Birds are naturally curious and mischievous and if not properly supervised, will get into many predicaments. Due to this, it is important to “bird proof” your home to help ensure your winged friends safety. The birds cage and the confines of your home represent the birds environment, with many potential dangers within these surroundings to be aware of. The following is a list of household dangers to birds. If you believe your bird was exposed to any of the toxins described in this article, please call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (a 24/7 animal poison control center) right away.
Moderate and gradual changes ranging from 10 – 20 ºF (2 – 5 ºC) in temperature are usually well-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 (although this may depend on the species of bird you own). If allowed to bathe in the hot sun, a bird must always have access to shade in the event it should become overheated.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a common substance in many households due to its use as a non-stick coating on cookware. Teflon is the most well-known brand name of PTFE-based coatings. Other sources of PTFE include drip pans, waffle irons, clothing irons, ironing board covers, heating elements, and heat lamps. When PTFE is heated to over 280? (536?), it releases odorless, colorless particles and acidic gases which are toxic when inhaled. Most cases of PTFE poisoning occur when non-stick cookware is over-heated or burned, such as a non-stick pot boiling dry on the stovetop. However, cases of poisoning have been reported from the use of PTFE-containing products even at recommended temperatures. Signs of poisoning may include agitation, rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, incoordination, weakness, coma, and seizures. Sadly, in many cases, sudden death occurs before or shortly after signs develop. Birds may initially appear lethargic or sluggish and slow to respond to stimulation. Wobbling while trying to stay upright on their perch may also be seen. Birds affected by PTFE fumes need immediate veterinary attention. To avoid potential poisoning of your bird, it is recommended to avoid using PTFE-coated cookware as well as other items listed above. Otherwise, it is important to pay close attention when utilizing any product that may be coated with PTFE to ensure that overheating does not occur.
Birds have a very efficient respiratory system and are sensitive to pollutants in the air. Birds are also extremely susceptible to any source of smoke. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and vaporizers should not be used around your bird. If these products are used, it important to only use them outside; smoking in “the other room” is not considered safe for birds because smoke travels. Cooking fumes or smoke from the oven, gases such as carbon monoxide, fumes from cleaning products, paints, varnishes, fireplace fumes, air fresheners, hair products, and dirty household air ducts may lead to respiratory problems. Products such as carpet and glues may off gas for months, slowly emitting fumes that may be toxic to birds.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can smell it, it may harm your birds respiratory tract. Also, for some products, harmful chemicals may linger in the air long after the smell has faded. Keep your birds environment well-ventilated. Signs of respiratory damage may not be immediate. Inhalant smoke exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and impair the birds ability to fight off disease.
Generally, it is unwise to house a bird in the kitchen, as there are too many potential hazards. PTFE (Teflon), as described above, is a major concern. Hot stove elements, open pots of hot water, soups or sauces, and even a sink full of water may be possible dangers. There are many sharp and dangerous items for curious birds that are allowed to roam free in the house to hurt themselves on in the kitchen. Additionally, most cleaning products present possible hazards for birds.
Open toilet bowls and full sinks or bathtubs are possible perils to a bird looking to explore the water. Pet birds do not swim well, and excessively hot water may result in severe burns. There are often dangerous cleaning products in a bathroom as well. Various medications that are kept around most households are potential dangers to your bird. Keep these products locked up and away from your bird for safety. Many drugs and chemicals are stored in containers made of plastic that birds love to chew.
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 while potentially leading to other health problems. Examples of products to avoid include Vaseline®, mineral oil, oil-based ointments or salves (including many sold in pet stores), cooking oils, essential oils, vitamin E oils, cod liver oil, and motor oil.
Cats, dogs, ferrets, snakes, and lizards 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?
Birds may not ever master the concept of glass or mirrors. To the bird, there is nothing solid there. No barriers are perceived and birds will often fly straight in to a mirror, potentially causing serious injury to themselves. Show them that it is not simple air space by putting up curtains, clings or stickers.
Any open container of water should be considered a danger zone. If the bird should fly in it, it may drown due to difficulty navigating the limited opening size.
Birds generally seem to enjoy a certain amount of commotion and may become vocal and playfully excited by vacuuming, the sound of an electric razor, or the normal activities of people about the house. Excessively loud noise from televisions, stereos, construction, or even appliances such as food processors may cause undue stress to some birds. Remember the bird is confined in your home and cannot freely escape these sounds if bothered by them. Exposure to any reasonable noise should be limited to the birds normal waking hours.
