Dangers To Birds

NON STICK COATING can be found on many surfaces including but not limited to pans, coffee pots, grills, self-cleaning ovens, stoves etc. Overheating, which can occur rapidly, causes fumes which break down the tissues in the birds air sac and causes them to suffocate very quickly. It’s best to use cookware that is said to be safe such as stainless steel, glass, aluminum, copper, corning ware, and cast iron. See this article for more information: BIRD SAFE COOKWARE

CARBON MONOXIDE can be dangerous to birds. Watch gas stoves, unvented kerosene heaters, gas dryers, cars idling in the garage, improperly vented fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, generators etc.

SUN: Sun is good for birds you just have to be careful they have a way to get out of direct sun if they get to hot.

FUMES: Birds are sensitive to strong smells such as perfume, room sprays, plug in, candles, strong smelling soap and shampoos, aluminum foil, smelling oils... with some items like candles it’s not just the smell but the soot and Co2 they put off. Battery operated candles are a good alternative. Even SELF CLEANING ovens heat to a high temperature causes the metal release toxins. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH AND MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS.

FOODS: Avocado, Rhubarb Leaves, Chocolate, Cocoa, Onions, Garlic, Alcohol, Dairy, Tobacco, Caffeine, carbonated Drinks, Mushrooms, Salt, raw meat, dried fruits that contain sulfites,  Apple Seeds and PITS FROM Apricots, Cherries, Nectarines, Peaches and Plums. Watermelon is not good for Toucans.

PLANTS- Not all but a few to remember that are common in the house. Check with your Avian Vet or a local nursery about others:

Amaryllis Azalea

Black Locust Boxwood

Calla Lilly Caladium

Castor Bean Cherry Tree

Daffodil Delphinium

Dieffenbachia Holly

Hydrangea Iris

Ivy Lantana

Lily of the Valley Lobelia

Morning Glory Oleander

Poinsettia Privet

Rhododendron Rhubarb

Sweet Pea Wisteria

Yews

 

SPRAYS & INSECTISIDES: Birds are more sensitive to these than people. Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly and peel if necessary before giving to your birds. Use caution using ant & roach baits.

Other things: Pennies, Mothballs, Bread Dough, Moldy Food, Batteries, to name a few

IS MY BIRD SICK

It’s not uncommon for a bird to be sick and the owner never have a clue as they are prey animals and often hide their sickness until it is too late. Stress can lead to behavior problems as well as sickness so please take steps to avoid stress. If they are showing any of the below signs or any concerning behavior don’t hesitate to take them to the veterinarian right away. These can be signs of stress but also of a sick bird.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

  • Sleeping excessively
  • Sitting fluffy and/or depressed
  • Sudden thrashing around the cage
  • Plucking or chewing on its feathers
  • Not eating well or eating too much
  • Change in droppings

Please note that if a bird is showing any of the above signs, they could be sick and requiring a Veterinarian’s care. Do not assume your bird is stressed as many of these signs also indicate a sick bird.