Confused on info

[NorriesMom]

Hi everyone! I have a new B&G macaw and, before he came home I started reading anything and everything i could get my hands on about macaws. After going to a few sites, i realized that there was ALOT of conflicting info out there. I want to do the best i can for him, but i'm confused. For example: one site said that pvc was dangerous, lots of others say its fine. Another site said that one cleaner for cages was just fine, but (almost) the next thing i read said its dangerous to birds! Agh! If i honestly followed everything he would be living in a sterile bubble..... FFIW, i use no teflon, no air fresheners, and all the other basics for birds, and i'm almost to the point of not letting my housemate put in the air conditioner after a few things i've read. Help?

[iggysbirds]

Okay let's see for cleaners I would say either GSE or vinegar in water would be the two top choices. There are others that work and on some it will depend on if the bird is in the cage while it is being cleaned, whether it will be rinsed off well before the bird comes into contact with it etc. Some cleaners would be safe if the bird was in a different cage, you took the cage outside or in a different closed off room and then rinsed it well after using the cleaner. Other cleaners are fine even if the bird is in the same room or even the cage while being cleaned, that is probably one reason why they are contradicting each other on info.

As far as PVC, it depends on the use. If you are making a playgym out of the PVC where the ends are covered etc then it is fine. If you are giving them a piece of PVC either a: the size they can get their head stuck in or b: with rough edges where they can chew off bits to possibly ingest then of course it wouldn't be safe. PVC can be harmful if swallowed (although most birds just chew it off instead of swallowing, the sharp pieces if swallowed can cut into their crop and stomach, I am not sure whether actually toxic or not) but in playgyms or toys where the ends are capped or quite smooth it seems to be fine. If you notice the ends are becoming roughened or pieces are being chewed then it of course should be taken out.

Any other contradicting info??

[NorriesMom]

iggy, Thanks for clearing that up for me! I appreciate the help
~Liz~

[Copper]

as for the air conditioner.... just make sure that he's not in direct line of it.