Pine wood is one of the most common woods available out in the market.
If you have a parrot, it is likely that you will also consider wood as a safe material to build their toys, houses, cages, and other bird essentials.
You are most probably eyeing on pine wood, but hesitant if they are safe for your birds.
Let this article help you out in making a decision!
Pine wood is made up of pine trees and is known for having a moderate softness which is excellent to use for bird houses and toys.
Therefore, it is safe for you to use pine wood for your parrots.
However, it doesn’t make the sources of these woods, the pine trees, to be guaranteed safe either.
In reality, pine trees are considerably safe, but since they are producing saps that could be really tricky to remove, they pose some hazards as well.
Let’s get into more detail in this article
Carry on reading..
Is Pine Toxic To Birds?
If ever you have pine trees in your area, you might be wondering if they are actually safe for birds.
In reality, pine trees are considered safe for birds to perch on.
Their unique appearances will make your curious birds to explore them, but you should not excessively worry about it.
However, some bird owners will not consider pine trees really safe.
This is because these trees produce sticky saps that could cause birds’ feathers or beaks to be sticky and glued.
Ultimately, it can provide them discomfort as these saps are extremely tricky to remove.
If ever you would want to let your birds check these trees, just be mindful and always keep an eye on them.
Can Parrots Have Pine?
Pine trees also have their mini pine cones or pine nuts.
As a bird owner, it is common knowledge that parrots do love nuts.
Since the trees produce sticky saps, it is understandable if you might grow hesitant about the cones as well.
To your ease, pine cones are safe for your parrots to eat.
But, never attempt to let your parrots chew or eat the pine tree itself.
Aside from their sticky saps, their needles might also cause serious discomfort to your birds when ingested.
Can You Use Pine Bedding For Parrots?
While pine trees are reasonably safe and the cones are non-toxic for your birds, do not put pine shavings or beddings in your birds’ cage.
There are a lot of great alternatives that are safer for your parrots to use.
Pine shavings are toxic and may cause respiratory complications to your birds.
They naturally give off aromatic hydrocarbons and acids that would irritate and cause serious health issues in the long run.
Do Parrots Like Pine Cones?
Pine cones would surely attract your parrots.
They are entirely unique and appealing to their eyes, so do not be surprised if your precious pet would peck and continuously explore them.
If you are having concerns regarding safety, pine cones are safe for your parrots to eat.
Parrots will certainly like them and they would certainly enjoy eating them as well.
Pine nuts are also packed with nutrients, such as Vitamin E, Niacin, Fiber, Protein, Magnesium, and other good vitamins and minerals.
Just make sure that the pine cones they are eating are not, in any way, chemically treated.
You would not want your parrots to consume harmful chemicals like pesticides that were used in the cones and trees.
What Wood Is Safe For My Parrots?
Just a general reminder for all bird owners: not all woods are safe for birds.
Some contain chemicals and are generally not bird-friendly.
Be sure to check if the woods you are going to use as perches, bird house, and toys are all pesticide-free and untreated.
Pine trees are safe for parrots, only with a minimal concern which is their sticky sap.
If you want a safer collection of bird-friendly woods, there are great alternatives out there.
Some of them are balsa wood, ashwood, birch, maple, elm, walnut, apple, hazel, manzanita, and more.
Wrapping Up
Pine woods are nice material for your parrots’ houses, toys, and perches.
They are safe, provided that they are non-chemically treated.
The same goes with the pine trees, except that you have to be more vigilant as the trees produce sticky saps.
For bedding, do not use pine shavings for your parrot’s bedding as it will cause health concerns to your precious birds.
There are more safer trees for your parrots and other pet birds.
Just be careful and always remember the rule of thumb in selecting woods: not all woods are safe and always choose non-chemically treated ones to keep your parrots in great condition.