Safe woods?

[lissener]

I can't find a local source for good Manzanita branches--since the horrible giant box stores have put all the independent pet stores out of business it's hard to find anything but the most basic, generic supplies for anything but dogs and cats. If you're lucky enough to live near an independent bird store, or aquarium store, well you're lucky.

Anyway, the online sources I've found are outrageously expensive. At any rate I'd want to look at a branch, since they're all one of a kind, before I buy it. Especially at these prices.

I found this list (http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml) online, which is pretty impressive, but not as it turns out comprehensive. I asked around for Madrona or that twisty brand of weeping willow, but so far have found no one who'll let me hack at their trees. I did however find someone who'd let me prune their twisty Filbert for them. So of course that tree is not on the list. Anyone know if it's safe?

I did snag a dogwood branch on a shortcut through an alley last night, and I've kind of woven that through the bars of Steve's cage. This being the season, it's covered in dogwood flowers. (How I knew it was a dogwood branch, see.) And of course Steve is far more interested in them than in the branches. Anyone know if the flowers are less safe than the wood? I know many plants have different levels of toxicity in different parts of the plant, so I wanted to be sure.

Thanks.

[rubberstampman]

I know what you mean.....it's really hard to find branches anywhere anymore! they used to be everywhere and relatively inexpensive- and like you said it's really hard to buy a branch on line cuz I want to see it and know exactly how big it is etc, etc,etc....I'm not sure which woods are safe or not- I've always just gone with manzanita......I do know that even the one local bird store that I found here that has manzanita is charging an arm and leg for small sizes and they don't have a lot of inventory to choose from.....the last time I was in there they wanted $25 for just a small piece of branch so I said no..I may have to take a trip to the desert to find my own or something......good luck...I do know that p'lets eat flowers but not sure about dogwood specifically...

[Jinx n Noodle]

Have you tried the wedding shops? Manzanita is also used in a lot of weddings as centerpieces. They're usually smaller branches, but then with p'lets, that should be just about right. With some creative trimming, they would be good.

Otherwise, you can consider a hibiscus tree. I hear that they're fine for p'lets, but because they're really soft woods, not good for heavier chewers.

[alexander]

filbert is hazel which is a safe wood i use it with my birds

[Petie's_Mom]

I use branches from my apple tree. The trees are not treated with any pesticides so I know they are safe. I put them in the oven to kill off any undesirables.

[enborgle]

I do the same, Petie's Mom!

[lissener]

Thanks. Yes, I started with looking for an apple tree but haven't been able to find one I can trim. I think I'll go check out the Filbert though.

[Tina&Jeremy]

We have had great success looking in the rabbit/small animal section of the big box pet stores - tons of stick bundles and giant "munch balls" for chewing, and really inexpensive. They seem to have tons of toys made of willow, all totally safe :D