hi, if i take some eucalyptus leaves that have just fallen off the tree and soak them in hot water for say 5 minutes is that safe to feed my budgie? will it be harmful in any way to it?

 

thanks :sad:

I'd personally rip some off the tree instead of the ground, less chance of being pooed/peeed on by a dog... and other problems...

I would get them off the tree too. :sad: I give mine a really good wash either under the tap or with the hose before giving them to the birds.

Young new leaves from a tree Andrew :sad: and attached to the branch still.

Edited February 1, 200817 yr by KAZ

well i would if i could but the tree is like 30 metres high i will go and see if there are any low braches and see if i can reach it thanks so do i still soak it for 5 minutes?

well i would if i could but the tree is like 30 metres high i will go and see if there are any low braches and see if i can reach it thanks so do i still soak it for 5 minutes?

 

 

Soak, wash, hose etc... I usually scrub with hot water then dry in sun... Either or will be fine.

If you soaked it for 5 mins in hot water, wouldn't the leaves go all mushy and yuk . Also wouldn't all the good oils and minerals come out the the leaves???

Edited February 1, 200817 yr by **Liv**

When eucalyptus leaves are put into water they won't go all mushy, they're very water resistant and Not Capable of the amount of osmosis needed to take part To make them that way, even leaves left at the bottom of a lake or pool for weeks won't turn mushy, although may grow some Slime (algae) on them The minerals, oils and vitamins in the leaves/barks Won't be drained from the branch after a few minutes in water and a scrub, it's mainly to remove pesticides/bird/bugs & disease all should go well for you andrew with a quick wash of the leaves, no detergents used though

When eucalyptus leaves are put into water they won't go all mushy, they're very water resistant and Not Capable of the amount of osmosis needed to take part To make them that way, even leaves left at the bottom of a lake or pool for weeks won't turn mushy, although may grow some Slime (algae) on them The minerals, oils and vitamins in the leaves/barks Won't be drained from the branch after a few minutes in water and a scrub, it's mainly to remove pesticides/bird/bugs & disease all should go well for you andrew with a quick wash of the leaves, no detergents used though

 

**PHEW** I had this horrible image of mushy eucalypt stew being served in a bowl

Hahaha YUCK! No luckily they don't do that although after long periods exposed tow ater they turn brown, and stain pavement/pool bottoms and such

My birds all love the freshest newest leaves growing on our tree. and eating the blossems just before they bloom

Young new leaves from a tree Andrew :sad: and attached to the branch still.

 

 

Yah eukalypt leaves are great for many things:

 

1. A toy for your budgies to chew up

2. Great natural food source

3. Great for building up a budgies immune system

4. Budgies (mine anyway) like to bath in the wet leaves

5. Great way to get rid of mites in the nest box

6. When the bird preens itself after eating the leaves it rubs the oil through its feathers and gives it a nice healthy shine as well as a great way for keeping mites of our birds without using the spray stuff from pet shops.