Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Are willow branches poisonous to rats?
QUESTION:
Are willow branches poisonous to rats? I want to know so I can put some it my
rat's cage if they are OK. I seem to remember being told that they were good for
budgies but then being told that they weren't. Which is true?
ANSWER:
I don't think willow branches are poisonous to rats, in reasonable
doses.
The active principle in aspirin is from white willow bark and enough
concentrated aspirin is poisonous to rats, but I would be surprised if
a few willow sticks had enough in them to do anything to a rat. Of
course, I have been surprised before, and I have no experience with
the robust willows of the United Kingdom...