Real Trees For Birds Indoors

buurd · Oct 27, 2019

Can this be done?

I have two rosy bourkes, so they're a little smaller than budgies. I would like them to experience sitting in a real tree, since I dont have an outdoor aviary.

Has anyone done this for their birds, with a real tree, bush, or big plant? Id like to know.

I know there's a clean up factor, lining the pot top with paper is one thing,but is stripping off and cleaning leaves, possible?

I came across a tall fiddlar fig plant at Aldi's, and I could see my guys having fun bouncing on those strong, broad leaves. But Im sure they have probably been grown with pesticides, so I cant take the risk.

But...I really wish to give them some natural world things to explore and have fun with.

I was thinking about a eucalyptus sapling. Still wouldnt know where to get a pesticide free one though.

SailBoat · Oct 27, 2019

As you noted, live trees and bushes come with problems, many deadly.

You can create a like product (multi-level perch stand) that will provide all the natural experience that a live tree or bush can provide and is safer and easier to clean and provide.

Laurasea · Oct 27, 2019

Bottlebrush trees,
and crep myrtle branches are safe I don't know about leaves. I have a bazillion crepe myrtle trees so I cut and use branches all the time, after cleaning them
The problem with live plants is that mold, fungus and bacteria can build up in the soil. And birds are so sensitive to molds..

chris-md · Oct 27, 2019

The other challenge with indoor plants is they will not remain happy and healthy. Chances are they won’t get sufficient sun (most trees/shrubs need full sun at least 4 hours a day). In front of a window won’t due anything for it.

This makes many tropical plants susceptible to any manner of pests (mealybug, scale, thrips, to name a few). You will invariably need to treat the plants with pesticide to keep the bugs at bay. Pesticides and birds? Absolutely not!

buurd · Nov 1, 2019

Thanks to everyone. As soon as I hit Post on this, I realized all of these things. Id read it on here before, no doubt. The only really natural things I had for them were baked branches.

Aspie_Aviphile · Nov 2, 2019

Java wood tree stands are popular and safe. I'm ordering one soon.

buurd · Nov 2, 2019

My girl died yesterday while I was taking a nap. I found her lying on the windowsill next to one of the branches I had baked for them. I wonder if she did that on purpose. She died lying down, with her feet under her, so it looks like she placed herself there on purpose. They both like to spend their time at the top of the curtain.

sunshinemama91 · Nov 4, 2019

So sorry for your loss

If you wanted to make a tree stand, it's super easy just need to make a sturdy base and use brackets to brace the tree and hook it down and a screw in the very bottom for extra stability. A branch from parrot safe trees will work just as well as a living one unless you want the leaves on it. And if you do there are TONS of methods to start a tree or order seeds for an indoor plant. Just need a decent light or windowsill.
Heres a couple websites I found for safe woods and plants:
http://freedomflightsparrotrescue.ca/safe-toxic-plant-lists/

http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml

Super simple DIY project!
Heres what I made from a (pesticide free) apple tree that we trimmed off of the branches overhanging in our yard:

Real Trees For Birds Indoors

buurd

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Amazon Parrot and IRN?

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