Is your home bird proof? Cockatiels should never be left in a room alone. They can go about their business
swiftly and quietly, severely injuring themselves. Think of your bird as a toddler with wings, and use the same
caution. This is an extensive list of hazards in your home. If you think that you already know them all,
and if you love your birds, please take the time to read the entire page anyway. You are in for some surprises
which are definitely NOT pleasant ones.
Invisible Dangers You Need to Protect Your Bird From
NON STICK COOKWARE:
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Poison Control
Centers, fumes from
overheated Teflon® and other non-stick products coated with
PTFE (Polytetraflouethylene ) are lethal to birds. Toxicity occurs when pots are left on a hot stove and they become overheated. It was originally thought that cookware had to reach a
temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 280 degrees Celsius before poisoning occurred.
Recently, temperatures as low as 285 F have been found to
be fatal to birds. Fumes start being emitted as soon as the product starts
heating. "The result is the release of toxic particles into the air that cause severe damage to
a bird's lungs when inhaled. Birds are unable to clear the toxic particles by
exhaling or coughing and are therefore more susceptible to this type
poisoning."
Toxic fumes travel through an entire house quickly. Even if birds are in
another room they can still die.
Death can occur within a few seconds or it can take up to 24 hours after exposure
because the fumes can linger in curtains, upholstery and other
materials. Lung damage
from overheated non-stick cookware is irreversible causing a very painful
death to birds. Necropsy of birds that have died after exposure to overheated
non-stick cookware show lesions and hemorrhaging of the lungs.
Teflon® and all brands of non-stick cookware as well as many appliances are coated with a fluoropolymer
resin. Different companies have
different brand names for the same type of resin. PTFE coating can be found on pots and pans, skillets, griddles, cookie sheets, cake pans,
and other bakeware, stove drip pans and broilers, self-cleaning ovens, electric
fry pans, woks, crock pots, deep fryers, popcorn makers, bread machines, indoor
grills, and other products such as irons, ironing board pads, curling irons, blow
dryers, space heaters and now some types of heat lamps and light bulbs.
Always read the accompanying literature for new cookware, appliances, light bulbs to see if it says "NON STICK" or "PTFE". If it does then it's coated with a fluoropolymer type substance.
If you are not sure, call the company and ask. DON'T rely on the say so of the store
clerk. Don't take any chances
with non-stick cookware or products, thinking it's fine to use as long as it doesn't overheat. Get rid
of it. Use stainless steel, aluminum, pyrex, enamel or cast iron cookware instead. For more
information on Teflon® and Birds, Click
Here. Dupont has recently been ordered by the courts (2005) to release
documentation that has been kept hidden from the public for 20 years.
Dupont has known for 20 years that fumes from Teflon® can be hazardous to humans
and birds.
Other Kitchen Fumes:
Fumes from oven cooking bag, oven liners, self cleaning ovens, silicone
bakeware, leaking gas, burning plastic handles on
pots, burning food,
overheated cooking oil, fats, margarine, butter, from burning food and aerosol spray on "Non-Stick" products
can be lethal to birds.
Pine Scented Cleaners:
These types of disinfecting agents are toxic. Do not
use them to
clean cages, food and water dishes and do not use them around your bird. Always read labels on cleaning
products to see if their are any safety warnings regarding birds.
Chemical Odors:
Fumes from mothballs, pesticides, hairsprays, perfumes, nailpolish remover, bleach, ammonia,
paint, varnish, paint remover, permanent markers, nicotine, air freshener (sprays, hanging ones in cars/homes and plugins), carpet
fresheners, scented candles, insence or any other product with fumes you can
smell, can make your bird sick or cause death. Don't use
them around your bird. Birds can absorb nicotine on your hands through their
skin. Contact with nicotine will make your bird itchy.
Remodeling:
New carpet backing, paneling, and particleboard contain formaldehyde, and fumes are LETHAL.
Paint, varnish and wallpaper paste all contain toxic fumes. Arrange for
someone else to keep your bird until you can no longer smell the fumes.
Glade®
Scented Candles:
or any scented candles contain lethal amounts of carbon monoxide,
soot and essential oils.
Products contain warning labels about using around pets.
In the USA call Johnson and Johnson Customer Service at 1-800-494-4855.
From Canada call 1-877-506-7352 for details.
Molds and Fungi:
Improperly stored seeds and grains may be contaminated with fungi and molds.
High humidity, warm temperatures and poor ventilation favor their growth. Mold spores produce toxic
substances that are fatal.
