FINCHforum

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..

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.

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...

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.

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

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

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.