Bird - Household Dangers

General information

Birds are naturally mischievous and will get into many predicaments. It is crucial that you 'bird proof' your home. The bird’s cage is its house and the confines of your home represent the bird’s environment. There are many dangers within these surroundings.

Temperature and humidity

Moderate and gradual changes ranging from 2-5°C (10-20°F) in temperature are usually tolerated very well by a healthy bird. Sick birds will need a more consistently warm temperature. Humidity in the range of 40-50% is ideal for most birds. It is better to have too much humidity than have the environment too dry. Most parrots come from humid climates. So dry centrally heated houses can cause problems and make the respiratory system and skin more susceptable to irratation. If allowed to bathe in the hot sun, a bird must always have access to shade in the event it should become over heated.

Drafts

Birds should always be free from drafts such as those created around windows, outside walls, radiators and air vents.

Air pollution

Birds have a very efficient respiratory system and are very sensitive to pollutants in the air. Birds are exceptionally susceptible to second-hand smoke. Cigarettes, cigars and pipes should not be used around your bird. Cooking fumes, gases such as carbon monoxide, volatile cleaning products, air fresheners, paints, incense, varnishes, fireplace fumes and dirty household air ducts may cause respiratory problems. Sprays on Christmas trees can also be a problem.

Paints, varnishes, etc.

Generally, if you can smell it then consider it unsafe for the bird. Ventilate the environment well after use of any of these products before returning the bird to the area. Contact the company that produces the product for specific recommendations.

Teflon

Over-heated new Teflon-coated appliances (especially non-stick cooking equipment) release a toxin (PTFE) that does not seem to affect humans but will cause rapid death to a bird.

Kitchens

Generally speaking, it is unwise to house a bird in the kitchen as there are too many potential hazards. Teflon as described above is a priority concern. Hot stove elements, open pots of hot soups or sauces and even a sink full of water may be possible dangers. All cleaning products present possible hazards including oven cleaners.

Bathrooms

Open toilet bowls and full sinks or bathtubs are possible perils to a bird. Pet birds do not swim well and excessively hot water may severely burn a bird. There are often dangerous cleaning products in a bathroom as well. Various drugs that are kept around most households are potential dangers to your bird. Keep these products locked up and away from your bird.

Oil or grease

Whether hot or cold, oil and feathers do not mix. Do not use oil or grease based medicines on a bird for any reason. Oils will mat down feathers, decrease their insulation qualities and make a bird susceptible to chills leading to other health problems. Examples of products to avoid include Vaseline, mineral oil, oil based ointments or salves (including some sold in pet stores), cooking oils, cod liver oil and certainly motor oils.

Other pets

Cats, dogs and ferrets can be a potential danger to your bird. These animals have a natural hunting instinct and your bird may become the victim. Never leave these animals alone together unattended. In general, smaller birds are at greater risk but why take chances with any bird?

Mirrors and windows

Birds may not initially master the concept of glass or mirrors. To the bird, there is nothing solid there. No barriers are perceived. Curtains, blinds or some object in front of these surfaces will provide some objectivity for the bird. Birds should not be allowed to chew near mirrors as the backing contains lead (see below).

Fish bowls

Any open container of water should be considered a danger zone. If the bird should fly in it, it may drown.

Light flicker

Birds’ eyes have a much faster flicker frequency than ours i.e. they can see more 'frames per second'. This means that to a bird, the television screen is not a stream of moving images but a 'strobe light'. This can be distressing to some especially if exposed to the screen for long periods.

Fans

Never allow a bird to fly while a fan of any sort is running. The bird cannot see the blades while they are in motion.

Electrical cords

Birds love to chew and the soft, rubbery, chewable coating of electrical cords may be a very enticing play toy for your bird. Due to the potential danger of electrocution, facial burns and even a serious fire hazard, electrical cords must be hidden away or unplugged.

Open windows and doors

All windows and doors should be kept closed all the time even if the bird’s wings are clipped.

Lead and zinc poisoning

If lead is around, your bird will find it! Lead is commonly found in many places around the house. Examples include curtain weights, solder on cages or plumbing, older paints, batteries, pellets from air rifles, Tiffany lamps, stained glass/leaded windows, mirror backs, some costume jewellery and zipper teeth. Lead is soft, fun to chew on and easily swallowed. Zinc will be found in similar objects but also on poorly galvanised wire and cages. Also known as heavy metal toxicosis, lead and zinc poisoning is life threatening.

Medications

All human and animal medications should be kept safely locked away. Parrots are very inquisitive and foil wrapped tablets will seem an ideal toy!

Food toxins

Birds seem sensible at avoiding toxic plants. However, any plants that are known to be animal-toxic (for a full list see handout on Toxic plants) should be kept out of the bird’s reach just in case.

Chocolate and caffeine-containing drinks should be avoided as overdosage is easy resulting in excitability and (in the case of dark chocolate) even twitching and death.

It is also worth avoiding high-salt foods, e.g. crisps.