FINCHforum

New custom flight cages are on the way (3 weeks left) so we started looking for decoration options. I read a lot about fake foliage at the forum however some horror stories here and there too. I really need to know what type of fake foliage you are using. Are there specific brands/types that you can guarantee 100% won`t cause any problems, tested and proven.?..
I don`t mind the expense as long as they will be super safe. I really don`t want any of our babies getting caught from their little feet/legs etc.

Or i real plants are the safest what is the best way to put real plants inside without the soil? I really don`t want the birds to be in contact with the soil.

Thanks for the replies.

I use fake foliage all the time and have had no problems. you just have to make sure there are no glued on décor or sparkles or really, anything that could be picked off and eaten.

I should also mention I use the 'silk' plants from Michaels, JoAnn's Fabric store, or similar stores. there are felt type of fake plants being sold now, personally, I'd avoid them. they seem too flimsy, birds might tear them up. the silk plants provide fantastic shade and hiding areas if you have nests up and they don't want to bothered.

I use the plastic plants from Hobby Lobby, and HL has regular 50% off sales on these plants, making them more affordable. I don't think there is anything that is 100% guaranteed safe, but I've not had problems with the ones I've purchased.

Don't be a dope like me and assume that "silk plants" actually means the fabric silk from the silk worm....like I did. apparently here in the states (which i was born & raised) when you say "silk plants" it means all types of fabric of fake plant... which I didn't know. I got a 6 foot garland at Michaels, and it's not too flimsy, only thing I had to do was cut of the strings (they put strings every couple of inches for you to hang them up) that I'd be afraid of them getting hung from, but they come off really easy. Then after that I bought a few plastic which my birds like to poke at. And then i bought 2 garlands from glamgouldians.com... which I haven't put up yet, but I really like them. Also, thewhitefinchaviary.com Chelsea runs that she has some very nice fake plants, and I'm pretty sure she sells them as well... but I've never bought, or used those, so I can't say how they are, or what material...Good luck!

rancho2 What a beautiful cage set up you have. Is there a divider in that, or is that one big cage? It's gorgeous, and so much room for them!!! How do you put your lights in there? Are there designated spots for lighting in that particular cage, or did you make your own set up? Also, do you use UVA & B lighting or just regular? Just wondering, as I have fairly long winters, with VERY short days, and I'm wondering if I should get my birds some UV lighting for next winter. Don't really have to worry now, as spring is coming and the sun is up longer, but just getting a feel for it... especially since I'll have an actual flock of birds by next winter!!

Rancho2 Ditto about your cage. Looks gorgeous!

thanks you guys for the compliments. I'm always rearranging the cage set up with silk plants and flowers. I've not had any problems with the gouldians or owls fraying anything. My favorite silk plants are the ferns. Generally stick them in the corners at the top and put silk flowers in for color. No divider but the mirror behind it makes it look like that. I do divide if they're nesting. As for the lights, we had something built that sits on top of the cage and hides the full spectrum lights. I was able to fit several terrarium hoods for the full spectrum and night lighting, all on timers. there are several heat emitters on top of the cage for evening when it cools off. so far, everything works ok! if anyone would like suggestions for cage guards and/or cage covers for the HQ double flights, let me know. Had to work through many things before I found what works well and looks nice.

Love the set up! I also use silk plants and flowers without a problem. My birds love to bounce on grape vines that I've added this past couple years. I think they really like that fact that it moves and isn't so stiff and firm.

good luck

I wish you a speedy success