What parts can they eat?

[Raikou]

Hi all!

I've been giving my lovebirds branches from trees such as apple, oak and hazelnut since I have an abundance of those trees around me. I'd strip off the leaves and scrub with boiling water before drying out and they enjoy the task of shredding the bark, but I feel like they're missing out a lot with the leaves missing.

When looking up safe woods I looked at several safe wood lists and all three I use were widely regarded as safe - but not much clarification if that includes the leaves too.

So here's where you guys come in! Do you know if it's safe to leave them on with these trees? I know they probably won't go out of their way to eat loads of it and will mostly pick apart and shred for fun, but I want to be sure before I give it them.

Thanks.

 

[noodles123]

some oak trees are poisonous. No bark or leaves for oak--even on the safe varieties. The bark can harbor a fungus (even on safe types). I know some apple trees are ill-advised too. Not sure about the 3rd. I hope these trees are not near a road (due to run-off) or a place that is sprayed for weeds etc. The roots absorb these chemicals.

EDIT- Maples are the ones with a fungus-- my mistake...but oaks can have dangerous bark in some instances, depending on the type.

 

[Raikou]

some oak trees are poisonous. No bark or leaves for oak--even on the safe varieties. The bark can harbor a fungus (even on safe types). I know some apple trees are ill-advised too. Not sure about the 3rd. I hope these trees are not near a road (due to run-off) or a place that is sprayed for weeds etc. The roots absorb these chemicals.

Nothing sprayed for weeds or runoff worry. Where did you find the info about fungus and stuff on Oak? I'll ditch it to be safe either way would just want to read more.

What about willow? Pops up as safe a lot too but no mention of leaves on or off.

 

[noodles123]

Dang it- maples are the ones with a fungus--still early here lol..you do want to avoid some oak varieties though
Tanins are another concern for certain trees.
Here is a link I found-- have to go, but maybe this could be a starting point (trust, but verify) http://www.birdsafe.com/woods.htm