Check and smell all table food and bread product for any signs of moldy growth
before serving to your bird. Store seeds in an airtight container, in a cool dry spot.
Peanuts and Peanut Products:
Fresh peanuts, brazil nuts and other nuts in shells, bulk peanut butter, or peanut butter from health food store can contain a
fatal toxin
called Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is, produced by a fungus that grows under the shell. Commercial brands are monitored for this toxin. Use only good quality
commercial peanut butter for your birds which is safe and avoid feeding fresh
nuts in shells..
Lead and Zinc Poisoning:
Metal hardware, wires, coat hangers, pennies, twist ties for plastic bags, stems on artificial
flowers, Christmas tree ornament hooks, stained glass items, some wire toys, cages with loose solder and chipped paint,
fishing weights, drapery weights, costume jewelry, zipper teeth and paint in older
homes, glue on cardboard rolls from paper towels, bath tissue, duct tape,
flooring, lead water pipes in your home, can all contain zinc or lead. Galvanized
metals
are also toxic because a coating is applied over a lead or zinc base item. Ingesting
heavy metals or rust is LETHAL and will cause death
or permanent neurological damage if not treated immediately. If you have lead
or galvanized metal
water pipes in your home
or your source of drinking water comes from an underground well, avoid giving your bird
tap water to drink and bath in. The water could contain lead or zinc. Give your bird bottled water
instead. Symptoms of
heavy metal poisoning
include loss of balance, muscle weakness, inability to
fly, red droppings, vomiting and respiratory distress. Do not let you bird chew
on any type of metal or product that contains a glue-like adhesive.
Infections and Disease:
Cockatiels are susceptible to e-coli bacteria and salmonella poisoning, the
same as humans.
Wash your hands after using the lavatory and after you handle meat. If serving cooked meat to your bird, cook
thoroughly and do not re-serve it to your bird after it has been cooked and
refrigerated. Keep the cage and feeding dishes clean and free from droppings. Birds can
also get sick from you if you have a bacterial infection, like the flu or a cold.
Don't let your bird eat from your mouth and avoid playing with
and handling your bird if you are sick. Wash you hands with hot soapy water and
use a hand sanitizer before feeding your bird.
The Pet Shop:
Some very serious and contagious avian diseases and infections can be
brought home to your bird after visiting pet shops or bird marts.
Many diseases are transmitted by bird dander, circulation of dried droppings,
nasal secretions and airborne spores. Some diseases, like PDD and PBFD
are fatal to birds. Always shower and change your clothes after being around any other
birds. Visitors to your home who own birds, pose the same threat.
Don't let strangers handle your bird.
Drafts: Although
drafts will not make a healthy, well nourished bird sick, drafts can make birds
that are malnourished, getting sick or birds under a great deal of stress sick.
Avoid keeping your bird's cage in a draft. Check for both warm and cold drafts by holding a lit candle in the area of the cage.
If the flame flickers, there is a draft.
Direct Sunlight:
Putting a bird in direct sunlight
for prolonged periods of time can cause it to suffer from hypothermia, heatstroke, or
heart failure. Symptoms of an overheated bird include panting and holding
wing feathers away from the body. Make sure your bird has access to some shade when taking it
outdoors or when next to a sunny windows.
UV Lighting:
Light from full spectrum bulbs that are too close to the cage, for more than 3 hours a day is the same as
leaving a bird out in the sun from noon to 3 PM.
Floor Lamps:
Halogen and torch lamps become dangerously hot. Flying birds that land on them
to perch will severely burn their feet. Turn floor lamps off when your bird is
out of the cage flying.
Matchsticks:
Unless you have special child safety matches, matches are poisonous for birds.
Pens, Crayons, Markers:
These items contain toxins and are poisonous. Don't let your bird chew on them.
Permanent markers also contain fumes that are toxic.
Toys and Cages:
Check the cage for things that a bird could get its head, foot or nails
stuck into. By struggling
to free itself, a bird can break it's neck, toes, feet, or legs. Look for rings, clips, loops, coils of wire and
slits in toys. Never purchase a cage with openings large enough for a bird to get its head stuck in.
Rope toys fray
and toes can get entangled. Use only under supervision. Check cage toys daily
for signs of wear that could cause harm.
Water Dispensers:
Mechanisms can become jammed, or clogged with a small bird toy, resulting in water deprivation.
A bird will die if left without water for 24 hours.
