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| The
Bitter Taste of Poor Quality Lingers |
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10 Household Dangers to Pet Birds 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 parrots,
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 which 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 (when overheated)
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 (there is some debate about how toxic
avocado is - better safe than sorry). 5)
Electrical Cords
Birds
explore with their beaks, and exposed electrical cords pose a danger
if bitten. Keep cords and appliances away from the bird cage, 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 parrots may not be safe for them. Make sure your
parrots (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
parrots 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 who 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.
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© 2001 Fantastic Feathers All Rights Reserved. |
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