Are mesquite and rosewood tree branches okay?

[Wendy]

I've seen a couple of lists of bird-safe tree branches, but neither
commented on mesquite trees or rosewood (also called sisso).

Our poor rosewood tree was damaged in the recent Arizona monsoons, and I'd
love to use the fallen branches for Cecil, but I'm not sure if they are
okay.

I'd be surprised to find that mesquite is poisonous as it seems similar to
manzanita, only not as hard. But the mesquite tree was properly trimmed, so
didn't lose any branches!

Ahhh.... rpb is much nicer with filters in place. <G>

Wendy
http://members.home.com/wendywds

[Frederick Wilson]

Both appear to be safe branches, at least I can find no reference to
Rosewood being toxic. Mesquite appears on a couple of safe lists I have
and I am using a couple of mesquite perches for the Macaws with no ill
effects. the previous owner used mesquite and cottonwood branches
exclusively for them for 10 years.
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[I R A Aggie]

On Fri, 16 Jul 1999 08:40:45 -0700, Frederick Wilson <f...@ix.netcom.com>, in
<378F527D...@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

+ effects. the previous owner used mesquite and cottonwood branches
+ exclusively for them for 10 years.

Cottonwood? as I remember, that's not exactly hard wood...

James - but that might be more fun...

[Frederick Wilson]

I R A Aggie wrote:

>
> Cottonwood? as I remember, that's not exactly hard wood...
>
> James - but that might be more fun...

No, but if you start with about an 8 inch diameter log, it lasts awhile.
the birds love it, they can chew to their hearts content and since it is
free it's easy on the pocketbook

[klakky]

You learn something new every day. I believe I will walk the 25 yards to my
creek and gather some cottonwood in the morning. Is there anything special
you should do to it to make sure it is safe for the macaws? Thanks for the
information Frederick......

[Frederick Wilson]

We just wash and prepare like any other wood. The perch really needs
some size or it won't last long. 4 inch dia. and above seem to be best

[Ron Frank]

Mesquite is definately safe.

I can find nothing on Rosewood. It's a hardwood, and often used to build
guitar necks. It's rare, and likey not a good option for purches due to
price with limitied exceptions like yours.

I would not use it unless you can find out more about it even though I
suspect it is safe.

Ron

Wendy wrote in message <7mneu0$pl1$1...@news.asu.edu>...