08/09/2025
Such good information
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19U8CZ7oHK/
After seeing a several posts on Facebook from owners who have lost their birds simply because they did not know the dangers that lie within a normal household, I thought I would discuss a few here. I will list some every day dangers below, but please keep in mind that this is not a complete list and should not be taken as such. If your bird gets into something questionable, call your vet right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, remember that some chemicals can be absorbed by your bird’s feet – so be sure to wash your hands before handling them if you have been working with something that may be of danger to your parrot.
Miners did not send canaries into mines without reason…birds are far more susceptible to fumes and toxins than humans.
Fumes
* Window cleaners with ammonia (only use cleaning liquids without ammonia)
* pest control sprays – should tell your pest control company you have birds and to use powders and/or bird safe products
* Teflon, Silverstone, t-fall and other non-stick coatings – when overheated they emit fumes that will quickly kill your bird
* Self cleaning ovens as well as new ovens. Turn your new ovens on outside and let the coating burn off before bringing it in the house
* Drip pans
* Ironing board covers
* Bread makers
* Burning plastic
* Reynold’s cooking bags
* Scented candles
* Air fresheners and plug ins
* Incense and potpourri
* Aerosol cleaners and sprays
* Fabric protector
* Second hand smoke
* New carpeting
* Paint
Chewables
* Paint
* Woodwork
* Lead
* Avocado
* Chocolate
* Alcohol
* Household plants
* Garlic
* Coffee
* Tea
* Yeast dough
* Salt
* Tomato leaves and stems
* Potato leaves and stems
* Rhubarb leaves
* Cigarettes/tobacco
* Moldy or spoiled food
* Heavy metals – which can contain lead
* Apple seeds
* Uncooked beans – certain types should not be fed at all
* Onions
* Curry powder
* Eggplant leaves
Physical Dangers
* Ceiling fans
* Cords
* Toilets or any standing water
* Pots on the stove
* Open windows
* Other animals
* Sleeping in a bed
* Recliners/Rocking chairs
* Open flames
* Heated surfaces
* Curling irons
* Windows, doors and skylights
* Flea and tick medications
But when in doubt about something your bird may have come into contact with – call your avian vet immediately.
Again, please remember that this is just a partial list. Now you may be asking yourself, what can I clean my house with? Old fashioned water and vinegar or apple cider vinegar is a great solution. There are also all natural cleaners on the market that are made from different citrus plants…those are fine as well.
If you do not have an avian vet one can be found here:
https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
2025 Rickie’s Parrot Rescue