Starvation:
Cockatiels are experts in hulling seeds. Often a seed dish will look full when it actually contains
only the empty hulls. Check seed cups daily and replenish.
Visible Dangers You Need to Protect Your Bird From.
Window, Doors, Mirrors:
Birds can fly out of open unscreened windows or doors. Flying into clear glass or mirrors,
can result in a concussion, broken neck, or wing. A bird's wings should be clipped moderately so it can glide
to the floor.
Fabric, Jewelry:
Toes and nails can become entangled in loops from filigree jewelry,(rings and bracelets), loops in carpets, knitted items, terry cloth, lace and frayed ribbon.
By struggling to free itself, a bird can break its foot, leg or toes. Keep nails trimmed.
Electrical Wires and Outlets:
A bird will electrocute itself by chewing through a wire from a lamp, or any other
electrical appliance.
Houseplants:
Philodendron, dieffenbachia, calla lily, amaryllis, dried Eucalyptus mistletoe, poinsettia,
leaves from indoor tomato and potato plants, are just a few of many lethal plants. Don't ever spray an indoor plant
with a pesticide. Pesticides are lethal.
Tylenol and Drugs
According to the American Veterinarian Association,
only 2 Tylenol will
kill a cat and with repeated use, a dog. Don't ever give your bird any human medications.
Furniture:
Always look at chairs
before sitting down. Your bird may be on it and you will crush it to death when
you sit down. If you can't find your bird don't sit in a
reclining chair. Your bird may be under it and it will be crushed by the chair's
mechanism.
Bathrooms:
Keep the toilet bowl lid closed. A bird can land on the seat, slip into the water and drown.
Sinks and tubs:
Bubbles in the water can be mistaken as a landing surface.
If a bird steps onto the bubbles or lands on them, it can can get scalded or drown.
Aquariums:
Birds are often attracted to both the sight and sound of water. If you keep an aquarium, keep a lid on it
to prevent your bird from drowning..
Boiling pots:
Don't let your bird
out of the cage when cooking. Your bird may fly and land on the edge of a pot and scald its feet or fall in and be scalded to death.
Hard Floors:
Birds with wings clipped too short, will not be able to glide to the floor.
Injury can result from a fall. Ask your avian vet for a moderate wing clipping.
Nooks
Birds can get accidentally locked into cupboards, drawers, closets, microwaves, ovens,
refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, trashcans and large decorative vases. If not found, they will be
injured, starve or suffocate.
Ceiling Fans: Please
don't use ceiling fans when your cockatiel is out of the cage. A bird will get severely injured or
killed instantly if hit by a ceiling fan.
Wing Clipping:
New evidence has shown that if a baby bird's wings are clipped before learning to fly, it may never
learn to fly. Flying has psychological benefits for birds kept in captivity.
Research recommends managed flying, where just the tips of flight feathers are clipped for the bird's safety, but
the bird can maintain level flight with effort and glide gently when landing. Flight areas in the home should be bird
proofed with window curtains shut. Supervise flight times keeping the doors locked. Don't cook and keep other pets
excluded from this area.
You:
Look before you walk or sit down. You can step or sit on your cockatiel and injure it.
Sleeping with Your Bird:
No matter how cute you think it is, don't do it.
You will eventually roll over on top of your
bird and kill it.
Children:
Children can crush a cockatiel to death by grabbing it too tightly. Teach children
to look, but not to touch a bird. They can also put tiny things that are dangerous for your bird, such as
matchsticks, crayons and chocolate, inside the cage.
Cats and Dogs: Cats hunt and kill birds. They also carry a bacteria that is lethal to birds.
A playful dog can injure tiny organs and bones by pawing or stomping a
cockatiel to death.
Keep other pets away from your bird.
Bleeding:
Birds have actively growing feathers called blood feathers. Bleeding from a broken
one is profuse. Losing more than 20% of blood will cause death.If you do not know how
to properly remove the embedded shaft, seek medical help immediately. If
your bird is injured and bleeds,apply direct pressure and use
cornstarch or
white flour as a coagulant. Only use styptic powders on toe and beak
injuries.
Avian Veterinarians
Keep the name and phone number of an avian veterinarian in your phonebook. Your local veterinarian probably does
not treat birds. You don't have time to locate one during an emergency. If you don't have the name of an avian
veterinarian, Click on the Nurse to find one now.
All you do is type in your area code and you will get
a listing of all of the avian veterinarians in your area. Use your browser's back button to return to this site.
