Safe wood, two questions.

[Diva Chins]

We have a maple tree (two of them I think) and a Bradford pear. I was wondering if these are safe? I've been looking around on a few websites and can't find them on the safe list or the unsafe list. Thanks!

 

[Diva Chins]

I had an epiphany. I found two websites that back each other up saying Maple is unsafe, but what about the bradford pear? My next question is:
In order for it to be kiln dried, what are the requirements? I can't remember to save my life.
Also, how do people prepare these enormous perches? I can't think of any way to fit it into a pot for boiling

 

[Chinniechantel]

Well, if Bradford pear is a variation of a pear tree, they I would think it is fine. Maple I have found as being toxic.

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/chinchillas/qt/chinchillawoods.htm

 

[Diva Chins]

Well, if Bradford pear is a variation of a pear tree, they I would think it is fine. Maple I have found as being toxic.

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/chinchillas/qt/chinchillawoods.htm

That's the website I found the maple statement at, I just wasn't sure. Muaha, now I get to tackle mom's bradford pear tree.
Also, what does everyone else scrub their wood with before boiling/baking?

 

[rcr]

I do. I use scotch brite scouring pads and scrub it until I start to see the green layer underneath (on applewood) or I until I get blisters.:winkers:

 

[Brandon]

Make sure the tree hasn't been treated with pesticides.

 

[Diva Chins]

Make sure the tree hasn't been treated with pesticides.

I knows, I've lived here since I was born, nothing has been sprayed, dad is too lazy for it :hilarious:

 

[Mistmeke]

I knows, I've lived here since I was born, nothing has been sprayed, dad is too lazy for it :hilarious:

Can I ask how did this turn out? I have a bradford pear I want to cut some perches out of some branches. Need to make sure it's ok for them

 

[Jawramik]

Can I ask how did this turn out? I have a bradford pear I want to cut some perches out of some branches. Need to make sure it's ok for them

Bradford pear is a type of pear, so it should be safe so long as it hasn't been treated with pesticides and you prepare it properly (first scrub the crap out of it, then boil, then bake at low heat until dry).

My work has an organic orchard, so I've helped myself to some twigs of apple and pear wood to give to my chin. Preparing the wood does take a little time and effort, but given how much chewing material chins need, it definitely saves some money! Even still, I don't have the time or patience to prepare ALL the wood she needs to chew (plus I don't want to remove too much material from the trees at work), so I still just buy the bulk of her chewing wood. But there's definitely something satisfying about giving her sticks I collected and prepared myself, and it's certainly nice to have a backup supply of free chew-safe wood! I haven't tried to make any of my own perches yet, but I may take a crack at it in the future.