Hi I'm an American living in Las Vegas. I just wanted to say how much I love this site . . . this place is the most informative that I've found. I have a question about willow. I read here that it is okay for parakeets, but I was wondering if that includes all willow. I have a desert willow tree in my front lawn that I would like to use branches along with bamboo in the back yard. This would be okay? This is the scientific name: Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis

I believe yes would be the answer, I think when they say willow they mean it in general. Welcome to the site.

Thanks for your answer. I'd hate to hurt my birds in any way. They've become a huge part of my family.

I understand

Hi I'm an American living in Las Vegas. I just wanted to say how much I love this site . . . this place is the most informative that I've found. I have a question about willow. I read here that it is okay for parakeets, but I was wondering if that includes all willow. I have a desert willow tree in my front lawn that I would like to use branches along with bamboo in the back yard. This would be okay? This is the scientific name: Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis

 

Hi athena,

 

Just to be on the safe side give an avian vet a call and double check with them or even a local breeder and ask there advise. Here in Australia in the last 5 years the non indigenous species of willow that is all over NSW along the river beds and peoples dams has been daclared a noxious weed and is now illegal to plant as they release toxins from their roots onto the water supply.

I stumbled over this information when we were visiting a friends farm and they had been given an order from dep of Agriculture to remove them from their property and then they told us about the toxicity, i would be concerned that there maybe toxicity in leaves (unsure but i would question it). The native Australian 'Agonis Fexuosa' (PEPPERMINT) is fine but be cautious about other species. Worth the research.

 

Lib

Thanks again. I will definitely check into it. My babies just love having fresh branches brought in every day to play on, etc. I hate to deny them something they enjoy, but I'm sure they would like some variety even in the branches.

Just make sure anything you chose you know that it is NOT sprayed with any pesticides.

Hello, I would be careful. The botanical name for the edibale Willow is SALIX.

Chilopsis might be called willow, because it looks similar, but indeed it isn't one (botanical speaking).

So be sure to ask someone who really knows - or be careful and leave it where it is.

There are plenty of other trees you can feed to your budgies. I'm sure also in LA.

Best wishes,

Sandra