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Balsa and insecticides

Shmall

Meeting neighbors
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Joined
7/15/15
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62
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Real Name
Anita
Hello!

My little conures love light balsa! This time, when I was ordering from a vendor I got the following clarification when I asked that the wood doesn't come in contact with substances:

"We can’t guarantee that our balsa has not come in contact with any chemicals or substances. When we have our balsa imported to the US in order for it to be passed through Customs the balsa has to be either fumigated or kiln dried or sometimes both. That applies to any balsa that is brought into the country."

So, what is the consensus here? Is there any way to test for insecticides?
 

Mizzely

Lil Monsters Bird Toys
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Shawna [she/her]
My understanding is that all balsa in the US is imported and is fumigated. So you'd have to get a domestic wood like yucca as an alternative to avoid it.
 

Mizzely

Lil Monsters Bird Toys
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@Mizzely Thank you. But what about all those balsa toys?

That's up to you. Many people use balsa without issue. Vets generally agree it is safe. I don't have an issue using it myself.
 

Shmall

Meeting neighbors
Avenue Veteran
Joined
7/15/15
Messages
62
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Real Name
Anita
@Mizzely I see. I also found an old thread that talks about this but I was late to all of the discussion. Thank you very much
 
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