Bird Health

Hazardous Household Items for Birds

Stacy Mantle 14 years ago

The following common household products are TOXIC and DEADLY to birds. A bird’s biology is so different from ours that things we do not even sense can and DO kill them! Remember the old “canary in the coal mine”…. Also consider: if it capable of killing our birds quickly….what is it doing to us slowly?

Read on to find a list of things you need to avoid if you have birds (or reptiles, which are also highly sensitive). This checklist is being brought to you from The Oasis Sanctuary – and they are in need of assistance.

Print this out and keep it close by, refer your family and friends to their site and let’s get these birds the help they need.

One of the main things you should avoid if you have birds (and it’s not a bad idea to avoid them in general) is:

Non-stick cookware (NOT just “Teflon” brand )

When heated, these coatings produce a CLEAR and ODORLESS gas. The only warning you have is your bird falling over dead.

Non-stick coatings are including in and on things you would not think of such as:
Toasters
Hair-dryers
Ovens (especially toaster-ovens)
Drip pans for stove burners
Baking pans
Irons
Ironing board covers

Check your house out carefully. Your bird can be in the other end of the house and still have a strong enough reaction to die!

Do not use:

Any and all aerosol sprays
Scented candles
Scented oils and air-fresheners (including those “plug in” types)
General rule of thumb….if it is a spray, keep it away from the birds.

Keep-aways:

Be careful with beads and coins which can be ingested…..they can contain toxins or can create obstructions.
Stained glass such as lamps and “sun catchers”….The leading between the glass pieces is deadly to birds!

More “Keep-aways:

Electronic parts such as old telephones and keyboards….There are copper and lead components in many electronic devices, both of which can cause poisoning of birds.

Foods not to give your bird:

Avocado – any portion including fruit, branches and leaves can be deadly.
Alcohol is no-no
No caffeine
No carbonated drinks
No milk (birds are lactose intolerant) but cheese (high is calcium!) is ok in moderation
No UN-roasted peanuts. The roasted, unsalted, human grade ones are ok – again in moderation as they are very high in fat.
No onions (not digestible)
Good foods which should comprise about 1/3 of their daily diet:
Melons and fruit
Bell peppers and vegetables
Cooked rice or pasta with veggies and garlic
“Birdy bread” (a corn-bread base with fruits and veggies and peanut butter baked into it. Experiment with joy and creativity!!!)

Must do:

Take your birds to the Avian Vet at least once a year for a thorough “Well-bird” exam.
Remember, as a flock animal, birds mask diseases until it is often too late to help them!
Put together an Avian First-aid kit. Talk to your Vet about what you should have on hand.
Plan for emergencies and for the future!
Keep a carrier ready and handy in case of fire, flood or other emergency “quick exit” from your home.
Have someone you can call to take care of your bird if you are in an accident or stranded away from home. Keep that number in your wallet!
Post a sign on your front and back doors or windows saying:
“FIREMAN! ___ # of Birds inside!”
If you have cats or dogs etc post their info on this sign as well.
Put together a Will including your beloved animals.
Post this information on your fridge.
The Life You Save Could Be Theirs!

The Oasis relies on you for support, so why not donate now? Visit The Oasis Sanctuary now and learn what they’re doing to make this world a better place for our feathered friends.