do you break any bird rules?

[felisdomesticus]

we all know what we should avoid--but have you tried to bend that line?

I was heartened to see that Outlaw uses Swiffer WetJet in a closed home b/c I felt so guilty when I used mine--and that was with open windows and exhaust fans!

My worst violation of bird rules would be burning candles. I do in my front room and bathroom when she is on the other side of the house in her cage with the door closed. They are made locally with only beeswax, fragrance oil, and non-lead wicks. My boyfriend is happy to have Scar around b/c my candle stock lasts so much longer b/c I won't burn them when she is with us on her boing.

Does anyone else break the rules? Or am I just a horrible owner?

[Samm]

I break the candle rule too, I've been using candles since before I've had birds. I don't burn candles right next to the cages, but I do burn them in the same room. I use vanilla scent or cinnamon, or citrus......anything that not annoying on the nose.....

I do not use any cleaners with ammonia or chlorine, however. I use citrus based cleaners, one of which is called Orange Blast. works really good.
Cuts grease real well and also bird poop.

[Monica]

I've heard Orange Blast, and we've used something that was orange base.... smelled good!

We don't normally have candles here to burn, but they have been burnt in the past. We don't have ammonia products (I hate that stuff!) but we do have other normal household cleaners. Cologne and perfume are used here often (cologne far more than needed!!! it'll choke you! I don't use perfume, but on the occasional outing, a very rare one, I'll use a small amount of body mist), there is a smoker here in the house, there have been on occasions things plugged into the walls (sort of plug it ins...) to freshen the air, among other things...

Basically, it's just a normal household here.... everything and everyone, except for myself... and so as far as anything, my birds are kept in my room with the door shut 24/7, nothing is allowed in the room that would give off a scent (that is, unless it's on someone, though I don't even like that), and nothing is allowed to be burned in my room (got really pissed one night when I walked in and smelled sulfur from a wooden match).

[Tiki]

I love good designer perfume, but I don't put it on until I am just ready to leave the house so the birds don't have to smell it on me.

[featherduster]

I do break the teflon rule. I do make sure the pan is never over heated and the exhaust fan is always on when I cook. (which isn't veery often,,LOL)

[Monica]

I often wonder how many people have teflon pans, and how many people have hard anodized aluminum pans... as from my understanding both are nonstick but one is far more toxic than the other (and yes, I've gotten my head "chewed off" a couple of times for thinking that the hard anodized aluminum pans don't have any chemical agents related to teflon in them...)

[poi_lover]

I have a set of stainless pans. I finally went out and bought a cast iron pan about a month ago. It works great and food doesn't stick like it does with my stainless.

I do use Clorox Clean-Up in my bathrooms. However, I dilute it well and leave the door closed and the fan running when I use it. I also put a towel under the door. That way, the only one that dies from the fumes is me!

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by poi_lover

I also put a towel under the door. That way, the only one that dies from the fumes is me!

OMG isn't that the truth??!! I close myself in the bathroom when I use it and WOW does that do a job on my lungs!!! Instant asthma attack.

[kathleen]

Originally Posted by featherduster

I do break the teflon rule. I do make sure the pan is never over heated and the exhaust fan is always on when I cook. (which isn't veery often,,LOL)

Since everyone else in confessing...I am very guilty to this one but I also break the no kissing rule. I can't help it, Pumpkin is so cute, I have to kiss him up.

[Stizby]

I allow all of my birds, except Cooper, up on my shoulder even though I know I am not "supposed" to. I just don't quite trust letting him up there yet.....And yes, I also break the kissing rule all the time -- daily in fact!!!