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Wood questions

LinnieLife

Walking the driveway
Joined
8/8/16
Messages
162
I spent ALL DAY out on a hike collecting branches for the birds and when i got back i realized - JUNIPER IS ON THE TOXIC LIST!! I'm so bummed! We found a great branch that would have been perfect for their cages... BUT anyway bad news aside, I have some questions about wood!
1 - I live in the desert so most of the plants here are dead & dry, Are dead and dry woods OK?
2 - I've heard that you are supposed to boil/bake the branches you have, But what if they are too big to boil and bake? What should you do to make sure its safe?
3 - Should you remove the bark or keep it on?
 

Peachfaced

The Peachy Inkpress
JOLLY-PATROLLY
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Joined
11/17/09
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11,745
Location
FL
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Sadie
I don't see why dead/dry would be a problem unless there are critters or bacteria were living in them, or if they had cracks that could catch toenails.

If they're too big, bake them in the sun. :)

Keep it on; most birds enjoy stripping the bark themselves for entertainment.
 

hellen

Strolling the yard
Joined
8/28/17
Messages
122
Location
England
Real Name
hellen
i can never decide what the right way is. i try and cut my own branches rather than gather fallen ones this is because where i live there are so many dogs and other animals trampling all over them and also they are more likely to be contaminated by bugs and mold. i leave the bark on as much as possible but it depends on the wood. if its smooth like ash, i give it a good scrub with diluted vinegar and rinse it with hot water, then bake it in the sun for a few days. or, if its a large piece i put in the van which acts like an oven. perhaps prepare the wood in the summer so we can utilise the sun.
 
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