Hi All. I was able to get a large amount of apple wood from a local orchard. I want to make a bird tree out of some of it. I do have thick pieces that branch out and can add to it. My question is this: If it's too large to put in a tub or oven how can I safely use it to make a tree without introducing parasites or mold to my birds? This wood is freshly cut with no visible mold.
I chopped down the apple tree :)
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JerseyWendy
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- Jul 20, 2012
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Congrats on your apple tree! Important question: You said you got it from a local orchard. Can they assure you the tree has never been sprayed with any pesticide/fungicide? If the tree has been sprayed, then it will not be safe to use, unfortunately, no matter how much scrubbing you could do.
Since it won't fit either in the oven or bathtub, you could use some GSE or other non toxic disinfectant, rinse thoroughly with fresh water (garden hose???) and let dry completely. As for possible bugs, hmmm.....perhaps once it's completely dry you can beat the tree against some concrete? Not sure this would work, just an idea. I've personally used tree branches that I was unable to fit in the oven, but never had a bug issue.
Since it won't fit either in the oven or bathtub, you could use some GSE or other non toxic disinfectant, rinse thoroughly with fresh water (garden hose???) and let dry completely. As for possible bugs, hmmm.....perhaps once it's completely dry you can beat the tree against some concrete? Not sure this would work, just an idea. I've personally used tree branches that I was unable to fit in the oven, but never had a bug issue.
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JerseyWendy thank you for replying!! They said they didn't treat it with anything?? Now I'm worried because it was a young kid that met us. He was working at the Orchard and was told to come out and meet us. I had been waiting for a while to get the branches. Now I'm paranoid. Why would they treat it if we were going to eat the apples?
Also, what is GSE? I have Clorehexidine if that would work. I was using it for everything but a woman told me not to wash down the cages with it anymore unless it was like a once a year thing where you take them outside and hose them off.
Also, what is GSE? I have Clorehexidine if that would work. I was using it for everything but a woman told me not to wash down the cages with it anymore unless it was like a once a year thing where you take them outside and hose them off.
JerseyWendy
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GSE = Grape Seed Extract. Z-GSE2 Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract 2 oz - CLEANING/DISINFECTING
Unfortunately apple trees CAN have a multitude of health problems (gees...that sounds funny). Apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, rust, etc. Those diseases are treated with fungicides. Then they are susceptible to certain bugs as well. Apple tree borers, aphids, red mites, Japanese beetles, leaf hoppers, just to name a few. Bugs would be treated with a broad spectrum insecticide if it's a true problem in the orchard.
I didn't mean to scare or worry you, just wanted to make you aware of the possibility.
Z-GSE2 Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract 2 oz - CLEANING/DISINFECTINGUnfortunately apple trees CAN have a multitude of health problems (gees...that sounds funny). Apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, rust, etc. Those diseases are treated with fungicides. Then they are susceptible to certain bugs as well. Apple tree borers, aphids, red mites, Japanese beetles, leaf hoppers, just to name a few. Bugs would be treated with a broad spectrum insecticide if it's a true problem in the orchard.
I didn't mean to scare or worry you, just wanted to make you aware of the possibility.
JerseyWendy
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- Jul 20, 2012
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IF the tree was treated with either fungicide and/or pesticide, I can't (in good conscience) tell you not to worry about your bird if he's so inclined and chews treated wood. I, personally, would NEVER take that chance. But I'm pretty paranoid when it comes to my perches.
Allee
Well-known member
Denise, I have to agree. I know how excited you are to finally get your apple wood. I know the play stand will be great and your birds will love it but a lot of fruit trees are still treated with various pesticides. One way you could be sure is to talk to someone from the orchard, tell them why you need to know, they have no reason not to be honest. More and more fruits and vegetables are organically grown, it's possible your apple wood is safe.
Allee
Well-known member
If you explain quickly why you need an honest answer, maybe she'll be more receptive.
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