Birch chippings for brooder?

[DraigWrecsam]

Hi,
Could anyone advise me as to whether birch chippings are suitable for my brooder? I've seen pine chippings recommended but my local pet store only has birch chippings, and the bag it comes in says it is suitable for birds.
Many thanks.

 

[crested1990]

Birch is Betula species. LEAVES & BARK contain salicylates and a few substances ... . The low concentration ... Birch should be considered safe for natural wood perches. The seeds inside the cones are a special goodie safe for birds to eat. (end of paraphrase) Think: Automobile fumes can be damaging. We don't want to be enclosed where the fumes are trapped. But walking down the street where those fumes are in the air at low concentrations, we feel safe to breath. As noted, Birch should be considered safe and the risk of leaving bark is inconsequential.


Just as long as it doesnt contain the leaves and bark, and those are fairly safe anyways they just contain small amounts of the substance that are bad. You should be fine. Also more air circulation is even better, just not a draft.

 

[DraigWrecsam]

Thanks, I've gone ahead and tried it. I've noticed the chicks pecking at but they don't seem to be able to digest it so hoping they'll soon learn that it's not food!

 

[crested1990]

theyll peck anything at first but they will notice its not good