I’m planning to build a cage for a yet-to-be-acquired budgie. I’m using oak because (a) it’s a hardwood and (b) because I have lots of it. Since I know the bird may want to try its beak at the wood some time, would you happen to know what type of finish I could use so there’s no danger of the bird getting poisoned? For example, are you aware of any non-toxic varnishes?
W. Van Galen, London, ON, CANADA
Edited 11/16/2004 5:10 pm ET by wvangalen
Edited 11/16/2004 5:12 pm ET by wvangalen
Edited 11/16/2004 5:13 pm ET by wvangalen
Replies
By law, all finishes sold in the U.S. are non toxic once they are dried. If you wanted to be especially safe use shellac which is approved as safe for use in drugs and food, you would probably be better off using a tougher finish however.
John W.
I'd worry less about the toxicity of the finish and more about its durability. I've only ever kept birds in metal cages with pieces of unfinished wood inside the cage for "beak exercise". A budgie is a seed eater with a beak designed to crush into things. I wouldn't be surprised if a budgie's beak is strong enough to damage a two-pack gel coat.
Ian
Don't forget that parakeets were used to detect noxious gasses in mines, because of their sensitivity to fumes. Be sure your finish is completely cured before budgie's moving day.
Regards,
Ray
Personally I think you probably ought to plan on the bird destroying whatever you decide to put on it. Consequently you're probably better off using something that's easily renewable. Maybe just Tung or Linseed oil? If you have to refinish every few years due to budgie using the bars as a chew toy, the thought of having to sand off partially remaining coats on such small detailed pieces doesn't sound like a lot of fun.
One thing I'm wondering - are there any particular species of wood that are just plain distasteful (not toxic) to them? Might help minimize the problem. Maybe something you could check with a bird expert.
Have you considered no finish? 100% non-toxic, easy to apply, can be done by anybody and only needs to be done once.
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