100% Jute Twine...smells funny?

[Murphy]

Well first off...Merry Christmas to all It's Xmas eve here in Aus, not sure about everyone else!

I was on the hunt for sticky tape in my local 2dollar shop today when I came across a spool of "100% Jute Twine" 350ft, extra strong. I thought "beauty, I'll grab that while I'm here too!"...I also grabbed some natural popsicle sticks that are currently sitting in tubs of food dye

Anyway, upon inspection of the twine tonight I noticed it had a fairly strong odd smell to it...Does Jute normally smell? It doesn't say anything about being treated on the packaging, it just says Y-Z All Purpose Jute Twine. 100% Jute. 350ft, extra strong. Made in P.R.C.

So what do you think...will it be safe to use, or is there something I can do to ensure it's safe, like a test or a washing method? I've never bought Jute before so I'm not sure what it should smell like

One other question...on beads. Are glass beads okay to use (obviously not tiny little beads, but larger, not able to fit fully in beak size) or is it only plastic and wooden?

Thanks heaps and have a great Christmas!

[ReneeE]

If there is a smell on it you need to not use it. It could be from oils or pesticides and chances are not bird safe. Even if washed, residules may still linger and kill.

Regarding the beads, I would still be uncomfortable giving anything glass to birds even if they cannot fit the bead in the beak. It is never worth the risk.

[birdsnreps]

NO!! do not give any bird anything thats made out of glass!! they are gonna bite and chew on it, and little pieces are gonna break off, they could prick your birds tongue, or worse, if he swallows them, they are gonna shred his insides!! there is NO way to get glass out once it starts making its way through his digestive track. the little pieces are gonna get stuck inside most likely, they can cause internal bleeding and bloody stools.

[Murphy]

I didn't think that glass would be safe, but wanted to double check. Don't worry I will always put the safety of my Fid first.

The Jute will go to the hubby for use around the garden, workshop then. I'll find something else to use.

Thanks again

[birdsnreps]

if you have a home depot or lowes near you, you could buy twine from them :) thats what we use, and they come in diff sizes and diff lengths. that stuff is really easy to dye too :)

[Franciscus]

Jute from hardware stores is treated with fungiside - NOT safe!

[Peanutbutter]

I just buy hemp twine & cording from walmart... craft dept.