What types of live trees and plants in cages/aviaries?

nopEda · Post by **nopEda** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:48 pm

Hi,

I would like to make some live plants available for zebra finches.
Can anyone suggest some small trees or shrubs, or other type plants
that would be good for them? At the moment I plan to try spinach and
kale for greens, but would like to know what else people might suggest.

Thanks!
David

franny · Post by **franny** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:10 pm

Hi again David,

I'd go easy on the spinach, as it can inhibit the absorption of calcium. So it's fine as just an occasional treat. But I think you can't offer too much kale or chickweed!

I don't have any live plants in my cage, just silk and plastic. Easy to clean, and they last a lot longer. I also have just a 3ft by 2ft cage, so don't really have room for potted plants. If you have the room, go for it, but I've read that you should cover the soil with rocks, or the finches will be rooting in it and scattering it everywhere.

Also, for that reason, be sure that you plant any plants intended for the aviary in organic soil, no fertilizers, as they are toxic to the birds.

Again, the FIC has a list of plants that are safe. I would suggest that you stay away from broad leafed plants as they will just collect poop. Grasses would be good, and also provide green seed heads which your zebs would love! Others with planted aviaries will be able to give you specifics on what they have in their aviaries for their birds. But potted would be good, so that you can take them out and clean, and let them recover after the birds have chewed on and pooped on them!

So have enough to be able to rotate plants.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:24 pm

if you fill out your profile it will help people answer you. your location will have a lot to do with what plants are suitable for your climate.
there are a lot of links in the "resources" section of the forum which should help you.