Are Kiwi Sticks safe?

[pixierodentrescue]

Hi, I run a small animal rescue and we currently have degus in. We saw some Kiwi Sticks in wilkinsons and tried to have a search to see if they were safe but couldn't find anything helpful.

Also, I've been told willow isn't safe, and that it is, so very confused! We have willow sticks for other animals so was wondering if they would enjoy that as I haven't found anywhere local to buy apple sticks and won't be doing a big online order for a while

[deguconvert]

They would LOVE the willow sticks. Willow is safe from specific species of willow, such as the weeping willow, and the willow that is provided in most pet stores are from the safe trees. So go ahead and give them some. Likely they'll demolish them before your very eyes . . . or cart them around like treasures for a while. LOL!

I wouldn't give them the kiwi sticks, however. I assume they are dried, and dried fruits tend to be quite high in sugar, and for the most part, we strongly urge owners to avoid giving fruit treats/foods to their degus, due to their low tolerance for sugars.

[abirose]

I've also been curious about the kiwi sticks, there actual kiwi wood sticks I'm thinking that they are probably safe due to many fruit trees being safe for goo's but obviously I cannot be sure until I do a little research.

[moletteuk]

I can't find the kiwi sticks on the Wilkinson website. If they are just kiwi wood, perhaps davx might know if they are safe or not. Degupedia says that kiwi leaves are liked by rabbit and guinea pigs, but not usually liked by degus.

In the meantime here is our safe tree list with a few more options for you deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=food&action=display&thread=15616

[Karma]

Living world by Hagen makes kiwi stick chews for small animals - similar to the apple sticks. I would like to assume that since other fruit tree branches are good for degus and since a company is not going to put out a toxic (I hope!) product that they are alright.

[deguconvert]

AH HA!!! Lightbulb!! I thought you meant they were like a honey/seed, or dried fruit/seeds stick for a treat kind of thing . . . not just the wood from the plant itself. LOL! I would consider giving them a small piece each and see how they do from eating them . . . if you can clip one into enough for your group that is. Then see how they do for a few days after. If you see no ill effects, give it another try and watch them again. It is possible they will just outright refuse them and that will be the end of that.

[winic1]

unfortunately, don't trust that just because a pet store/company sells something, that it is okay. I have seen cedar wood chew blocks and toys sold as good for hamsters, guinea pigs, and "all small rodents". Cedar wood chips are still sold as bedding for small pets. Hamster food mixes with kidney beans. Wire rung-style exercise wheels, and those with the tight side supports, that end up amputating tails and feet and necks. Most companies are more concerned with profit than truly doing only what's right for the animals, or these things would not be out there anymore.

[deguconvert]

You're right about that, Winic1! All pet products need to be treated with a bit of skeptisim in my opinion. The mighty dollar is definitely the bottom line for most corporations.

[pixierodentrescue]

Will give them some willow sticks in the morning and give the Kiwi ones a try next time I'm in wilkos. It is the kiwi wood, not a treat stick!

[deguconvert]

Just be sure that you only give them a small piece, as this is kind of an unknown to us here and we wouldn't want you to find them all ill from it and them having a lot of it in their systems. Don't repeat the treat of it too quickly either. You really want to be sure that it has no ill effects, and to know this it would take several tries of it, to make sure there is no build up effect.

[moletteuk]

I'd play the charity card with friends and people coming to your rescue to adopt animals - just ask people if they have any of the safe trees that they could donate a few branches of next time they prune!

[deguconvert]

Most EXCELLENT idea, Moletteuk!! That's brilliant!!!

[davx]

Hi,

kiwi leaves are used at least from some German owners. Evidently it isn't very liked, but it isn't toxic as well. Thus kiwi sticks / wood should be suitable as well.