Never allow a bird to fly while a fan of any sort is running (particularly ceiling fans). The bird cannot see the blades while they are in motion. Serious injury can be incurred.
Although normally very skilled and graceful at flight, a bird may occasionally strike objects or surfaces while exercising. Stucco ceilings may act like sandpaper on the top of the birds head as it moves along at high speeds. Try to make these rooms “out of bounds.”
Birds love to chew and the soft, rubbery 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.
You should have your birds wings clipped or you should keep all windows and doors closed at all times. Once a bird escapes, it is usually very difficult to get it to come back home. Avoiding these mishaps is safer than taking chances. Even the most well-trained and well-behaved bird can have a moment of weakness and try to fly out of the house for fresh air.
A healthy bird can typically withstand steady, moderate temperature changes between 10 and 20 oF (2 and 5 oC). Sick birds will need a more consistently warm temperature. A humidity level between 2040 and 2050 percent is ideal for the majority of birds. As long as the environment is not too dry, it is preferable to have excessive humidity (though this may vary depending on the species of bird you own). A bird must always have access to shade if it is permitted to bathe in the hot sun in case it gets too hot.
Whether hot or cold, oil and feathers do not mix. For whatever reason, never apply medications containing oil or grease to a bird. Oils can cause other health issues as well as mat down feathers, reduce their insulating value, and make a bird more prone to chills. Products to stay away from include mineral oil, cooking oils, essential oils, vitamin E oils, mineral oil, oil-based ointments or salves (many of which are sold in pet stores), motor oil, and Vaseline®.
Never let a bird fly when any kind of fan is operating, especially one that is on the ceiling. The blades are moving, so the bird cannot see them. Serious injury can be incurred.
Keeping a bird in the kitchen is generally not a good idea because there are too many possible risks. PTFE (Teflon), as described above, is a major concern. Potential hazards include hot stove components, open pots of boiling water, soups and sauces, and even a sink full of water. The kitchen has a lot of sharp and potentially harmful objects that curious birds are free to fly around the house and injure themselves on. Additionally, most cleaning products present possible hazards for birds.
Even though they are typically extremely proficient and graceful flyers, birds may occasionally collide with surfaces or objects when practicing When a bird flies at a high speed, stucco ceilings can act like sandpaper on its head. Try to make these rooms “out of bounds. “.
If you own a bird, you might not be aware that there could be dangers hiding in your house that could endanger your beloved feathered companion. Consider these top 10 household dangers for pet birds:
Birds are typically prey, while dogs and cats are natural predators. It is in the nature of dogs and cats to chase and capture flying or moving birds, and these animals frequently use their mouths and claws to do so. A bird’s skin is easily punctured by teeth and nails, and a bird can frequently be injured or killed by the force of jaws grabbing it. Moreover, a bird cannot tolerate the bacteria and other germs found in a cat or dog’s mouth, and if they are introduced through a wound, they can cause dangerous and frequently fatal infections. Serious harm can result from even the best-intentioned cat or dog picking up the bird and playing with it. Therefore, regardless of how submissive they may appear, dogs, cats, and birds should never be trusted to play together or be left alone.
Although birds are avian creatures, many of the hazards and concealed obstacles found in our homes are not meant for them to fly around. Pet birds have the potential to fly into ceiling fans, mirrors, and open windows and doors. They risk being crushed if they fall on top of doors without their owner’s knowledge and the door slams. They can fly into open flames from candles and fireplaces, as well as into hot foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and soup. Additionally, they may fall to the ground and be mistakenly stepped on, or they may drown in open toilet bowls. When flying birds are not in their cages, they need to be watched over all the time.
Birds are extremely sensitive to cigarette and cigar smoke. Not only can they inhale it, but they can also become ill if they preen the substance off their feathers or perch on a hand or piece of clothing that has been exposed to nicotine. Nicotine can get on birds feet, causing irritation. When their feet get exposed to nicotine, birds may chew on them until they are raw and bleeding. Smoke particles can reach pet birds from smokers even if they smoke far from their birds on their hands and clothing. Because of these possible exposures, birds should generally reside in smoke-free homes.
Birds are great pets in the right circumstances. Numerous species are passed down within families from generation to generation and can live for several decades. Remember to pet-proof your house if you value your bird’s health and happiness and want to keep him safe as well!
FAQ
Can birds die from smoke?
What happens if a bird inhales nicotine?
Can birds die from fumes?
Can you smoke in the same room as a bird?