Bird Safety

There are many things in a house that can cause illness and death in birds.  One thing to keep in mind is that a birds respiratory system is much more sensitive to toxins than a humans.  Common items that can be fatal to birds include:

• Nonstick (Teflon) Cookware.  If it is overheated, it releases polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gas which is deadly to birds.  As it only takes a minute of distraction for a pan to become overheated, it may be best to avoid nonstick cookware completely if you own a bird.  Also be aware that many other items, such as space heaters and hair dryers now contain Teflon.  I have listed some interesting links on this subject below.

          Article on DuPont's Teflon.com Web page mentions threat cooking fumes pose to pet birds

          2020 News Report on Teflon Safety

          Dupont's Position Statement on the 2020 News Segment

• Air fresheners, including scented candles, plug-in and heated essential oil air fresheners could damage their lungs.  If a product has a strong scent, you generally want to keep it away from your birds.  This also includes scented cleaning products.  This also includes the product Febreeze.  Click here to see the official statement from the manufacturer on using Febreeze around birds.

• Cigarette Smoke can damage a birds lungs (Its not helping your lungs either).  

Certain food should not be given to birds as well.  These include:

• Avocado

• Chocolate

• Food containing caffeine

• Food containing alcohol

Other hazards include:

•  Ceiling fans (especially if the birds wings are not clipped)

• Windows.  A bird may may fly into it and break its neck (A good reason to have a pet birds wings clipped)

• Open containers of water, including toilets, water pitchers and sinks can be a drowning hazard.