Are japanease maple trees safe for cockatiels. i took off the bark and leaves.?

Question

do u know if the japanease maple tree is toxic to cockatiels. i want to use it to make a play stand for him.

this is the tree.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/jorge92_2006/005.jpg

Answer 1

Check out this page

http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml

It has a safe and toxic plant / tree list, as well as special notes on several types where say wood is safe but bark or leaveas may be toxic. Also explains how to prepare natural branches or perches.

It lists Japanese maple as safe, but does have this extra para on it....

MAPLE - Originally, this page only listed two maple trees: vine maple as safe, and red maple as toxic. I've included "maple" in the safe list now, but with this condition: remove / scrape off the bark. It may not be absolutely neccessary, but its the only way that I'll suggest the bulk of that tree genus. From what I've read, the bark of many maple trees, like vine maple or Japanese maple, etc., is fine. Meaning, the bark "in itself" is not deemed toxic. But red maple (Acer rubrum) - at least - also known scarlet maple and swamp maple, can harbor a fungus which may grow on the bark. Inhalation of that fungus can cause maple bark disease (form of allergic alveolitis). Maple wood - most in general - should be safe to use for natural wood perches once the bark is removed.

Currently, here's my feeling on this: I'd use almost any maple branch for a perch. The bark of most maples is probably not a hazard, but I'd remove the bark anyway just to remove the element of doubt.

Answer 2

Maybe I dont know.