Adding Fake Foliage to the cage

[skyjump100]

I like the idea of washing the artificial plants however I'm not sure I could take them out without sending the birds into total panic!!!! Next time I wont weave them through the bars of the cages lol.

[Ursula]

I soak them in hot water with vinegar in the bathtub until the water cools off, then rinse outside with the garten hose.

[EyesofFreedom]

My concern would also be an initial cleaning when you get them home...

Before you put them in the cage you should wash them in a mild detergent and risne throroughly... especially if they are plastic...

Mold release agents can remain on the "plants" and if ingested can make them very sick... its designed to keep the leaves from sticking to the molds during manufacturing and in the body can cause diahrrea...

Cindy I so want your cage!!!

[cindy]

Thank you!! A simple soak in a mild bleach solution and sun dry help rid the silks and plastics of unwanted germs and dust.

[Harley2013]

I am thinking and not sure about its safety, ( why I'm posting) of adding this as decor to Harley's cage? It's terrarium decor. Hard thick plastic vines with plastic leaves. Any suggestions?

[lovezebs]

Hi all. I get my fake plants at my favorite $ store. I look for plants that are sturdy but soft and attractive. I change them every month or two. Birdies seem to love it when I redecorate. All these new little nooks and crannies to investigate and poke around in.
When I buy them I soak them in hot water with dish soap, then in clean water, and then rince them off really well. To de- poop them, I basically follow the same routine.
Have never had any problems with birds and plants and the boys absolutely love playing with them, in them and all around them.
Oh by the way Cindy, I just got to know what sort of cage it is that you have in the pictures. I love it, and wouldn't mind getting one.

[LadyGMom]

Wouldn't it be safe to use hanging fake plants from the Reptile section in the Pet Store? I have Reptiles also and I had plan to eventually use these type of Ivy.

[lovezebs]

Can't see why not, but a lttle pricey. Very pretty though.

[LadyGMom]

I use Nolvasan to clean bird related things and have for years, great disinfectant

[lovezebs]

Have never heared of Nolvasan. What is it? Always open to new ideas.

[debbie276]

Very pretty, I'm sure they enjoy playing in and among those plants

[Toddmin]

I have been using mostly artificial grass-like plants that are made of plastic. When I go to purchase plants to use, I look for plants that are least likely to cause a bird to get stuck in it. I buy the plastic because they seem to be easier to clean. Hobby Lobby has them on sale every other week and tend to be more affordable than Michael's.

[Harley2013]

Using the ones with wire "inside" the cage, isn't that a little risky? I wouldn't want someone to chew on it and get sick or have a piece of exposed wire somewhere to cause injury. After time the wire could break down after cleanings and even rust. If someone pecked at that, they could really get sick.

[lovezebs]

Just trying to see if it will work.

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[dcompt]

I use ones with wire cores. I keep an eye on them. Rarely one will be exposed and then I take the plant out, or use it as hook to hold that part of the plant in position, but in such a way the birds won't get to it.

The only thing I have ever noticed the birds chewing on were some thin plastic tendrils that they would tug at. At first I clipped them off, but later got more of the same plants, and saw that they were never able to actually bite through them or pull them free, so stopped worrying about it. It looked like great nesting material, I suppose. The tendency to chew might vary from bird to bird or species to species. I assume they figured out at once that the lettuce was a lot tastier than the silk plant.