INFO Re. RELEASE CAGE

[Scooterzmom]

As some of you know I will be moving into a new house and I want to have a release cage built over there. I've received quotes re. building it and one of them proposes to use hemlock for the 4x4 posts. Isn't hemlock toxic/poison? I know Socrates drank that, committing suicide, so I wonder... what about my squirrels???? Don't want them to go gnawing on the wood and poison themselves. :(

[Scooterzmom]

I've been looking around and can't seem to find info re. toxicity of hemlock for squirrels... anyone had better luck than I did on that?

[Nancy in New York]

I've been looking around and can't seem to find info re. toxicity of hemlock for squirrels... anyone had better luck than I did on that?

Try this site, it's for sugar gliders. Rhapsody posted this once.
http://www.moondance-sugargliders.com/sugar_glider_plant-tree_information.htm

[mpetys]

Upon doing a search for Hemlock toxicity, what I am finding is that there is a Hemlock tree and then there is a hemlock plant, water hemlock. It is the water hemlock that is poisonous. Below is something that addresses your concern regarding Socrates:

Canadian Hemlock Trees, Socrates, and Poison Hemlock:
The poison that famously killed the Greek philosopher, Socrates was not derived from the tree we've been discussing. Rather, poison hemlock is Conium maculatum. Another hemlock that is poisonous is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata).
I found that little paragraph at http://landscaping.about.com/od/evergreenornamentaltrees1/p/hemlock_trees.htm

From the ASPCA website: http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/hemlock-tree.aspx

Hemlock Tree
Additional Common Names: Many varieties
Scientific Name: Tsuga species
Family: Pinaceae
Toxicity: Non-Toxic to Horses, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Dogs

And from the USDA Forest Service: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_1/tsuga/canadensis.htm

a publication on the Eastern Hemlock also known as the Canada Hemlock or hemlock spruce.

Numerous animals feed on eastern hemlock and often cause serious damage, marked loss of vigor, or even death. White-tailed deer readily browse this species although it has been ranked seventh in winter food preference. In some regions, patches of regeneration have been eliminated following heavy browsing in years when deer populations are high. Although deer have been blamed for the absence of eastern hemlock in many localities, no regeneration occurred under similar conditions in fenced areas; thus, overstory-site-temperature requirements are presumably more critical (2,6,8).

Snowshoe hares and New England cottontails frequently browse eastern hemlock. Mice, voles, squirrels, and other rodents also feed on seeds and small seedlings both under natural stands and in nurseries (1). Porcupines occasionally gnaw the bark on larger trees causing serious wounds and top-kill (4).

Special Uses
Lumber production from eastern hemlock reached its peak between 1890 and 1910. Primary uses were in light framing, sheathing, roofing, subflooring, boxes, crates, and general millwork. Much of the present production is used in pulping or newsprint and wrapping papers, but the demand for hemlock lumber appears to be increasing again.

Currently, eastern hemlock stands are considered essential for shelter and bedding of white-tailed deer during the winter. In regions of marked reductions in type area, many public agencies have restricted cutting until reliable methods of regenerating the stand become operational (6). The type also is considered important as cover for ruffed grouse, turkeys, and many other animals.

Eastern hemlock often is planted as an ornamental because of its relative freedom from insects and disease, good foliage color, and adaptability to shearing. Some effort is being made to plant the species under forest conditions because it is so important to wildlife.


Toxic Principles: Non-toxic

I hope this helps. Please check out these links for yourself to have peace of mind. One thing that strikes me is that if this wood is readily available for building, I would think it would have to be safe. After all, what if it was being purchased to build a children's playground? But, when it comes to our little fuzzy babies, better safe than sorry.

[mpetys]

Numerous animals feed on eastern hemlock and often cause serious damage, marked loss of vigor, or even death.

In the USDA Forest Service report, in the sentence below, I believe they are referring to the fact that numerous animals feeding on the eastern hemlock can often cause serious damage, marked loss of vigor, or even death to the hemlock tree, not to the animals themselves.

Let me know if you disagree.

[Scooterzmom]

Numerous animals feed on eastern hemlock and often cause serious damage, marked loss of vigor, or even death.

In the USDA Forest Service report, in the sentence below, I believe they are referring to the fact that numerous animals feeding on the eastern hemlock can often cause serious damage, marked loss of vigor, or even death to the hemlock tree, not to the animals themselves.

Let me know if you disagree.

Thanks for the help re. the chart Nancy :thankyou and Michele for the additional info.

It certainly sounds as if the hemlock tree is safe to animals. Now I hope I won't have deer come over and eat the frame of my release cage :rotfl :rotfl (J/K of course)

I think I'll go ahead with it unless the carpenter can come up with a different kind of wood that proves resistant to the constant changes in our weather here. Having 4 seasons is wonderful but it's also tough on outdoor structures.