Safe woods

[FluffyBunny]

I just have a couple of quick questions about safe woods for chewing:

1. Is aspen wood safe? I’m talking about big branches from dead trees. We have a bunch of aspens growing in our yard, and one of our largest trees died recently, so we have a bunch of half-dried aspen branches lying around.

2. If the aspen wood is safe, does it need to be dried before I give it to my bunnies? If so, how should it be dried – and for how long?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

You can give aspen branches fresh. Check for bugs in the wood though.

[KatnipCrzy]

I give my bunnies apple twigs- and I usally cut them and store them in a pillow case so they dry on their own- I tried giving already dead branches trimmed from the trees and they did not like them.  So they really seem to prefer fresh twigs- and then those can be dried.  When the branch dies and weathers it must change the taste.

[jerseygirl]

From HRS “Untreated wood, twigs and logs that have been aged for at least 3 months. Apple tree branches can be eaten fresh off the tree. Stay away from: cherry, peach, apricot, plum and redwood, which are all poisonous. ”

Even pine is safe, it’s the shavings that are problematic. So there are many woods that are safe provided they are aged enough. Also ones that are safe when fresh. Mine like fresh willow wood and like to strip of the green bark.

[RabbitPam]

As long as you know that no pesticides were used on these trees they are safe.

I buy aspen pellets and shavings for Sammy’s litter. You might want to check out a way to take your trees and have them cut into shavings for your own litter use. Both aspen pellets and shavings are very safe for that, too.

[FluffyBunny]

Thanks for all your help!

[Deleted User]

This link from HRS is an excellent reference in this context

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/chewing.html

[Author]

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