Planting an Aviary

[deque]

Hello everyone,

I really want to plant my outdoor Aviary, to mimic a natural habitat. I've gathered a list of bird safe plants that I want to use. Mostly palm trees, bamboo, banana etc.

My question: all are grown/sold locally here, but I haven't been able to find an organic grower and i'm concerned that commercial nurseries use topical perticides. Is there anything that can be used to wash or clean plants to make them safe?

Thanks

 

[chris-md]

Yes. Hi, former horticulturist. That's the thing with topical pesticides, they are just that, applied on top of the leaves and work as a sort of exterior armor. A couple good drenchings and they mostly wash away. Where you need to be concerned are with systemic pesticides that actually work from within the plant, and which are more likely to be used on ornamental plants like palms that PEOPLE are not going to be eating.

These can last a few months in the plants system and are then fully metabolized by the plant.

To be extra safe I would recommend having plants in your care for about 6 months (pesticide free) before allowing the birds exposure to them.

 

[SailBoat]

Hello everyone,

I really want to plant my outdoor Aviary, to mimic a natural habitat. I've gathered a list of bird safe plants that I want to use. Mostly palm trees, bamboo, banana etc.

My question: all are grown/sold locally here, but I haven't been able to find an organic grower and i'm concerned that commercial nurseries use topical perticides. Is there anything that can be used to wash or clean plants to make them safe?

Thanks

Well covered by my good friend above! So, I will go a bit deeper into topical treatments.

Well the majority of your Parrots are South American, so I would target plants from those areas they originate. Since planting takes time and money, take a little more time and get precise regarding plants and Parrots are from the same regions in South America. Understand, that your Parrots, unless much older, are US born and likely haven't a clue what to do with specific plants, i.e. what to enjoy and what to avoid. Remember that the Parrots in the Wild commonly visit outcrops of different Clay Soils to off-set the effects of some plants.

I am not sure that Bamboo is a plant found in South /Central America. So, I would double check it. Yes, its not known to be dangerous to Parrots, but if you are planting for natural effect, stay with native plants.

Now to you main question: "commercial nurseries use topical perticides" Yes they do! That industry is very cost minded and know that when someone buys plants, they do not want to also get bugs with the plants.

A mild soap, like Dawn (and others) can be used to clean the surfaces of the plants. I also recommend it for cleaning Natural Tree Branches that are to be used for perches. Some people will place Dawn directly into a missing bottle and mist all of the surfaces of the plant. This method will cut any chemical on the plant, but also kill any bugs that maybe on an untreated plant. I prefer to use a reduced version (unless I am kill bugs on plants that my Parrots will not come in contact), more like one would use to clean dishes, etc.

Outside: Using potable (clean) water connected to a hose with a sprayer that has a Misting Setting. Rise the soap mixer off once it has fully dried! Mist rise well to assure that all deposits of the soap has been flushed from the plant surface. I let the mixture flow into soil and as it brakes down over time, it will provide a limited barrier to most soil based bugs. Let Sun Dry before moving or planting them.

Parrots can be very hard on Plantings and it would be very wise to have 'at least' three to four sets of potted plants (far more with larger Parrots) for them to grow back out (recover from) the attack of your Parrots!

Note: I prefer potted plants because they are easier to switch out and I like a hard surface to the floor of the Aviary. It is important to assure that the floor and lower side walls of the Aviary is deep cleaned and fully exposed to Sun Light at least one full day each week to kill any growth! Also, potted plants allow you to vary the layout, which will let you have the opportunity to let specific areas of the Aviary floor and side walls great exposure to the Sun!

Enjoy!

 

[deque]

Great info, thanks so much!