FINCHforum

Im not sure if this is the right place to post this question, but I hope someone will know the answer. I want to start getting more live plants in my two zebra finch enclosures, and I have looked at MANY safe and toxic plant charts on different sites, including this one. But there are soooo many more common plants out there that aren't on any of these lists. Things like a Money Tree... I have looked at images and videos of many aviaries and see plants that if not closely resemble a money tree, are in fact money trees... Are these safe? I want to create as natural environment for my little ones as I can, but without having to search far and wide for practical additions.

Almost any tropical plant can be kept with finches, they do not normally chew on toxic plants, because toxic plants taste bad. Therefore, a plant like a philodendron might be toxic, but a finch is not going to eat it if the little nibble it takes is bitter and bad. The little nibble would not hurt the finch. You only really want to avoid plants with dangerous sap, like that of the dieffenbachia, which can cause severe swelling of the throat and mouth. I believe a money tree would be fine. Other great choices, depending on cage size and lighting, are spider plants (edible and loved by all finches), sweet potato (same) philodendron, ficus, draceana, citrus, hibiscus, grasses, cannas, marigolds, and bamboo.

I could not find that plant on any toxic or non toxic plant list for birds. The other names for a money tree are Malabar Chestnut and Pachira Aquatica. So, it's probably OK.

Your post was very interesting Sheather.
I usually plant my aviaries with Acacia trees. I recently bought some beautiful aloes for my aviaries from which beautiful flowers blossom.
Apparently some waxbills such as Black Cheeks benefit from eating the pollen and the curled dead leaves can provide nesting sites for species such as the Firefinches.
It adds another dimension to the aviaries because all of a sudden I've found I've developed an interest in collecting plants too.
Based on what you said, do you think it would be safe to plant an azalia in my aviary?
They are supposed to be poisonous, although how much so and which part of the plant I'm not sure.
Kenneth I've just planted a lovely bush in one of my aviaries which forms a dense hedge. The birds love building their nests in it. It's not poisonous and it's relatively common. I just can't remember the name but I'll find out and let you know.

Something else that does well in an aviary is bamboo.
Zebras are from Australia so maybe something like Tea Tree if you can find it.