China-Fir Wood, Parrot Safe?

[BoomBoom]

I just bought these cool things from the rodent section of Petco. It's called Bend-a-Bridge by Planet Petco. It can be bent any which way you want. Perfect tunnel/sleep area for Boomer. I searched online and on this forum, but there is nothing that conclusively says whether china-fir wood is safe (or not safe) for parrots.

Anyone use these before or know if china-fir wood is safe?

 

[Dinosrawr]

I'm not sure, I think it depends where it's gathered and where it's made. I know that while North America is relatively strict regarding how wood is treated with chemicals before sale, China has no policies and can treat any wood they produce with chemicals (I noticed it says "made in China"). There's no guarantee that it hasn't been treated with chemical over there.

That being said, you could probably contact the company and find out. I'm not sure what the difference is in chemical tolerance between rodents and bird, but I would assume that since it's aimed towards small mammals that it would be safe for chewing, should any chewing happen. I've also wanted to get some of those, but I haven't looked too much into it yet.

 

[Phlox]

I found this: Cunninghamia lanceolata Chinese Fir PFAF Plant Database





As a general rule, rodents (especially rats) have very wimpy respiratory systems, so if its rodent safe, it "should" be bird safe too. I found they use it in kid's playsets like redwood, which means its a naturally preserving wood and doesn't need pressure treating or coatings to stay attractive. That would make me think its not coated either. It's cheaper to not do anything to it, especially if it doesn't need it to stay pretty.


The link also says it has no known hazards and is used in herbal medicine, so I'd say you're safe.

 

[BoomBoom]

Awesome, thanks for the great responses! The link is especially helpful. I did a bit more digging but haven't read any negative review on these items for use with parrots. Most state that if it safe for small animals (rodents) to chew on, it's safe for birds too. I'll set it up and share photos tomorrow.

Thanks again!!

 

[BoomBoom]

Posting pictures of my happy hut alternative set up. I'm not very good at crafting stuff for birds so this simple installation was an achievement for me. I've tried many safer alternatives to the happy hut like the cardboard tube and the grass mats but I was not happy with how those turned out. This one looks pretty solid. Boomer hasn't slept in it yet but at least he is not afraid of it. He checks it out once in a while when I put treats inside to lure him in lol!

 

[RavensGryf]

That cage looks really fun! I've seen those in the rodent section with toys hanging inside. Small little balls and things attached to the roof. Boomer might like if you put some in? Great job though!

 

[BoomBoom]

Thanks, RavensGryf. Do you mean hang balls inside the hollow? I might try it! Also the cage looks disorganized but it is actually meticulously planned to maximize space, movement and avoid his poops hitting the perches below. I'll post my cage set up next week when this new laminate wallpaper I got for the background comes in the mail

 

[RavensGryf]

Yes, hanging inside the hollow . Attached with a short length of sisal or something.

 

[Phlox]

It looks adorable! I'm hesitant about nesting sleepers, since my vet scolded me and told me that was part of why my Nanday overbonded, but I see so many people have them...I don't know.

I have that same coconut toy for Phlox, but in blue and yellow. I just put it in there yesterday, but she LOVES it. I put nutriberries in there for her. She'd launch herself to the moon for one of those!

 

[BoomBoom]

Yeah I bury nutriberries or seeds under shredded brown paper in that coconut and Boomer goes nuts over it!

I hear you about the nesting sleeper. I'm torn whether or not I should have one. He's been managing fine without a "bed" for months now. I just want him to have a hiding place when I'm not at home, and maybe a place to sleep if he feels like it. My conure is overbonded to me as it is anyway, without or without it haha! If he displays cage aggression, I'll probably take it out.

 

[Phlox]

It would have been fine if he just loved me, but he was so full of hate for anyone else, he'd fling himself at the bars and try to attack. We really thought he was going to kill himself. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen.

But I didn't know his history or even how old he was, so goodness knows what trauma he went through.

But I digress.

Either way, it looks pretty neat and I think that's one lucky little sunny.