can i use tree fern in outdoor aviary

i have been think about using tree fern in my aviary is this type ok Dicksonia Antartica we only have this type in the uk

or TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI PALM TREE

I don't know if that is birdsafe or not but it is certainly beautiful. Just be prepared to have it demolished though......they love to shred leaves and plants.

idk i try to look n i couldnt find anything

This site lists some unsafe plants but also has a link to Cornell University. It indicates there is a searchable database for plants etc.


Toxic and Safe Plants/Trees for Birds - Household Poisons

Hope it helps!

There is a full list here:

Toxic and Safe Plants/Trees for Birds - Household Poisons

Be very, very careful with potted plants though. Unlike planted ones where the fertilizer can wash away very easily, they're contained within the pot and can be for months. Some birds like to dig (Australian Cockatoos) whilst others actually eat dirt and clay (like Macaws in the wild with clay licks). So if you decide to put it in there, do so with caution.

Alisana said:

There is a full list here:

Toxic and Safe Plants/Trees for Birds - Household Poisons

Be very, very careful with potted plants though. Unlike planted ones where the fertilizer can wash away very easily, they're contained within the pot and can be for months. Some birds like to dig (Australian Cockatoos) whilst others actually eat dirt and clay (like Macaws in the wild with clay licks). So if you decide to put it in there, do so with caution.

Click to expand...

Great minds must think alike. See my post right above yours, must have been posted within seconds of each other! <<GRIN>>!!

azdesertrhino said:

Alisana said:

There is a full list here:

Toxic and Safe Plants/Trees for Birds - Household Poisons

Be very, very careful with potted plants though. Unlike planted ones where the fertilizer can wash away very easily, they're contained within the pot and can be for months. Some birds like to dig (Australian Cockatoos) whilst others actually eat dirt and clay (like Macaws in the wild with clay licks). So if you decide to put it in there, do so with caution.

Click to expand...

Great minds must think alike. See my post right above yours, must have been posted within seconds of each other! <<GRIN>>!!

Click to expand...

Haha Yeah, so it seems!

There was another list which I'm trying to find now which has a collection of recommendations from Avian Vets, can't seem to find it though.

Not sure if this list is much different, but worth looking at if you can't find your plant on the page.

Foods & Plants Toxic to Birds

If you have the time and resources, (once confirming if the plant is safe or not), re-pot the plants. This is for two reasons:
1: Any old soil that might contain concentrated levels of fertilizer. Wash/shake away the old soil and use new soil that doesn't have chemicals/fertilizers.
2: No creepy, crawlies or risk of rat/mice urine on the plant either.
3: You can select a bird safe pot as well. The thin plastic is something the birds can tear up very easily. While I would like to think they wouldn't ingest the thick plastic, you don't know if it's safe and/or what it is made of. The other pot is very thin plastic, so this can easily be shredded and there will be risk of choking if that happens. Be mindful when choosing a new pot.

Caution
Glazed clay pots: the glazing can chip off and sometimes in the manufacturing process, they may use lead in the clay.

I haven't seen many outdoor aviaries with potted plants... most of the ones I've seen thus far are landscaped and with the flora planted. My favourite place thus far is this: Birdworld Kuranda - Australian Bird Sanctuary | Cairns Highlands, Atherton Tablelands, North Queensland You can see the sheer amount of plants they have in there. I would love to set up something like this myself.

Look forward to seeing what you decide to do!

In my opinion, and speaking from my experience of having an outdoor bird...they won't eat something that is toxic. Your bird might taste it, with a nibble, but will spit it out and know what it is, for what it is.

Both appear safe on this list: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...uw4_5XeS5kf-ybUkA&sig2=_iNOHPKPrbKOqODUGErWRA

However, as suggested above, care must be taken because pesticides used in garden stores will be toxic to your birds.

Mare Miller said:

In my opinion, and speaking from my experience of having an outdoor bird...they won't eat something that is toxic. Your bird might taste it, with a nibble, but will spit it out and know what it is, for what it is.

Click to expand...

Also depends on what else is in there. If it is the only thing in there, then there isn't much to choose from in terms of chewing/destroying; but if there is large variety, then it may not even touch it and you need not worry.