Company response to safety concerns...

[JenJen]

In this thread: http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/45441-raffia.html, I mentioned some products (raffia, hemp & jute) I considered safe to use based on the packaging/labeling stating they were 100% natural. After inquiring on the raffia, I subsequently learned it's probably not entirely natural or safe and have discontinued using it.

I spoke with a rep for the other company who packages the jute and hemp under their name. I do have to give credit to this rep as he genuinely seemed to care about my concerns and was amazingly helpful. He also stated each product is manufactured at separate factories.

Regarding the hemp, the response from the factory was: Hemp is much cleaner and safer for birds, it's processed only with water and is not altered in any way. Notably, the hemp factory mentioned that jute may be processed with oils and washed with chemicals, therefore making their product much safer than jute. Oddly enough, I noticed while working with the hemp cord it felt like the cord was leaving a greasy residue. Is this/can this be considered normal when working with hemp cord?

Regarding the jute, the other factory's response was: The only addition is a 'natural fiber oil' used during production.

The rep is the 'product compliance analyst' for the company, and he made no mention of either product NOT being safe, but likewise, there was no mention that it would be safe either.

How would you interpret these findings? Would you use the products?

 

[MacawLoverOf3]

The one thing that you always need to remember is that birds are extremely sensitive to any and everything. Things that would not have an affect on a human can kill a bird just because of the size difference let alone what our body can tolerate.

If when working with the hemp you feel something greasy, that is your proof right there something is on it. Is it safe for birds???? You want to be the one to find out the hard way that it was not? I sure don't.

 

[Phlox]

Actually natural hemp feels oily, since its an oily plant so that doesn't necessarily mean anything. However, I usually use sisal instead of jute, like used for cat scratching posts. I've used it for years without incident for cats and birds.

 

[JenJen]

Thanks for the replies. However it looks like the stuff I use is also used by a well known bird toy parts store (in smaller quantities), so I'm again leaning toward it being safe to use for birds.