cedar branches

christine · Post by **christine** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:12 pm

could cedar branches be used in cages for finches? or fir branches?

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:59 pm

I've seen a successful aviary with cedar branches in it. They just make too much of a mess for me when they dry out.

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:48 am

You do not want to use any woods that could be running sap.... cedars, pines, etc will do this unless they are very dry. Also the strong smell of new cedar can be very irratating to birds.
Best to use nut or fruit tree branches. Oak (acorn) is also good.

franny · Post by **franny** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:11 pm

I've used both cedar and fir. But I pick up dead branches that have fallen off the tree. Wash them in water & vinegar. Then I put them in my storage locker and leave them to really dry out. Keep a few going at all times. Maple trees are plentiful here and I've used them as well. Less messy bark. But I actually like the look of the fir branches best.

With a few in the storage drying out, I just remove them from the cage when the bark has started to really deteriorate or get too dirty, and replace with a nicely dried out one from storage.