Exceptions to Pine Cones as foraging toys?

[Shelbs]

Hi All,

I have read online that pinecones are a great toy for parrots to chew on and forage out of once properly cleaned. I have tons of sugar pine cones in my area and I am curious if these should also be safe? I don’t really see why they wouldn’t be okay, but I am always paranoid about anything I give my boy. Thank you in advance!

 

[Shezbug]

What are sugar pine cones?

 

[Shelbs]

They are from ‘Sugar Pine’ trees (Pinus lambertiana). They are the largest of pine trees and yield giant pine cones. They look about the same as other pine cones, just larger and a bit lighter in color.

Here Is one I grabbed today. I haven’t given it to my bird, but used Galleon as a size reference.

 

[Shezbug]

Wow they are huge! I have not seen or heard of them before.

 

[expressmailtome]

As far as I know, they are completely fine, but I would try to find ones without much sap on them. Once they are sterilized, you should be good to go.

 

[MommyBird]

@Shelbs
!. be sure the trees have not been sprayed with anything (insecticides etc)
2. pick up only freshly dropped cones, not ones laying on the ground for months
3. wash off any dirt, use water/vinegar solution and soak 30 min and rinse
4. to kill insects and dry up sticky sap, bake at low heat in oven , about 200-250 for 60-90 min. may want to line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper.

 

[fashionfobie]

They are from ‘Sugar Pine’ trees (Pinus lambertiana). They are the largest of pine trees and yield giant pine cones.

That is a cool pine cone. Looks like a fantastic toy idea.

Have you seen any images of Bunya pines from Australia? They are also insanely huge, on a walk I frequent they even mark the path with signage since a falling 'nut' could be dangerous. I find it pretty amazing how diverse pine trees can be.