Fresh Hibiscus Branches?

[Nerien]

At this point, you can barely walk up to my front door because the hibiscus bushes are so overgrown. (Got a dog two years ago, three summers total, now, so the deer aren't eating the bushes close to the house anymore.) I know the wood is safe for perches. I know I can feed the leaves to my degus and guinea pigs, and so am I correct in assuming that the finches and budgies can eat the leaves too? Have been trying to get someone to transplant the bushes out around the edge of the yard, but at this point I am ready to just start chopping at them. Can I just put the whole fresh branch, leaves, bark, and all, in the cages and let the birdies do as they want, to them?

I would wash/soak them in plain water first, to make sure all bugs have been removed. But it seems a shame to waste all that good greenery.

[Rox]

I researched this and it's fine for the birds to eat the whole plant, leaves, flowers etc. We have a huge one in our garden and I often pick off branches with flowers and leaves on and put it the aviary. My canary's in particular love the flowers.

[Nerien]

Thanks! It is past blooming time here, fall is starting and soon the leaves will be gone, too, and since I can't get anyone to transplant them for me, I figure it's time to just start chopping. But at least I can get some use out of them, instead of just slaughtering them all. The unfriendly UPS man has been making nasty remarks about them, and started dropping my packages in front of the garage instead of coming up to the front door, even tho the last time he did come to the door I met him on the porch limping, with cane, and arm in a splint, and let him know hubby was on the couch just having had surgery, so yes, the property is neglected. I hate that guy! The others will put the packages inside the house for me, officially they are not supposed to step inside, but I hold the door open and they lean in and put them down (I order 50 pounds of seed at a time).

Well, going to get leafy in the cages today!