Update on Zinc Poisoning

[Luvmygreys]

The vet called me today with the blood zinc levels in my beloved U2 Baby Doodles. Ranges Low to High are: 0.8 - 2.5. Baby Doodles levels were 6.5. She gave me the name of a doctor and state lab to test his bird cage that was purchased from a very large local pet store. The test won't bring Baby Doodles back but I need to find the cause and of course, not sell the cage or put another bird in it........I talked with state doctor today, he asked if the metal in the cage was galvanized....I haven't a clue but will find out through testing.....I've removed everything from all my cages that are not stainless steel and have learned the hard way how much more informed I need to be in protecting these creatures that I love. This doctor will be in India the next 3 wks, working on the Avian Bird Flu, but has assured me he will help me find the source of the Heavy Metal Poisoning....Who ever would of thought a cage from a Pet Store would harm a bird....Or a toy from the same store....

[Lori L]

I have also heard that the cement perches can have a zinc rod through them, check into this

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I'm not sure on this one, but I believe that the metal actually needs to be injested in order for it to cause harm...There have been stories of birds injesting staples that have succommed to zinc poisoning. Other places could be bread twist ties...


I am so very sorry that this has happenned.

[Lori L]

I read on another board that someone's bird died from either lead or zinc poisoning from the rod that is used in a cement perch. They had it tested

[Sugarcat]

I'm so sorry about your loss :( I I've been worried lately myself about Zinc - I found an *awesome* bird store recently, and the owner was telling me that one of the "major bird cage manufacturers" is being sued - over zinc. I can't remember the exact numbers, but the amount of Zinc found in these cages was *astoundingly* higher than "acceptable levels". Sadly..he refused to tell me WHO the manufacturer was, due to "ongoing litigation". I know it's not Kings, or HQ, because he's still selling those...and I asked about YML cages, and he said I was good w/ those (demsondpetdepot sells those cages).
I'm actually going in tomorrow to buy 2 new cages for my new greys, and putting my other birds in their cages - so I don't have to use the Midwest cages for *any* bird....My quaker is in a Prevue "macaw" cage right now, and eating the paint - so I'll ask the store owner tomorrow if it's safe for the tiels (the handicapped , one-legged ones that don't mind the wider bar spacing)
I find it completely & totally frightening that a maker of bird cages could be using Zinc.... :(

Wendy...back to lurkdom

[Luvmygreys]

Originally Posted by jetanlori

I have also heard that the cement perches can have a zinc rod through them, check into this

Are you referring to the Calcium Perch like this? If I have succesfully uploaded the pic, you can clearly see the rod sticking out...

[Luvmygreys]

Originally Posted by Sugarcat

I'm so sorry about your loss :( I I've been worried lately myself about Zinc - I found an *awesome* bird store recently, and the owner was telling me that one of the "major bird cage manufacturers" is being sued - over zinc. I can't remember the exact numbers, but the amount of Zinc found in these cages was *astoundingly* higher than "acceptable levels". Sadly..he refused to tell me WHO the manufacturer was, due to "ongoing litigation". I know it's not Kings, or HQ, because he's still selling those...and I asked about YML cages, and he said I was good w/ those (demsondpetdepot sells those cages).
I'm actually going in tomorrow to buy 2 new cages for my new greys, and putting my other birds in their cages - so I don't have to use the Midwest cages for *any* bird....My quaker is in a Prevue "macaw" cage right now, and eating the paint - so I'll ask the store owner tomorrow if it's safe for the tiels (the handicapped , one-legged ones that don't mind the wider bar spacing)
I find it completely & totally frightening that a maker of bird cages could be using Zinc.... :(

Wendy...back to lurkdom

How is one to know what metal lurks undneath the paint of a bird cage.....I wish we could get the makers of Stainless Steel cages to come down on their prices......The prices are astronomical, but not as expensive as the Vet Bills and still loosing your loved one........

[The Outlaw]

I highly doubt that its the cage, but that perch speaks volumes. I'm beginning to think that toos and ekkies are especially at high risk for zinc poisoning. Maybe they just chew on metal more, who knows.

Did your bird have any bells in the cage? The clackers have been killing birds for years with zinc toxicosis. When you buy bird toys, you need to be sure the bells are safe or else remove them.