Fig wood?

[Newt]

Is fig wood okay for chins? I've got a crazy overgrown fig tree in my garden, and I was wondering if the twigs would be okay for my Rosey...

 

[ticklechin]

Fig is on the safe wood list for birds, have fun and let us know how she likes it!

 

[Newt]

cool! so do I just wash it with hot water?

 

[PetoftheDay]

Usually with bunnies, they recommend you cut it, then let it age for a week or more before giving it to your pet, and even put it in a low oven for an hour or so, just in case of any parasites or bugs it might have. Are you certain no pesticides have been used on the tree?

 

[Sesame]

I'm assuming processing it like any other type of wood? Scrub wash, boil and bake at low temp?

This is good to know... I also have a lot of fig tree access, so I'll be trying it too. We have a fig tree too and it's growing quite well.

 

[jess32247]

I think you would have to clean it like any other wood, scrub, soak, boil, and bake for a while.

Did get the chance to prepare it for your chinnies yet? How'd they like it?

 

[Newt]

I actually havent tried it yet as I saw this:

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

(though I dont know if what's in my garden is "weeping fig" or not - will have to check with a garden centre.

Then I also found this thread, which seemed to suggest there was some contention as to the safety of fig wood for chins...

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22181&page=2

So I guess I was hoping for more input before I decided what to do. Has anyone here tried fig wood and is certain it is safe?

 

[ticklechin]

Its on safe bird wood lists, the usual rule of thumb is if its safe for birds its safe for chins but the two members in your thread are smart cookies, so based on that and their concerns I may pass, even thought the wood could be safe.

http://parrottimes.com/safewoodlist.html

http://www.birdsafe.com/woods.htm

http://www.nestlinghaven.com/birdtoys/safe-wood-for-birds-ezp-15.html

http://www.busybeaks.com/wood.htm