English ivy in aviary

DVD · Post by **DVD** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:55 am

I am building an aviary 8m x 3.6m x 2.5m high outsite, one of the existing walls has alot of ivy growing on it is this a problem for finches and softbills?

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 11:25 am

Hello...welcome DVD!

From what I have read....English Ivy is considered a toxic plant.

Below is a link to a site that lists Toxic and Non-Toxic plants. Hope this helps some.

Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants Etc.

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:05 pm

A pal of mine built a lean to aviary the full length of a Victorian wall that was covered in ivy at least two feet thick.
He finished up with a 30 foot aviary that looked totally natural with ready made nesting sites by the hundred.Plus hosts of insect food on a plate.
This was about 5 years ago and the ivy has had no effect on the birds whatsoever.
The world is full of toxic plants...the toxins are present in most cases to ward off insects and caterpillars.It is very rare for a bird to ingest dangerous foliage.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 10:57 pm

That is interesting you should say that PoohBear....I always wondered if the birds would really eat the plants.

I do notice my Owls love to pick at the fake Ivy in the cage....just wonder if they would do that to the real English Ivy or if they would seem to know it is not safe. And when they say toxic do they mean the leaves or the vines or both?

This is getting confusing!

DVD · Post by **DVD** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:23 am

Thanks Guys, much appreciated!

Post by **Sally** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:38 am

These plant lists are definitely confusing. I notice that holly and pyracantha are listed as toxic plants, yet the wild birds eat the berries off both plants. Thanks for the input on the English ivy, poohbear--a wall of ivy sounds like a wonderful setting for finches building nests.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:00 am

I have though quite often that we wouldn't have many wild animals if they didn't instinctually know which plants are toxic and which are safe. Thanks for bringing that up, Paul.