Wasn't sure where to post this so mods please feel free to move if you think it's needed. Anyway my question is can anyone tell me where is a good place to look for pine cones? I want to make pine cone treats but I'm not sure how to tell f they are untreated or even if there is some special process I need to go through even if they are. Would a craft store be a good place? or does anyone know of a place online to order from? Thanks for the help.

Well, first you find a Pine tree.....

Found this: Sugar Pine Cone Cones Pinecones, St. Mary Magdalene's Retreat, Yreka, California, State of Jefferson

And this:
Pinecones~~Wholesale Pinecones~Ponderosa Pinecones

Or here:
Oregon Pine Cones: Quality pine cones, including Lodgepole, Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine and Sugar Pine Cones gathered from the Oregon Cascade mountains.

One more:
Welcome to Leith Petwerks:Billy's Big Brown Bag Lunch (Pinecones)

They all specify that the cones are untreated. The third link, oregonpinecones.com, has information on dealing with possible pest infestation safely.

Wow thanks so much Nate will give them all a look-see. You gotta remember I live in New Jersey. Home of the "spray it with pesticides no matter what". e have lots of trees but would never take a chance. Thanks again

Cheers Diane, my pleasure! All I ask in return is some "recipes" for the treats you come up with, and reports on how they go over! Never tried pine cone treats but since I happen to have a nice large-ish Pine tree in the yard.....

Does anyone happen to know if it matters what kind of Pine tree? Mine is an Eastern White Pine. I assume one would want the cones to be fully matured and opened up?

I think this is what Diane will be making. The receipe is tasty. I know I have stuffed the mix into cone cups. I was not the official taste tester, but I have it on good authority.


Pine Cone Seed Balls

Yup you are right Angie. A friend of mine also uses a fruit and vegie treat mix along with some seeds. I didn't know about the corn meal though so I might try adding that.

Nate: I have also seen these treats made without the cone being fully opened and just coated all over the outside. Depends I guess if your Fid likes to forage. So now we want to hear from you how your Fids like them too!!! Hey and feel free to take pics..HEHE that's your line isn't it?

I live in a pine-free area but recently visited some relatives who live where pines are common, and I came home with a bag of pine cones for the tiels. All I've done so far with the cones is to soak and rinse them in water to remove dirt and debris, and bake them in the oven to kill germs.

So I'm happy to see the pine cone recipe, and I've also heard of rolling them in peanut butter and then seeds. Does anyone have any experience with cockatiels and peanut butter? I've never given it to mine, and don't want to glue their beaks shut.

I'm also interested in suggestions on how to hang up pine cones as toys. The only way to do it that I can see is to wrap string or wire around it in between the open 'petals', but it doesn't look easy. There's no stem on these cones.

Peanutbutter is a good idea too. I have heard of that and since my 2 teils can get pretty noisy at times glueing their little beaks shut might be an option for me just kidding of course. If there aren't any stems I guess doing a wrap job might be the only way but you would only have to secure it around the top just enough to hang or possibly depending on the size of the pine cone maybe set it a treat cup or some type of cup to hang on the cage. Hope it works for you. We'll be waiting to see how you make out.

what about screwing a hook into the cone, even if there is not enough core to drill, an eye hook should fit.