Wood blocks - nontreated, safe?

[kirbyultra]

I got an email from a nice lady that I bought bunny stuff from and she has some wooden blocks for sale. The item on the website states:

"Arandom selection of 10 wooden coins, chews, whirlies, and pie slices, which may include Cottonwood, Elm, Mulberry, Ocotillo, Pecan, Red Willow & Willow woods.
Woods are collected in the pristine Arizona desert and hand-cleaned.
No Chemicals Have Been Used ~ 100% Natural"

I know that when someone had some free apple wood being shipped out that we were supposed to bake them in the oven for some time before giving them to the bunny. I don't know if these types of wood require the same treatment. I emailed the lady back and asked if I needed to do anything with them before giving them to Kirby and she said no, her bunnies have been chewing on the blocks for a few days with no problems. What do you guys and gals think? Are these blocks safe as-is?

 

[Maureen Las]

The apple tree branches do not have to be baked ; as far as I know they are the only branches that don't need baking

The reason for the baking is to dry up and bake out any resin in the wood
Cleaning the exterior is not baking out resin

I would have to first look up these trees individually as I do not know if they are safe or not ; I will do it later but don't have time now.
I truly don't know if i can say if they are safe or not; maybe others can help althoughI will try to look up the trees for you

 

[Maureen Las]

so far I cannot find any of these trees ona negative list although ocotillo is a totally forign name to me .....
but it would be best to wait for other members to respond before feeding these pieces of wood.

 

[Larsen]

I've never heard of that wood/tree either. I did not know that twigs were to be "baked" before giving to rabbits. I only get "organic" apple twigs to give my rabbits. Now I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong...it's the only thing that they truly like to chew....

 

[kirbyultra]

Thanks angieluv. Growing up in NY I have to say that I don't know a thing about trees. I only know what a maple tree is.... I guess I better hold off on buying these wood chews.

Strangely I think everyone on that free apple wood thread said they would bake the wood. I would have to search the forum for the thread. There was someone who chopped down their apple tree and shipped out chunks to folks. I didn't get the chance to get any as I was too late though.

 

[jamesedwardwaller]

whoda thunk it,.baked fruit tree branches,betty crocker,or pilsbury,..rrr,fruit tree branches twigs etc.may have moss or crude on them just get the good stuff,..it is what the wild bunnies tell me anyway,.ask them over a few billion served,rr..james waller