Need someone handy to answer a question!!??

[brianlinkles]

I just bought a java tree stand today for my cag. It is quite lovely and she seems to like it as well as her sister Kiwi! However when I cleaned it off tonight after putting the girls to bed I noticed that there is a big knot/hole in one of the branches, I'm sure that you can't help getting this on most of the trees, however wouldn't you know it's exactly where Dorothy like to sit and of course her "poop" goes right into the hole. Well after scrubbing and spraying half a bottle of grapefruit seed extract into the hole, I am wondering is there any "bird safe" filler type thing that I could fill the hole with so the "poop" wouldn't go down into it? I'm hoping because if not this is a cleaning "nightmare"!

 

[Spiritbird]

Perhaps you can return the thing and get one without a hole.

 

[BirdieNumNum]

Can you take a picture of it? It might be easier for us to think of a solution if we can see where on the tree the hole it .

 

[brianlinkles]

I don't want to return it because it is the only one this size and it is very pretty, the branch sizes are also perfect for my birds. If you could imagine just a small knot in a branch that maybe has fallen out. It is just a "divet" in the tree that catches their waste. I just need to know if there is any type of wood filler, caulking etc. that would be bird safe.

 

[merlinsmom13]

LOL, what are the odds? I don't know of any filler that would be bird safe, maybe plaster of paris???? Could you stuff a piece of towel in the hole? I'm sure somebirdy would make it their mission to pull it out. I drape old hand towels on furniture that Merlin perches on, he has gotten used to that & usually leaves them alone.

 

[mcw009]

Could you just wrap the spot of the branch with something like vet-wrap? It might not be very aesthetically pleasing but poop wouldn't get in the hole anymore.

 

[YNAMomma]

We have had that problem too with a few branch perches i've boughten online. I usually cover them in a thick coat of paper mache, just flour water and paper so nicely bird friendly. You can even make them with wheat flour to make them a tasty bird cover that you can replace every couple weeks if your birds like mine like to tear it apart. Its a toy and a solution. =)

 

[andrea.faerie]

I like the vet wrap idea... or maybe plaster of paris? I'm not sure if that's exactly "bird safe" but maybe an organic clay that air dries?

 

[brianlinkles]

I thought I would post all of the ideas that I researched. I found out that a zoo (can't remember the city) uses hot glue to stick a bit of millet spray to a popsicle stick for their birds. Hot glue is non-toxic and safe once dried. Elmers glue mixed with wood shavings is also bird safe. This can be mixed together and used as a wood filler. You can use safe sawdust or shavings. I found many entries about the hot glue and did read on the package that it is non-toxic (not when hot) I am going with that and may cover the top with the elmers/wood dust mixture. Thanks for the suggestions! It is just my luck that the hole is exactly under where she stands!

 

[henpecked]

Just reading this, maybe a SS screw and SS fender washer (large washer from hardware store, just ask) Make sure you use Stainless Steel and NOT zinc coated.

 

[Echo]

I was also going to say vet-wrap...so easy.....and good grip material for your birds to play on.

PS: where did you buy your tree and how tall is it from the floor if you don't mind me asking? I am looking for one myself.