Using natural branches in a cage

Red_Rose · Post by **Red_Rose** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 9:48 pm

How do you fasten a natural branch in a bird cage? There are some lilac trees in our yard and I want to use some of the branches as perches. I just have no idea how to fasten/tie them onto the bars of the cage.

Can anyone help me out?

Atbird · Post by **Atbird** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 9:55 pm

I just added one today. You can either cut it long and pass parts of it through the bars or twisty tie them to the regular perches. I use the twisty ties that come with toys, they are heavy duty.

Lucille · Post by **Lucille** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 9:58 pm

You can cut a groove with a saw just like the wooden dowels have that you buy.
Or you could drill a hole in the center of the branch and affix it to the bars with a screw and two washers, one on either side.
Or if the branch reaches across where is could be supported on two sides by cage bars you could just zip tie securely.

wildbird · Post by **wildbird** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 10:12 pm

Not sure if lilac is a bird safe tree. If the banch fits through the bars, you can tie it with a thin piece of leather strip. If it is too thick, you can saw a notch in both ends to fit into the cage bars. You may have to cut or file down the sides so it will fit. Another option is to drill a hole in the end of a short branch and use the type of screw that takes a wing nut at the end. Use a washer on the inside and outside of the cage bars when fastening to cage. You can see these perches at pet stores. Maybe get the hardware at Lowes or Home Depot. Petsmart has some fir branches like that.

Red_Rose · Post by **Red_Rose** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 10:33 pm

wildbird

I read about safe trees from this site.

Thanks to everyone for all of your help! It's nice to know of different options for adding branches in cages.

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Wed Sep 30, 2015 10:34 pm

I have drilled holes in the branches and secured the branch to the bars with zip ties. If the branch is to thin to drill through you can still fasten it to the bars using a zip tie then another to cross it and double secure it.

Make sure any branch is scrubbed and soaked in bleach and water for at least 15 minutes, rinsed well and sun dried.

Lilac branches are safe... remove the leaves and flowers. http://www.cockatielcottage.net/houseplants.html

Red_Rose · Post by **Red_Rose** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 2:21 am

cindy

Thanks Cindy.

We have a lot of zip ties around so that's another great suggestion.

Can I use vinegar instead? For one, I can't stand the smell of bleach but I'd just feel better using the vinegar because it would be safer for Wayne.

debbie276 · Post by **debbie276** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 5:51 am

Twisty ties or zip ties work very well. I've added lilac branches to my aviary many times without an issue. I just wash off with vinegar.
good luck, I'm sure they will love the natural branches.

slwatson · Post by **slwatson** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 1:13 pm

Red_Rose

Thanks for including the site...I have lots of different trees in my area, and wasn't sure what to use.

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 2:03 pm

They recommend bleach and water...you can clean and soak them outs side to dissipate the odor, the bleach is to kill any bacteria, viruses or germs left behind by outdoor birds. White vinegar is great for general cleaning in the cage too. If you do decide to use bleach sun dry the branches...the sun breaks down the bleach, it is safe once totally dry.

White vinegar... do you have a basin or container big enough to soak and scrub the branches in... that would work too.

You are lucky, miss the lilacs we had in NJ, We do not have them in the area of Florida where we live.

Kelly · Post by **Kelly** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 3:44 pm

The list didn't include apple tree branches..Are they safe?

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 3:59 pm

here is says yes... http://www.birdsafe.com/woods.htm

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:04 pm

here is says Apple is safe but cautions about pesticides... http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml

We (our bird club) use to go to the orange orchards when they were pruning, they let us gather a few truck loads of branches. It was suggested by a vet that due to the types of pesticides used on fruit trees that you strip the leaves, trim and scrub with a hard wire brush with Dawn and water... rinse really, really well and then soak in bleach in water for 15-30 minutes and rinse well, sun dry.

Kelly · Post by **Kelly** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:21 pm

cindy

Thank you..We have apple trees in our yard so I was just wondering if I could use them when we prune. We don't use any pesticides so I'll just scrub them and soak them in bleach.

cindy · Post by **cindy** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:26 pm

The Dawn is to remove some of the residue pesticide and to get the grime off.

FINCHforum

Using natural branches in a cage

Using natural branches in a cage

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