I know that sisal rope is good for making budgie toys but the times that i've got some it really really stinks, all chemically. This is the untreated stuff to! Is it suppose to smell funny. It takes AGES for the smell to go away too.

I don't think I would worry about it Bea. The smell is the same as hessian sacks and has a kind of wheat-y smell to it too. If you are really worried, wash it in a mild vinegar solution and leave in the sun to dry.

Oh yeah!! It is a similar smell!! I thought i recognised it. I think i might wash it just incase though, it's not a very nice smell.