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View Full Version : Question on bird-safe metals for tree stand.


Laura
04-03-2009, 07:31 PM
I have a fairly rudimentary question about the safety of the metal used in eyelet screws...and perhaps whether there is even any concern involved and/or variety to choose from.

In February, I helped my father prune the family-apple tree (which has never been treated for anything). Among four, huge bundles of branches I had to choose from for perches, I also pulled a multi-stemmed branch that, once pruned, stands over four feet with branch diameters ranging from a 1/2 inch to 3 inches. As most of the stems are semi-vertical and perhaps a bit too thick, I had planned on drilling holes and installing eyelet screws from which I can hang booda perches, toys, food cups, swings, etc.

Chances are Kai won't even touch the thing so I'll be investing in essentially fun for just me, but I'm hoping. If he won't use it, maybe I'll get lucky and another bird will someday.

chapala
04-04-2009, 08:49 AM
The best hardware to use is stainless steel, and I have heard that Lowe's sells the eye screws in ss. Parrotlets are not the chewers that larger birds are, so the zinc content of other hardware is not as big a concern as with some. Still I prefer to use SS whenever I can with the birds.

Vegasmom
04-16-2009, 08:32 PM
I agree with Chapala. When I make perches and toys, I use ss. But let me tell you, I know why some toys are so expensive! SS is at least 10x more money, lol. Though it seems to me, a lot of store bought toys I have serious doubts about them being ss. I've matched it up to the ss I have and they're the wrong color, much more bluish than ss. Also, much lighter weight.