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Post by stace on Mar 15, 2013 21:50:23 GMT
Hi Barrie! I think this is a brilliant thread, just been out willow-tree hunting! Found loads in the park which are now washed and scrubbed and in the cages! Toni LOVES it, Charlie is still a little scared. But what would you suggest instead of sandpaper? Had no idea sandpaper was bad :S Thanks Just use newspaper on the bottom of cage for a lining. And for perches, nice rough bark and several different diameter perches should keep their claws down.
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Dec 11, 2012 16:06:30 GMT
bubs7
Normal Violet
Posts: 106
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Post by bubs7 on Mar 17, 2013 11:40:47 GMT
Yes I have noticed Tonis claws have gone down a lot naturally since I swapped all the plastic ones for wooden. Newspaper? Hmm interesting, but what about the ink? Is it not harmful for the birds? Also how often should you change the branches? When there's no bark left? (would be everyday for Toni lol)
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Post by Hezz on Mar 18, 2013 0:34:33 GMT
The ink being a problem is a furfy. Years ago it may have been true, but the ink used today is safe. You don't have to throw the perches once the bark has gone. If they are still in good condition, then keep using them for a while. Some smooth branches are good too ........ they don't have to have it all rough. For an example, I have about 5 different types of tree branches for perches (a pile that almost doesn't fit under the cage any more : and each week after cleaning, when I am repositioning perches and toys, I look for one thick perch, one thin perch, one straight perch, one wonky perch, and one perch from each type of different tree so the texture is different on each perch/branch. Your perches ideally should be washed every week, and this is when I change things around .......... you may guess my birds are a little spoilt for choice!
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Post by mizloco on Mar 18, 2013 15:14:08 GMT
I don't get newspapers so I use Tesco cheap printing paper. Good for checking the poo too Sent from my HTC One X using proboards
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Post by BudgiesBuddy on Mar 19, 2013 9:45:19 GMT
Whitish paper always tells about the droppings.
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Feb 23, 2013 10:25:52 GMT
blade100
Normal Violet
Posts: 190
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Post by blade100 on Mar 26, 2013 20:00:36 GMT
My dad has a willow tree in his garden, it's huge. Is it ok to go cut so much off to make a long perch?
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Post by lousette on Mar 26, 2013 20:37:21 GMT
Could I ask a few questions please. I went to our local park and found some willow branches on the floor under the very large willow tree. Is it okay to pick up branches like this or should they be cut fresh? Secondly, some have moss like growth on them (lichen maybe or whatever ... I am no expert). I was going to strip the bark with a knife to get them nice and clean and then wash with F10. Should I rather leave the bark on and simply scrub and disinfect? Could there be nasties living in the bark if it has been lying on the floor? Should I rather discard and see if I can cut fresh?
Sorry for all the questions.
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Post by stace on Mar 26, 2013 22:20:47 GMT
Could I ask a few questions please. I went to our local park and found some willow branches on the floor under the very large willow tree. Is it okay to pick up branches like this or should they be cut fresh? Secondly, some have moss like growth on them (lichen maybe or whatever ... I am no expert). I was going to strip the bark with a knife to get them nice and clean and then wash with F10. Should I rather leave the bark on and simply scrub and disinfect? Could there be nasties living in the bark if it has been lying on the floor? Should I rather discard and see if I can cut fresh? Sorry for all the questions. The bark is the good bit. The roughness is what keeps their claws filed down and also gives them something natural and harmless to shred and chew. I would scrub that all the lichen/moss off really well. Give it a really good scrub and wash. Leave it to soak in F10, then dry off as quickly as you can. Here in Oz, we can use the hot sun. It dries stuff in no time. You might need to sit it on a radiator or something. Some people even bake the branches in an oven, making sure they don't catch fire! Anything moss-like or fungus-like would not be good for them. They are hot/dry climate birds and not adapted to damp things.
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Post by lousette on Mar 26, 2013 22:29:14 GMT
Fab, thanks Stace. I will clean thoroughly but leave the bark on.
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Post by Budgies Retreat on Feb 22, 2014 15:33:48 GMT
There was a question previously about silver birch being safe, but no one answered it. Can anyone say if it is ok?
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Post by starlingqueen on Feb 22, 2014 16:31:19 GMT
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Post by Budgies Retreat on Feb 22, 2014 21:58:41 GMT
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Post by Budgies Retreat on Feb 25, 2014 1:32:03 GMT
Thanks starlingqueen it seems that silver birch is fine, so I will go and collect a few!
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Dec 23, 2020 20:03:50 GMT
vojinslayer
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 14
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Post by vojinslayer on Feb 3, 2021 15:42:01 GMT
Is elderberry bush safe as a perch?(without leaves, flowers, berries)
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Post by yellowfacedviolet on Feb 3, 2021 16:07:50 GMT
Is elderberry bush safe as a perch?(without leaves, flowers, berries) No. While the leaves are the most dangerous, all parts of the elderberry are considered toxic for budgies.
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