Natural manzanita branches.

[aka.pody]

Does anyone know of a simple way to remove the bark from manzanita branches?

I have natural manzanita branches and sandblasted branches.
I started to like the sandblasted ones a lot better only because they're light. The natural branches look great in an aviary but I started thinking that it was a little too dark for a budgies cage. So today I changed the cage around a little bit and put the light colored branches in. The cage actually looks a lot more cheery and bright. I thought about making some kind of tree from the dark ones, but I think I still like the light ones.

[Pippin's mom]

I lay my branches out in the sun and the bark just crumbles off for the most part.:)

[aka.pody]

I'm gonna give it a try. Do I have to soak them first? Scrubbing doesn't work, can't shave it off, scraping with a knife won't work; the bark on those branches doesn't seem as porous as other tree branches; it's almost like it's painted on.

[Pippin's mom]

I don't soak mine first I just lay it out in the sun and it dries and crumbles right off. There are usually some stubborn small patches, but those scrub off with a scrubber and some vinegar water.:)

[aka.pody]

Okee Dokee! Looks like maybe it stopped raining for the time being so out in the sun they'll go.

[Pippin's mom]

Oh yeah, it does help to have sun.:p

[luv-it-like-lol]

I leave the bark on my branches, as my budgie loves to chew it! :)