Dr. Jeanne Smith, in the
University of California Exotic Bird Report, Jan.2001, ,
states that there has only been limited research done on toxic plants and birds. This
research has been conducted primarily at Washington State University and from
isolated case reports. What has been tested in humans, has not been
tested on birds. There are many unknown factors with plant toxicity to birds.
Are only certain parts of the plant toxic? How much of a plant did a bird
ingest? Is the plant toxic to just one species of bird or all birds?
Keep this in mind when keeping houseplants and birds and
use caution if you own plants that are not on safe or toxic plant lists.
Safe Plants
Acacia
Corn Plant
Jade Plant
Rubber Tree
African Violet
Crab Apple
Kalanchoe
Schefflera
Aloe Plant
Dandelion
Magnolia
Sensitive Plant
Asparagus Fern
Dogwood
Eucalyptus
Spider Plant
Baby's Tears
Donkey Tail
Monkey Plant
Snake Plant
Bamboo
Dracaena
Nasturtium
Swedish Ivy
Begonia
Dragon Tree
Oregano
Thyme
Boston Fern
Easter Cactus
Palms
Thistle
Bougainvillea
Ferns
Pittosporum
Wandering Jew
Chickweed
Figs
Petunias
Wax Plant
Christmas Cactus
Gardenia
Prayer Plant
White Clover
Coffee Tree
Grape Ivy
Rose
Zebra Plant
Coleus
Hens & Chickens
Rosemary
Love Your Tiel
Coffee Tree
should not be confused with
Coffee Plant.
Coffee Plants are toxic.
Safe Trees and Woods for Bird Perches and Toys:
DO NOT use wood that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Almond, Apple, Arbutus, Ash, Bamboo, Beech, Birch, Cottonwood,
Citrus Trees, Crabapple, Dogwood,
Elm, Fir, Hazelnut, Palms, Pear, Pecan, Pine, Poplar,
Hawthorne, Larch, Lilac, Magnolia, Manzanita, Mulberry, Redwood, Willow.
Cut branches off the tree
and choose wood that is clean,
free from visible mold, fungus, disease or rot spots. Do not use wood
from any tree or plant that has ever been
treated with pesticides or any
other type of chemical.
Cleaning Tree Branches Before Using
To destroy mold, fungus, parasites and bacteria,
soak all branches in a few gallons of water,
with 1 tablespoon of bleach, for 1 hour.
Rinse branches well with clean water. To dry small
branches, bake in a 250 degree Fahrenheit oven for 1 hour.
Dry large branches outdoors in direct sunlight.
Toxic, Poisonous Woods for Bird Perches and Toys
Do NOT use
wood from apricot, peach, prune or nectarine trees.
These trees belong to the Prunus species. The wood can
release cyanide if eaten by a bird.
Toxic Plants and Trees
Amaryllis
Delphinium
Mistletoe
Prune Trees
Andromeda
Dieffenbachia
Mock Orange
Purple Seabane
Avocado
Elderberry
Monkshood
Ranunculus
Azalea
Elephant Ear
Morning Glory
Red Maple
Baneberry
Eucalyptus-dried
Mountain Laurel
Rhubarb Leaves
Bean Plant
Euonymus
Mushrooms
Rhododendrons
Belladonna
Felt Plant
Narcissus
Rubber Plant
Bird of Paradise
Ficus
Nectarine Trees
Sandbox Tree
Black Locust
Firethorn
Nettles
Shamrocks
Bleeding Heart
Flame Tree
Nightshade
Skunk Cabbage
Boxwood
Four O' Clocks
Oak Trees
Snowdrop
Bulb Flowers
Foxglove
Oleander
Sorrel
Buttercup
Heliotrope
Peach Tree
Spurges
Braken Fern
Holly
Periwinkle
Sweet Pea
Caladium
Honeysuckle
Philodendron
Tobacco
Clover
Hyacinth
Pigweed
Trumpet Vines
Coffee Plants
Hydrangea
Plum Trees
Tomato Plants
Cherry Tree
Iris
Poinsettia
Vetch
Chestnut Tree
Ivy
Poison Ivy
Wattle
Clematis
Jasmine
Poison Oak
White Cedar
Coral Plant
Jerusalem Cherry
Poison Sumac
Wisteria
Cowslip
Jimsonweed
Pokeweed
Wild Sunflowers
Crownvetch
Juniper
Potato Plants
White Cedar Tree
Daffodil
May Apple
Pothos
Yews
Daphne
Milkweed
Privet Hedge
Nutmeg
Marigold
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Sources: Feeding Your Pet Bird, Dr. Petra
Burgmann, DVM; Caring for Your Pet Bird, Gary Gallerstein, DVM,
The Cockatiel Handbook, Matthew M. Vriends,PHD,
Cockatiels for Dummys, Diane Grindol, Cornell University, Department of Animal
Science Toxic Plant Database; Merck Veterinary Manual; University of California,
Exotic Bird Report; University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Science;
Purdue University Cooperative Extension,
