Not sure which native plants are safe for your birds?

Below are some picture examples of great native plants you can collect and offer for your birds to browse! Many of these come in different colors and can usually be found in local bushland, parks, or along walking tracks. There are plenty of other safe options as well—I’ll include a link at the bottom with a more comprehensive list, including both safe and toxic plants.

When foraging, choose healthy-looking foliage that is free from bird droppings, disease, or exposure to chemicals. Avoid plants growing near busy roads. I often place fresh branches straight into my birds' cages after a quick rinse, but for extra precaution, washing them with diluted vinegar water is a good practice. It's essential to select safe plants, as some can be highly toxic to birds.

If you collect nuts or seed pods, be sure to brush and rinse them thoroughly. Allow them to dry well in the sun, or bake them on a low setting in the oven for an hour or two to eliminate any pests. Native nuts and pods make fantastic crunchy foot toys and can also be added to foraging toys or drilled and attached to toys for natural enrichment.

If your bird loves to bathe like mine, try wetting some leafy branches and hanging them up—many birds enjoy fluffing their feathers against damp leaves!

What are the benefits of native foliage?

Offering plant materials is beneficial for any pet bird, as they enjoy peeling bark from branches, nibbling on leaves and getting their beak into the seed pods. It’s also a free alternative to toys if your bird just isn’t a fan of chewing on homemade or store-bought products—sometimes they may just prefer more simple and natural enrichment!

Additional list of safe and toxic plants:
http://eclectusparrots.net/safeplants.html

Happy foraging!