Pet birds are extremely
susceptible to a wide variety of household dangers.
There are numerous reasons for this, including their
small size, rapid metabolism, and sensitive
respiratory systems. Of course, with birds, there is
also an intense curiosity and need to explore
everything with their beaks. Owners need to be
vigilant about protecting their birds from dangers
throughout the home.
1) Poisoning
Birds are susceptible to a wide
range of toxic substances that can injure or kill
birds either by ingestion (eating) or inhalation
(breathing them in). One of the most common
toxicities in pet birds is insecticides sprayed in
the home. Others include ammonia, bleach, oven
cleaner, glues, nail polish remover, paint,
perfumes, heavy metals (e.g. lead and zinc).
Poisonous plants are also a danger.
2) Non-Stick Coatings
This technically falls under
poisoning but warrants a special mention because use
of these products is very common. When overheated,
the non-stick coating emits fumes that are very
toxic to birds when inhaled. This coating is found
on non-stick cookware but also waffle irons, bread
machines, irons, ironing board covers, curling
irons, space heaters, blow dryers and more.
3) Open Water
Toilets are the most common
source of open water in the house, and it is all too
easy for your pet bird to fall in and drown. Other
water sources to watch for are sinks, bathtubs,
buckets, and water bowls of dogs or cats. The
kitchen can also be a dangerous place if there are
hot pots of water on the stove.
4) Inappropriate Foods
These range from those that are
just unhealthy to those that might kill pet birds.
Anything high in sugar or salt is inappropriate, as
are fatty foods. More serious are things such as
chocolate, which is toxic to many pets. Caffeinated
or alcoholic beverages are also dangerous. Avocado
should also be avoided.
5) Electrical Cords
Birds explore with their beaks,
and exposed electrical cords pose a danger if
bitten. Keep cords and appliances away from the
birdcage, and conceal cords as much as possible.
Covering exposed cords with corrugated plastic
tubing (available at hardware stores) may help
reduce the danger.
6) Poorly Made Toys
Even toys designed for birds may
not be safe for them. Make sure your bird
(especially larger ones) are not able to break off
or remove any parts and swallow them. Rope toys can
also be dangerous if they are long enough to get
tangles up in, and there have been cases of birds
separating the strands on braided ropes, inserting
their heads, and strangling as a result.
7) Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans pose a real danger
to flighted birds - serious injuries have occurred
when birds fly into them. Birds tend to be nervous
with things moving above them, so may be stressed
out by a ceiling fan running near their cage.
8) Windows, Doors and Mirrors
Windows and mirrors pose a danger
to birds that might fly into them. Keeping wings
clipped helps to alleviate this risk, although even
clipped birds can try a run at a window or mirror.
Of course, open windows and exterior doors leave a
chance at escape. Even interior doors can be risky
if the bird likes to sit on the top of an open door
- the bird could be injured if the door is closed.
9) Other Pets
While birds often live happily
with other household pets, owners should always be
careful when other pets are near the birds. The
motion of birds can attract the prey instinct of
cats and dogs, and an infected bite or scratch can
quickly be fatal to a bird.
10) Air Quality
Birds are especially sensitive to
contaminants in the air. Aerosol products of any
kind should not be used around your bird. Cigarette
smoke has been implicated in respiratory disease in
pet birds. Carbon monoxide is also dangerous to
birds, so use a carbon monoxide detector in the
home, and be careful not to run your vehicle in an
attached garage.
