Being Safe

[Monica]

Brought to you by Harrison's Handbook For a Healthier Bird.

SIGNS OF AN EMERGENCY
Loss of Appetite
Vomiting
Breathing Difficulty
Weight Loss
Abdominal Swelling
Weakness
Broken Bone
Depression
Signs of Burns
Seizures
Regurgitation
Excessive Sleeping
Loss of Balance
Paralysis
Prolapsed Cloaca
Diarrhea or Unusual Droppings
Coughing, Sneezing, Wheezing
Favoring One Leg or Wing
Bleeding or Other Signs of Trauma
Listlessness and Not Playing
Sitting on Cage Bottom
Feathers "All Puffed Up"


CHECKLIST: Your Bird's Living Environment
HOUSING: It is your responsibility to make sure your bird's living environment is safe. Since birds are naturally curious you will need to take extra steps to assure it will not be able to access dangerous materials or be exposed to dangerous situations.

SUNLIGHT UV: Provide adequate unfiltered sunlight and shade. Allow outdoor sunlight (not through glass) for a minimum of 20 minutes a week. Sun replacement lamps are necessary for birds in areas where sun is not accessible.

TEMPERATURE: Regulate temperatures between 65° and 85° F (18° and 30° C).

HUMIDITY: Birds in dry climates or under artificial heat need the humidity artificially elevated. 50% is ideal.

PREDATORS: Animals such as cats, dogs, snakes etc. should be strictly kept out of the bird's environment.

CLEANLINESS: Clean the bird's living space regularly. Do not allow dust, rust, old feces, etc to exist in this space. Make sure cleaning supplies are bird-safe. Soap and water are the standards.

SMOKE: Do not smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes in homes that have pet birds.

ZINC: Avoid zinc toxicity by not using galvanized wire for cages or toys.

CHANGES: Allow pet birds to acclimate to new environments. Reduce factors that may contribute to stress during times of change.


SAFETY FIRST!
Prevent birds access to the following items:
٠hot cooking oil
٠overheated items with non-stick surfaces (polytetrafluroethelyne)
٠ceiling fans
٠leg chains
٠sandpaper-covered perches
٠tobacco and cigarette smoke
٠chocolate, avocado
٠salt
٠alcohol
٠toxic houseplants
٠pesticides
٠easily dismantled toys
٠dogs, cats, ferrets and young children
٠cedar, redwood and pressure treated shavings
٠lead or zinc, found in chrome and galvanized metals
٠paper towel rools (source of zinc)


COMMON HOUSEHOLD POISONS
A chemical called polytetrafluroethelyne (commonaly known surface material of non-stick pans) is a common cause of emergency treatment of pet birds. Birds are particularly sensitive to the fumes produced when a household appliance with the non-stick surface is overheated. Some treated appliances include cooking utensils, range drip pans, irons, ironing board covers, heat lamps and reverse cycle air conditioning units.

There is recent evidence to suggest that solid air fresheners (both plug-in and stand-alone types) and scented candles may also contribute to inhalation toxicity in birds. Dry carpet cleaning powders that are sprinkled on the floor are another source of poison to your pets.


TAKING THE MAGNET TEST
Iron tends to rust. To avoid this, coating (galvanizing) iron with a layer of inert metal like zinc and/or lead alloys was developed. These alloys prevent rust but they can be chipped off or worn out over time. Birds that ingest galvanized metal are exposed to toxic levels of lead and/or zinc. As a result of laysuits, most cages no longer hae zinc in their coating. Stainless steel of the highest quality is non magnetic while iron coating by galvanization remains magnetic. So if an item (chain, bell, link) will attach to a magnet, then remove that item and replace it with stainless steel, leather, hemp or cotton rope.



*NOTE: You should know your birds and know what is normal to them. What may be normal for them may be a problem in other birds. If you are unsure what is normal or see a problem in your pet bird(s), speak with an avian veterinarian immediately or as soon as possible. If your bird(s) is sick you need to take it to an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. We may be able to advice what to do in the meantime, however we cannot diagnose what a bird needs without seeing it, and we are not vets so we cannot diagnose them, either.

[ml2feathers]

:eusa_clap That was VERY,good info to share with us all here.Thankyou!!! I my self printed it,and put in my good info book on birds. Cheif Run A muck :icon_smil

[Monica]

You are welcome! LOL, twas a bunch of fun typin it! Couldn't keep the book open.. Anyway, I think this might be something we should put in the FAQ's section maybe???