Branches - Is lemon tree ok?

[OwnedOwner]

I have a 2 year old flyer from a classmate. Had Foamy for a couple weeks now. He is adjusting well to me and a new diet (besides hating every veggie I put in front of him of course). I got some pine (3 needle) and oak branches to put in his cage. (is there any special preperation before I put them in?)

I do not have any real typical fruit trees, but I am near a lemon tree. (smells wonderful!) I was wondering if the branches from this tree are ok for him. If it is, is it OK to leave the leaves on also or should I remove them? I left them on when I got it just is case that might make it extra special, but it would be simple enough to remove them.

Another silly question, I found a pine tree branch with needles (fresh) and a couple of small pine cones on it, would this be something good to give or not? I thought I would grabbed the things I saw, then ask rather than find out later it would have been something great. I can always throw it back out to nature.

:thankyou

[CritterMom]

Citrus branches and leaves are not recommended for parrots because the oils can cause contact dermatitis. I don't know about squirrels but with so many other things to choose from, I would avoid it.

As long as the pine and cones is clean, has not been sprayed with inseticides and was not laying on the ground for a long period (the damnpess can cause molds which will make them ill) it is fine. I like to cut the branches from the tree rather than pick stuff up.

[OwnedOwner]

Not a problem. I would rather air on the side on caution. As for the branches, I was very particular about fresh ones. I would love to cut them myself, but there is absolutely nothing around here within reach, everything is constantly trimmed. However, since they are trimmed I am grabbing what they just trimmed.

[Rhapsody]

Here is a link from another post on here with a list:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21510