How to sanitize perches from natural wood?

[koux33]

I'd really like to use perches from some wood out of my yard, but before I do I want to make sure they're safe. I looked on the safe/unsafe plant list, and I couldn't find it on there. I have mesquite, bamboo, and a hibiscus tree. I'm pretty sure the hibiscus should be ok, but I'm not sure about the other 2. I'm also wondering what kind of sanitation I have to do on the branches. Some websites said to soak them in a 50/50 bleach and water solution, but wouldn't the wood soak up the bleach? Is that safe? I remember something about baking the wood from when I had reptiles. Any ideas?

[FeatherHarp]

I normally soak my natural wood perches in a 1 ounce of bleach to 1 quart of water, or you can use Grapefrut Seed Extract (might be hard to get in your area) that you purchase at a health food store, following the directions for disinfecting. Then rinse perches extremely well then dry in a low, 250 degree oven for 30 minutes that should do the trick.

Here is a link that explains how do clean natural perches in more depth.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4449364_clean-bird-perches.html

Here is a link that lists safe & toxic woods:

http://www.birdsafe.com/woods.htm

Hope this helps.

[franny]

I just use a bit of water and white vinegar and spray the perches and then rinse off. I don't soak the branches, just wet, wipe and rinse, then pat dry with a paper towel. I do a few extras at the same time. Then when one gets soiled I have a spare ready to replace it.

Some folks say to use only live branches cut from the tree, so there will be less chance of mold or disease. But honestly, I've gone and collected maple branches that get blown off of our trees after a strong wind, and used them with no problem. Since finches don't tend to actually chew on them like a hookbill would, I think most woods are OK.

Many on here use bamboo, but it can be a bit smooth, so they sand it with course sandpaper first. I like maple, or cedar, both are not too smooth so the birds like them for easy gripping. Just try not to cut off a section of a pine (for example) that tends to be loaded with sticky sap... that could be a problem.

I think that as long as the tree hasn't been sprayed with pestacides, it may not even be necessary to wash the branch, unless you want to be sure of removing any bugs.

[koux33]

That's good to know - we just trimmed a mesquite tree and I got some great looking perches from it. I sanded down the sharp burrs and cleaned them up a bit and they're looking great! And, we live in Arizona, so I don't think we'll be gathering any pine or maple from anywhere nearby. It's pretty much mesquite, palo verde, or cactus out here.

Is there a specific range of thickness that is ok for finches? I think I got a pretty good variety, but the biggest one is probably 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Is that too big? I don't want to put it in if they're not going to perch on it.

[annague]

Put as many size branches in there as you can -- finches benefit from lots of different sizes of perches and will be able to land on the large as well as the small.

[cindy]

you should soak in a bleach and water solution the branches the branches and use a stiff brush to scrub off any dirt and debris, pesticides/environmental residue. Soak for about 15 minutes. This is to kill any insects or bacteria/virus left behind by wild birds.

The most important part is to rinse the branches off and soak in clean water to leach and of the bleach out and sun dry for two days in the sun. The bleach will break down in the sun and the branches will be dried completely in two days.

I belonged to the Avian Society in South Florida, our group would go to the local orange groves and collect the branches after the owners pruned his trees. We would do a massive collection, trim the branches and clean the branches in this way. Perfectly safe vet approved, just make sure the branches are rinsed and sun dried...don't give the branches to your birds still damp. (bleach once mixed with water looses its strength within 24 hrs) so if you can 't sun dry then let the branches dry for a few days indoors then use.

After they are in the cage and the birds use them, soil them...I use a diluted mix of white vinegar and water and a cloth to clean the perches off with.

[monotwine]

I use trees that have been burn in an old fire (our vegetation on the mountain does this from time to time and leaves behind beautiful perches). I also use branches pruned from hardwood trees etc. Living branches I leave to dry out and drop off their leaves. I prefer dead branches as the wood has hardened and is less likely to get a rot.
I try to find branches with rough texture so it is easier for gripping. I have a smooth camphor tree branch in my aviary and it does become a bit tricky for the smaller finches to grab hold of.

I rinse new perches and then spray it liberally with Virukill and leave to sun dry.