crepe myrtle tree

[3tiels&aringneck]

I can find it anywhere, but i was wondering if anyone knows whether or not crepe myrtle branches are ok to use as perches for my birds. I am cutting down a crepe myrtle and have some branches that would make great perches to put in my birds' cages. I googled online and couldn't find crepe myrtle on the good or bad list.

[Melika]

Myrtle is toxic, but crape myrtle is safe.

http://www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/ ... birds.html

[3tiels&aringneck]

thanks for the info and the web site. I was talking to somebody at a bird show last weekend that said it was ok to use, but to let the branches sit for a year before using or bake in an oven to get any diseases off of it. Who has an oven big enough for a big tree branch, I know I don't. I think I more afraid of my birds getting mites or something from the wild birds.

[3tiels&aringneck]

I guess I'm too paranoid to use fresh branches. I'll just continue to buy from my local pet store.

[Melika]

You may face the same problems buying from any pet store/bird fair/market that has birds in it as well. Especially birds that commonly carry diseases like cockatiels. But I'm more paranoid about buying from pet stores than using outside branches LOL!

You can also wash using a mild soap and scrub brush, thoroughly rinse, then allow to completely dry in the sunlight. The sun is a great germ killer. This is for both branches from pet stores or ones you cut yourself.