Eucalyptus- toxic?

[Tzippora]

I have a large Eucalyptus tree in the my backyard that I would like to use in the cage (branches with leaves), and am wondering- is natural eucalyptus (no pesticides) toxic for Zebra and Society finches?

It's not in the list of toxic or safe plants (http://www.finchinfo.com/housing/safe_a ... plants.php). Does anyone have experience with it? It also might be important to note that Zebras are native to Australia . Thank you!

[isobea]

Tzippora - I've had my aviary since 1989 and I've always used fresh eucalyptus branches (mostly 6 to 7 feet tall). I replace them several times a year and have never had a single problem. Most of my birds just hop around in them, but my spice finches love to twist off the leaves, play with them and line their sleeping nest with them. The irregularity of these natural branches and twigs makes for great places to climb, exercise all their muscles and train their sense of balance. Go ahead and use them.
Iso

[Tzippora]

Thank you Isobea! I already made some natural perches from Eucalyptus but I wasn't sure about the leaves. My perches with Silverberry leaves:/Users/hrigert/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2015/Roll 3173/IMG_0178.JPG/Users/hrigert/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Modified/2015/Roll 3173/IMG_0183.JPG

[Sojourner]

Tzippora

It is listed as a "safe wood" on this page

And you can buy fresh branches that have never been sprayed or treated with anything from here.

You can get anything from 1' length up to a 5' "tree" with side branches or a 6' long single branch. Shipping is probably going to be pretty high for the larger branches.

[Paul's Amazing Birds]

I've also used Eucalyptus saplings as stand up "trees" in the aviary. The birds love it and it has a great natural look for a few months until replaced with fresh branches.

Does anyone know if the camphor oil in Eucalyptus is a deterrent to bird mites and lice?

[Paul's Amazing Birds]

Evidently this IS a natural way to deter mites and lice in a large aviary. I just found this statement on the NET:

For Animals
Eucalyptus branches can be used as bird perches providing antioxidants and other valuable minerals like calcium and magnesium. Some breeders use eucalyptus to line bird nests because mites and ticks will not live near the plant. Koalas and other animals eat from the eucalyptus plant in the wild.

Active Ingredients
Eucalyptus leaves include tannins which are used for treatment of inflammation. The oil derived from the leaves and branch tips contain cineole, which is a natural antiseptic.

[Sojourner]

Cool beans! Thanks for reporting back!

[dorothy]

What about using an aromatherapy mister when you have zebra finches?? I'm using eucalyptus oil at the moment; in a room away from them.
I just wanted to try out the mister to see if it worked ok.

[cindy]

note the toxic list http://www.plannedparrothood.com/plants.html

EUCALYPTUS (DRIED, DYED OR TREATED IN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS)

Natural branches are listed in safe list

[dorothy]

Thank you, Cindy!! I wasn't aware so many things were toxic to them. I did read somewhere that the only oils recommended at all IF you use them, are Young Living oils.

Good info there!!

[cindy]

Even those if not used correctly can have adverse effect.... if your bird is ill, puffed best to find out why... avian vet if available and the proper medication if needed.

I never bought into oils, can't do scented stuff.... just keep it simple.