The following articles are used with the written permission of the author, Gillian Willis, pharmacist and toxicologist.

Note: Each article is separate, but they have been combined on one page.

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Trees

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Birch

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Birch belongs to the Betula species. The LEAVES and BARK contain salicylates as well as some principles that have hemolytic properties (destroys red blood cells). The low concentration of salicylates in the birch BARK is unlikely to cause toxicity in avians.

Salicylates can be given to avians as an analgesic. The WOOD of birch (Betula sp) is used for such things as ice cream and Popsicle sticks as well as for toys.

Removing the bark  would eliminate any exposure to salicylates. Birch branches should be considered safe for natural wood perches.

The seeds inside the cones are a special treat and are safe for the birds to eat.

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Black Walnut

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Black walnut (Juglans nigra) contains juglone. There have been no  reports of toxicity in HUMANS from ingestion of parts of this tree. Ingestion of parts of the black walnut has caused toxicity in HORSES.

Juglone has produced sedative effects when administered  intravenously to experimental animals.

It is unlikely that ingestion of small amounts of the wood/bark of  Black Walnut would cause toxicity in birds. The ripe nuts may be given to birds to eat. With walnuts, always crack open to check to ensure that they have not gone mouldy. Mouldy walnuts has caused serious toxicity in dogs and are potentially toxic to birds.

 

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Maple Trees

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Red maple (Acer rubrum) is also known as maple, soft maple, scarlet  maple, curled maple and swamp maple.

Maple bark itself, is probably not toxic. However, there is a  fungus that can grow on the bark, inhalation of which, can cause  maple bark disease ( a form of allergic alveolitis). Maple wood would be safe to use for natural wood perches once the bark has been removed.

Maple seeds and the sugar-rich young leaves are considered edible  EXCEPT to horses.

Wilted and dry, not FRESH, maple leaves produce an oxidant which  has caused hemolytic anemia, renal failure, pulmonary edema and  death in horses.

 

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Oak and Acorns

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The buds, young sprouts and raw acorns (fruit) of the oak (Quercus  sp.) contain tannins, gallic acid and pyrogallol. Poisoning by these toxins in animals can cause gastroenteritis,  kidney and liver damage.  Symptoms of poisoning may be delayed for  several days following the ingestion.

Oak poisoning is more common in cattle and less so in sheep and  horses. The toxicity of the oak varies with the growing season,  climatic and geographic factors.

In humans, ingestion of ripe acorns in young children seldom causes  problems apart from the occasional gastrointestinal upset. It  appears that raw acorns are potentially more toxic.

Acorns are still a cause of serious poisoning in livestock. I was  unable to locate reports of toxicity in the avian species. Since  there is the potential for causing toxicity, and because the  nutritional value is questionable, it is probably best to avoid  giving acorns to birds to eat.

I realize that oak branches have been used as perches and have not  caused problems. There is the potential for toxicity so are probably  best avoided.

 

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Red Cedar

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The question of red cedar (Juniperus virginia) bedding, branches etc is always controversial. Red cedar contains a volatile oil that can cause dermatitis and gastrointestinal tract irritation.

There is a report that cedarwood shavings (Juniper species) cause a high mortality rate in rat pups. Poisonings in cattle have also been reported but are rare. Pregnant ewes fed Juniper caused abortions and necrotic rumenitis.  (Ref. Humphreys DJ. Veterinary Toxicology).

I have a report on file of a Yorkshire terrier ( wt. 3 - 4 lbs)  who was found chewing on a cedar branch. One hour later he began to  shake and looked really ill (? nausea).  The dog did well with  supportive care.

There is a risk for toxicity for all animal species so red cedar is best avoided.

 

Gillian Willis
Vancouver, BC

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Copyright © Gillian A.Willis
Permission to re-use any part of this text (whole or in part)
must be obtained from the author