Real Christmas trees bad?

[chirpy]

I was wondering.. Currently using a fake Christmas tree but husband said next year he wants a real tree cause he likes the smell.

I was wondering if real trees are harmful to the birds.
It might be a silly question as I'm positive birds will stop by pine trees and such outside but wasn't sure..

[debbie276]

I always have a real tree and after the holidays I even put the tree out in the aviary for the birds to play in. When it looks brown and unsightly I toss it.

[chirpy]

debbie276 thanks Debbie!
I wasn't sure if their scents are "bad" for them. Will the needles hurt them if they are dry? I've touched some nests at a pet store and they were so prickly they hurt! I actually said "OW!!!" So I wonder...

Didn't want to break his hurt and tell him no tree cause of the smell. He's so eager about them if we buy a house there must be a few if not we have to grow some...

[wellingtoncdm]

Every year after Christmas I collect a few Christmas trees that don't have tinsel and put them in the aviaries. They birds love them. As the weather warms up and the tarps come off the aviaries I remove the spent dried up trees. I've never had a problem.
This year having bourkes in aviary will prevent me from adding them.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

This year having bourkes in aviary will prevent me from adding them.

Just out of curiousity, why not a real tree with bourkes? An inquiring new bourke owner wants to know. Bob

[wellingtoncdm]

The finches never chewed on the tree but the bourkes may although mine aren't big chewers.

[elepaio4]

The Honolulu Zoo, which maintains a large African aviary with many waxbill species, often placed old Christmas trees inside the exhibit. The birds used them extensively for nesting, and were often times successful in raising broods.