Aug 9, 2012 7:24:52 GMT
ruby 5
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Posts: 418 
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Post by ruby 5 on Sept 14, 2012 7:17:24 GMT
Does anyone give their birds Eucalyptus leaves? We have a tree in the garden and I often cut a small branch for them, they love it, it's demolished within minutes! I know the oil is medicinal and so shouldn't be given to often, but I was wondering if it would be ok to put some in the breeding cage for the adults or if this might upset the chicks they are feeding?  |
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Post by stace on Sept 14, 2012 8:53:42 GMT
I hang a bunch of fresh eucalyptus leaves up about once or twice a week.
I give them a really good rinse, then spray with F10SC and leave them for about an hour, then rinse. The trees around me get a lot of wild birds, parrots, bats and possums in them, so I want to make sure no disease gets through.
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Post by Hezz on Sept 14, 2012 9:20:04 GMT
I would save it for the main aviary or whatever you have, Ruby. Rather than adding them to the breeding cage. If the adults have had them on a regular basis beforehand, then any benefit should be passed on to the chicks. At least wait until the chicks are out of the nest-box and perhaps weaned, before allowing them to partake in this delicacy.  I may be very wrong, but this is what my instinct tells me. In the wild they would be getting bits of all different types of eucalypts, but not feeding on just the one. Now I am going to contradict myself, and suggest that a small twig for the adults be offered, once, and see whether they touch it. Parents are acting on instinct, and I feel they will let you know one way or the other. But I would offer only a very small twig. Sorry, but I am writing as I am thinking ............. pros and cons ............ I still think offer a little and see how they react. Well washed of course. |
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Aug 9, 2012 7:24:52 GMT
ruby 5
Normal Green
Posts: 418
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Post by ruby 5 on Sept 14, 2012 9:53:15 GMT
Thank you for your replies stace and Hezz. I see by your locations eucalyptus probably grows in abundance I love our tree but unortunately we do not get many possums and parrots on the branches ;D It does attract wild birds though so the branches are thoroughly washed first. I haven't given the adults any since the chicks hatched I was giving it whilst the hen was laying. Maybe just one or two leaves on a very small twig as you say should be ok. |
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Post by Hezz on Sept 15, 2012 4:51:01 GMT
I think so, Ruby. When you think about the fact that eucalypts are where these birds would naturally nest, then the chicks would come into contact with the plants/oils and resin all the time. I find that mine more go for the twigs themselves rather than the leaves.
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Post by stace on Sept 15, 2012 6:59:07 GMT
I think so, Ruby. When you think about the fact that eucalypts are where these birds would naturally nest, then the chicks would come into contact with the plants/oils and resin all the time. I find that mine more go for the twigs themselves rather than the leaves. Funny. Mine likes the leaves! Different strokes for different budgie folks. |
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I may be very wrong, but this is what my instinct tells me. 