Aussie Finch Forum

Pls let me know if i can use treated Pine to build my Outdoor aviary. Thanks

I've used treated pine many times without issue.
I have been warned to ensure water cannot pool on or around the timber where birds can drink it.

I would be very careful when using treated pine in particular on it's flat.
A well know breeder lost some very rare birds because they drank rain water off some treated pine steps.
I presume uprights etc could be ok and I have used the round posts on the vertical without any problems to my knowledge

I wouldn't use pine treated or otherwise . .

Apart from the poison aspect, as soon a you put a sawcut into it it starts to rot. It may take 20 years but it will eventually need replacing.

Whiteants love untreated pine and if they can access treated by way of a cut, they will do so'

Hardwood is whiteant resistant and some native hardwoods lay claim to being termite-proof

Hardwood despite being more difficult to work with is definitely preferable

BUT

Steel is the only way to go

I learned the hard way

arthur wrote:I wouldn't use pine treated or otherwise . .

Apart from the poison aspect, as soon a you put a sawcut into it it starts to rot. It may take 20 years but it will eventually need replacing.

Whiteants love untreated pine and if they can access treated by way of a cut, they will do so'

Hardwood is whiteant resistant and some native hardwoods lay claim to being termite-proof

Hardwood despite being more difficult to work with is definitely preferable

BUT

Steel is the only way to go

I learned the hard way

Treated pine is not treated with arsenic anymore but what it is treated with (salt,i think) is pressurised right through so a cut is not going to cause rot or allow termites in.
Termites will attack any hardwood so long as it remains moist,termites need moisture in the wood so they can eat it but borers found in furniture don't.
All my aviaries over the past 40 years have been built with treated pine walls and claded both sides with cement sheet inside and corri outside,a few years ago i pulled down my 40 year old aviaries only to find any timber that i had used that wasn't treated was eaten away by termite escapees but the treated pine remained untouched. Craig

I agree with what craig has said,treated pine is now treated in a totally different way,hardwood will still be attacked ,the only timber i know that white ant's don't attack is cypress pine,i build my aviaries out of timber for the warmth aspect,they have been standing for ever and a day ,so if they last another ten years that will do me,garyh

OK . . I may stand corrected with the 'new' way of treating pine

Any comments on Satin Ash being termite-proof




BUT

I will not waver on 'steel' being best

I've got 4 aviaries, all treated pine, no problems, plenty of young bred in them with no issues. Easy to build and attach wire, but I imagine in 5 years or so (they have been built for about 3 years) I might have to re-staple the wire on. A point to note - my hardwood shed attached to the treated pine aviary has been well eaten by termites in the last few months, but the treated pine has not been touched.(One bonus, I've got a good supply of nice fat termites for my cordons and ruddies!)

Treated pine that's called CCA (copper chromium arsenic) still has arsenic in it, eg: fencing, sleepers, copper logs.
It is however banned to use in childrens playgrounds, handrails, anywhere that requires physical contact. It's replacement is ACQ (ammoniacal copper quaternary) which apparently is safe enough to burn but no where near as common.
I spoke to a person who works at a treatment plant and he said they all have to get regular checks for arsenic levels.

If in doubt ask if it's CCA or ACQ. Remember if it ends with A it got arsenic in it.

Google the research by CSIRO. CCA treated pine fact sheet.

A very good and scientific study which basically says CCA treated pine is OK.

Also remember if you cut the pine, spray the cut ends with Ecoseal timber preservative. You can get this from bunnings.