Safe Wood Finishes or Stains for birds?

[banuvatt]

If I was going to make something out of wood(not for birds to chew on obviously speaking) but, as more of a decoration or furniture piece. What finish or stain could I use that is safe for birds just in case if they chew or peck at it? I heard that oil-based stains are dangerous so that would probably be just as true if not more for alcohol-based stains. So water-based stains are probably my only option. But, I also heard that it's the fumes that are toxic not necessarily the stains itself. I tried to make sure what I am making is safe for birds using maple since maple isn't toxic like red oak is. I tried to go all-natural so I thought of using shellac as a finish but, it turns out that's toxic to parrots(Which I am guessing it would be just the as toxic to other birds as well.) I think linseed oil is safe(raw not boiled) also tung oil should be safe as well.

[Pajarita]

Well, not ALL maple is safe (see this: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/varieties ... 63160.html)

As to a wood finish... well, I use ONLY completely untreated wood but linseed oil and beewax are safe.

[banuvatt]

I know red maple isn't safe for birds that I am aware of. I read on other websites it is considered toxic because of the bark and the leaves.

[Pajarita]

The wood boards we use in the birdroom are all untreated pine. I don't use anything else but pine because it's safe, cheap, easily available and the birds chew it very well as it's soft enough for the softer beaks, like the caiques', but hard enough to entertain Linus Too and the zons during breeding season.

[banuvatt]

If I was going to keep this around non parrots a passerine for instance then would the stain or finish still matter? I know that many stains and finishes are really only toxic during the application process because of the fumes they emit. Once they are completely dry they are supposedly safe, and no longer emit any fumes. Now this may differ when it comes to parrots who may have the strong possibility of chewing and ingesting whatever was what put on the wood. So in that case I would treat it almost like if it is safe for babies/toddlers. Since they both investigate things with their mouths. What's worst is while babies/toddlers may ingest whatever was put on the wood, parrots take it one step further and may actually ingest bits of the wood due to their powerful beaks.

I would use untreated pine if I actually wanted the birds to actually interact with what I am making. Like if I was going to make a play stand,flat corner platform, ladders, swings, etc. Pine is the cheapest wood out there, and I could virtually make it into all kinds of bird toys.

[Pajarita]

If the finished wood is on the outside only and the birds are not parrots, it should be OK.

[banuvatt]

Okay, thank you very much for your patience.

[janarbeth]

I'm sure your bird-safe creation will be a fantastic addition to your space!

[amycampbell]

You're absolutely right about avoiding oil-based and alcohol-based stains. Water-based stains are a safer bet. As for finishes, you're on the right track with linseed and tung oil. They should be safe for your avian pals. Just ensure they're fully cured before introducing them to the birds. And while you're crafting, maybe there's some interesting wagtail bird symbolism that could inspire your project or simply add a unique touch.

[alex_dks]

Always allow finishes to dry and cure completely before introducing birds to the object.

Opt for food-grade versions of natural oils like linseed and tung oil for extra assurance.