Pine cones

[Kalidasa]

Just wondering, are all pinecones safe? I heard baking them at 225f* for 20 mins killed off any harmful stuff. I have a pine in my yard, and several at the entrance at work, but they're different sort of cones. My conure likes to shred them. So anything I need to know about it would be appreciated.

 

[GaryBV]

Here is an earlier post from a parrotforums member named SpiritBird:

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/8835-how-do-you-prepare-pinecone-parrot.html

It is not possible to steralize pincones, but heating in an over will kill molds and little critters and make them safe for our birds to chew on. Heat pinecones, that have recently fallen from the tree, in the oven at 225 degrees F for about 20 to 30 min. Then turn the oven off and let them sit in the oven for 2 hrs. to dry out. Keep an eye on them as they cook for safety. The seeds inside are a special treat for the bird.

As for me I buy mine - brand name Vitakraft - VitaVerde Natural Candy Cone - they come in different 'flavors' - sunflower, peas & carrots, coconut, etc. They are reasonably priced - I've seen some very expensive ones but to be fair they are packed with seeds.

Here are the ones I buy from Dr. Fosters website:

Bird Treats for Hookbills: Vitakraft Vita Verde Candy Pine Cones

This way I don't have to worry if are safe or not - better safe than sorry is my motto.

 

[BoomBoom]

This is great, thanks for sharing. I'm getting some for Boomer. Very festive too, perfect for the holidays.

 

[Kalidasa]

Thanks for the info. I was buying those big pinecones that were stuffed with seeds and treats, and I noticed he would eat a seed or two but was more interested in shredding the actual cone. I have a bucket full at work, I'll be baking some

 

[TessieB]

I know what my girls will be getting this holiday!

 

[BoomBoom]

How do you guys affix the pine cones to the cage? I was thinking of using some natural rope against the bars. Is this a good idea?

Also, do they sell these cone treats at bigger pet chain stores?

 

[GaryBV]

Hi BoomBoom, if you are asking about how to affix the Vitakraft ones I buy that have seeds or vegetables on them, they come with a thick wire that you just put through the cage wires, and is very sturdy and pretty much parrot-proof. They affix very firmly. If you are asking about pinecones that are 'wild' I can't answer the question because I have never used those - funny because my house is surrounded by pines, but I'm a 'better safe than sorry' guy and I'm happy with the ones I buy that only cost $2.99 each - others i've seen for over $10 !!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I use pinecones [from my tree] for my 15 birds . I clean them off and tie them together [it works well] cheap entertainment

 

[MonicaMc]

If you don't live near any trees that produce pinecones... or are iffy about using the ones near you....

Feather Plucking, Feather Plucking Remedies, Feather Destructive Behavior, Pine Cones, Exotic Bird Food, Pinecones, Bird Toys, Feather Picking Solutions and Refeathering
Natural Toy Parts for birds, chinchillas, rabbits & small animals- DISCOUNTED

 

[GaryBV]

Monica, thank you so much for that link for pinecones. I truly believe that the pinecones I bought, along with the Wesco kabob, a change in diet, lots of attention, etc., aided in getting my male parrotlet to stop plucking - he's fully feathered now and not plucking at all.

 

[MonicaMc]

Which is great news!


BTW, I was reading one of your posts about him.... I just wanted to mention that even in the best of homes, parrots still pluck! I know one owner of a sun conure who has had the bird since he was weaned and ready to come home. He has a large cage (a cage advertised for amazon, cockatoo and african grey sized birds!), tons of toys, has been checked out as healthy and yet he plucked his stomach feathers. No idea why, either.

There's no doubt he's spoiled... he even has an outside cage, his own playgym, he's well loved and not abused... but no understanding of why he goes after his feathers.

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