Pine cones

[mysticcrystal]

I saw pine cones as treat/toy online. Is this safe? They are quite expensive. It is about $6 for 3 pine cones. Are these pine cones specially prepared to be safe for rabbit? Can I use regular pine cones?

 

[LakeCondo]

Yes, by all means use regular pine cones, as long as they haven't been contaminated. So I wouldn't use any from a tree that grows near a road or what were lying on ground that might have been sprayed with pesticide.

 

[mysticcrystal]

Isn't pine bad for rabbits?

 

[LakeCondo]

It's the tar in the pine wood that's a problem, which I guess isn't in the cones. Just do a search for pine cones rabbit.

 

[mysticcrystal]

Ok, thanks.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Actually it's the phenols which are present in the wood of both pine and cedar.

 

[MikeScone]

I don't have the reference at hand, but I know at least one site said to make sure the pine cones were dried - at least a month off the tree. I suspect that's to let the phenols evaporate.