Can You Use Tree Branches For Budgies? {The Ultimate Safe & Toxic List}

Would you like to add tree branches as perches for your budgies? Which ones are toxic and should be avoided? In this article, we’ll discuss everything from selecting, preparing and setting up tree branches for your budgies.

Can You Use Tree Branches For Budgies? Yes. Make sure the type of branch is identified to be safe for budgies. Select thin branches usually at 7/8-inch or slightly thicker. Wash, bake and bask the branches in sunlight before placing them as perches. 

Scroll to the bottom to check out an extensive list of safe and toxic tree branches.

How Do I Pick The Right Tree Branch For My Budgie?

Your budgie should already have at least one perch that you may have obtained from a bird or pet shop. Look at the diameter of this perch and see if you can find a branch that is similar to it.

Select the appropriate:

  • type
  • size
  • weight
  • setting

Type

There are hundreds of types to choose from. Thankfully, you can check out a list to indicate which types are recommended to identified as safe for budgies.

Make sure to wash, bake and leave the branch out in the sun to ensure that it’s safe for your budgie to perch and pick away at.

Size

Usually 7/8 of an inch is a good size in diameter for most budgies. If your budgie is comfortably getting his or her feet around the perch in the cage, use that as a reference. Compare the branches you choose to that perch and find one that works in length for you.

Weight

The branch is intended for perching and should be able to handle the weight of your budgie comfortably. Pick a strong branch for a larger sized budgie or multiple budgies.

Setting

Where will you put these branches? If you’re looking to keep them in the cage, you may be able to squeeze them between the bars or screw them in place elsewhere. The length and measurements should fit the areas where you want to place this branch.

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How Do I Prepare A Branch for My Budgies?

Your budgies live a sheltered life that has long forgotten the lineage and memory of life in the wild where they could perch as they please. In your home, you have to choose the right branch in the right place.

Make sure to prepare them by disinfecting or cleaning these branches first. We want to get rid of:

  • molds
  • fungi
  • insects
  • sharp edges
  • pesticides 
  • pollutants
  • bacteria

Try to strip off as much bark as possible. It’s hard to get under the bark to eliminate anything you can’t see. Your budgie is going to pick or chew the perch. It’s time to wash and bake the branch.

How Do I Wash A Branch For My Budgie?

You can use a sink or tub to wash the tree branch. Soap is not your best option.

  1. Spray with vinegar to wash off bugs and mold.
  2. Soak with bleach to eliminate bacteria and toxic diseases.
  3. Soaking the branches makes it easier to pull away at the bark. Leave the branches soaking for over an hour if possible. 
  4. Rinse off the bleach thoroughly
  5. Soak the branch in clean water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 
  6. Use a cloth to wipe down and remove any leftover debris. 

Once this process is complete, it’s time to bake the branches for added safety and assurance.

How Do I Bake A Tree Branch For A Budgie?

Tree branches are fun for perches or activities for your budgie to pick and chew on. It helps replicate the feel of the natural world.

  1. Bake the tree branch after washing it first.
  2. Set the oven to 200°F. 
  3. Bake for 1-2 hours.
  4. Remove and place it outside in the sun.

The final step requires the sunlight to finish off the baking process. All remnants of bacteria will fall victim to the sun. Any mold or bleach will be eliminated by the sun’s UV rays.

Dry the branches in a clean place or hang them, Once sanitation is complete, your budgie is ready to perch or enjoy this branch.

Can Budgies Eat Tree Leaves?

Budgies will try to nibble on the plants nearby in your home. If they can reach it, they will try it out. Make sure you keep only bird-friendly plants. A few nibbles should be safe and nutritious.

Safe Plants Include:

  • African violet (Saintpaulia inonantha)
  • Jade plant (Crassula argentea)
  • Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Toxic Plants Include:

  • Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
  • Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

A pine or ponytail palm could become a place for your budgie to perch indoors. Make sure none of these plants have insecticide or other chemicals on them. Please keep the leaves clean.

Which Tree Branches Are Safe For Budgies?

The following types of branches from these trees are safe for your budgie:

  • Almond
  • Apple
  • Ash
  • Bamboo
  • Beech
  • Birch
  • Cottonwood
  • Crab apple
  • Date
  • Douglas fir
  • Dracaena
  • Elm
  • Eucalyptus
  • Fig
  • Ginkgo
  • Grape vines
  • Hawthorn
  • Hibiscus
  • Hickory
  • Larch
  • Lemon
  • Lilac
  • Lime
  • Maple
  • Mountain ash (rowan)
  • Mulberry
  • Orange
  • Palm
  • Poplar
  • Rose
  • Rubber plant
  • Spruce
  • Sycamore
  • Tree fern
  • Willow
  • Yucca

These safe woods should hold up for a long time and are far less likely to have parasites or bacteria residing within.

Which Tree Branches Are Toxic For Budgies?

The following trees shouldn’t be used for their branches:

  • Alder
  • Apricot
  • Azalea
  • Box elder
  • Boxwood
  • Buckthorn
  • Burdock
  • Cedar
  • Elder
  • Heather
  • Holly
  • Horse chestnut
  • Huckleberry
  • Hydrangea
  • Jasmine
  • Juniper
  • Laburnum
  • Laurel
  • Mango
  • Myrtle
  • Nectarine
  • Nutmeg
  • Oak
  • Mistletoe
  • Oleander
  • Peach
  • Plum
  • Privet
  • Rhododendron
  • Sage
  • Tobacco
  • Walnut
  • Witch hazel
  • Wisteria
  • Yew

Any soft woods can easily be picked at by your fingernail. This means your budgie can easily chew through it. Most of these branches listed above are toxic and should be avoided.

 

Thank you for visiting BudgieRealm.com for all your informational needs regarding our favourite birds in the world. See you again soon for another article about budgies!