Are Christmas trees toxic to ducks?

[melissamerry]

Before I deck the halls this year, are there any holiday decorations
that are harmful to ducks like
Christmas trees?

 

[Oregon Blues]

I believe that holly berries are toxic and Poinsettias. Sometimes there are forced flower bulbs and I would not allow the birds to sample any flower bulbs.

Pine, fir, spruce are not toxic and I've never heard of a duck eating it, anyway. It doesn't taste all that good. Those are the most likely to be used as trees and garland. Be careful about greenery that has been treated to be fire-proof.

I do not know if chocolate is toxic to birds, but it is toxic to some mammals, so I would keep the chocolate away from them.

The strands of tinsel that get draped on the tree can be a serious problem for birds. I've switched to garland. It's pretty, safer, and easier to put on and take off.

 

[melissamerry]

Thanks a bunch! I'm glad to hear that a tree is safe. They sure are having a blast pulling the ornaments off
the tree and sitting on them. Such strange creatures.

 

[ChristineR]

The tree itself isn't toxic, but if you buy a pre-cut one at the store instead of cutting one yourself, it may have been sprayed and that is toxic.

 

[bird sitter]

Great info! I was wondering the same thing!

 

[Amiga]

Real mistletoe is toxic.

Somewhere recently I saw a photo of some edible garland someone had made for her flock. Cute idea.

 

[Comeonbroodyhen]

Is a Christmas tree ( spruce, white pine ) toxic ? Because I was thinking about using it as a deoderent in the coop for the winter. Either chipping it up and hanging it up in onion bags. Or chipping it up and spreading it in with their bedding.

 

[Diamond88]

Thanks a bunch! I'm glad to hear that a tree is safe. They sure are having a blast pulling the ornaments off
the tree and sitting on them. Such strange creatures.

I want to see that!