from tiel to macaw love to graze on a lawn in their cage. Leave the grass a little high and hide small nuts in it for them to forage! You can grow your own in a large, shallow dish using potting soil WITHOUT added fertilizer or insecticide. The seeds are available, often in bulk, in healthfood stores.

[Milli]

Dieffenbachia is a known toxic plant, for both humans and birds. If you want a good non-toxic plant try a 'Spider plant' - budgies and finches will be able to chew on these with no problems. They are also hardy plants that can take a lot of abuse and are fast growing.