upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi Everyone,

I live in the UK with my baby, my sulphur crested cockatoo Gizzy. He loves wood, and is forever turning anything into splinters! (Especially doorframes and skirtingboards)

When the local community service people trim branches off trees in the local parks, and bushes etc, are they safe to take home for him to destroy? What types are safe? Do I have to let them dry out? Do I have to clean them with special solutions? Which are the best? Does anyone else take home wood from parks or forests?

Im not planning to go walking with a chainsaw or anything, but would love some advice!!

Nicky

Hi, this is what we follow:


http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml

Hi Nicky !
WOW do I know about the buzz saw abilities of cockatoos now.... I would be careful about picking up branches and things from the parks. You don't know if they have been sprayed or fertilized with anything. If you know of a place where they for sure don't do that, then I think most branches would be safe. Keep an eye on the list of safe woods and plants. Another solution I found when Winter was in that mind set was to find a carpenter or Home Depot or something and ask if they have any wood scraps they would be willing to part with. Again, untreated . I have read Oak isn't good but the clear white pine was perfect. He just went to town on them. Didn't even have to be fancy colored blocks .... he didn't care. Winter also loved pine cones. I boiled 'em for a few minutes and then let them dry in a low oven. Like when you dry pumpkin seeds.
Cheryl

Thankyou so much for the sources of information! I diddnt realise how many different trees and plants could be toxic! I will be sure to know what I collect, and definatly make sure that they are untreated. I will be going to my local hardware store on my way home today, and will have a rumage through the cut off pieces of wood they would throw away. Im sure my bird will love me if I come home with a large piece (the bigger the better - door size would be a winner!!)

Thankyou for your help!!

Nicky (and a pleased Gizzy) x x