Comprehensive List of Parrot Precautions & Safety

[Skyebirdsmom]

[color=Blue]Parrot Precautions and Safety Alerts
by Carolyn Swicegood
List owner, The Eclectus Connection
Join the world's largest Eclectus Email list here:
http://www.landofvos.com/tec.html

*FOODS that are dangerous to birds include avocado, guacamole,
chocolate, cocoa, alcohol, caffeine, the pits of apricots, peaches,
plums, prunes, and seeds of the cherimoya fruit, as well as foods
containing large amounts of salt, sugar, grease, preservatives,
artificial colors, and other additives. Obvious dangers such as moldy
foods and under-cooked or raw meat should be avoided. (Never give a
parrot any food unsuitable for a human infant).

*PTFE treated products, such as Teflon and other name brands of
non-stick cookware kill birds by releasing odorless, deadly gases when
overheated. PTFE is used in some space heaters, ranges, ovens,
stove-top burner bibs or liners, heat lamps, irons, griddles, bread
makers, woks, waffle makers, electric skillets, crock pots, popcorn
poppers, coffee makers, roasters, curling irons, hair dryers, and
more. Check labels before you purchase.

*SELF-CLEANING OVENS use extremely high heat to burn off oven debris,
and in the process create toxic fumes that can harm or kill parrots.

*COOKING BAGS, especially those treated with PTFE, can emit harmful
fumes during cooking that kill birds. Any substance that releases
smoke and/or fumes when heated should be avoided in bird homes. Smoke
detectors in homes save both human and pet lives.

*KITCHENS, especially when cooking is in progress, are unsafe for
birds. The obvious hazards of open flames, hot ranges, open pots of
hot food or boiling water are as deadly as smoke or other toxic fumes,
even from dishwashers if a plastic item falls into a heating element
during the dry cycle.

*GRIT is not necessary for parrots and can cause impaction of the
digestive system.

*IMPORTED CERAMIC CROCKS often contain toxic metals that can leach
into bird food and water. Stainless steel, Pyrex and other glass is safer.

*HALOGEN LIGHT FIXTURES such as torchier-style floor lamps create
extreme heat and can kill birds that land on them. Choose only
bird-safe light fixtures for bird homes.

*LITTER made of walnut shells or corn cobs can cause life-threatening
impaction if ingested by birds. They also harbor fungal spores when
soiled or wet. Newspaper is a safer cage liner.

*METALS such as lead, zinc, copper, and iron can cause metal toxicosis
if ingested by birds. Some sources are house keys, (especially gold
colored keys), galvanized wire, lead-based paints, metallic paints,
paints containing zinc, linoleum, vinyl mini-blinds, foil from
champagne and wine bottles, lead weights, bells with lead clappers,
stained glass, some improperly-glazed ceramics, costume jewelry,
mirror backing, copper pennies, zinc oxide, artist paints containing
cadmium, and cardboard or paper with high gloss inks. Aviary wire
treated with zinc is also dangerous.

*QUIK-STOP and other styptic products should never be applied to avian
skin. They are safe for bleeding toenails when broken or cut too
short, but they destroy skin. For broken or pulled blood feathers,
either cornstarch or flour are safer. Aloe gel can be applied first to
help the flour or cornstarch to adhere to the wound and to help with
pain and healing.

*CATS, DOGS, FERRETS (and many other pets) are a danger to birds. The
slightest cat scratch can infect birds with Pasteurella bacteria and
immediate vet treatment is required to save the bird's life. Never
allow birds to interact with ANY pet without close supervision.

*FLEA COLLARS AND SPRAYS emit toxins into the air and should not be
used in bird homes. Lice shampoo also contains dangerous toxins and
should never used on birds.

*PESTICIDE SPRAYS, NO-PEST STRIPS, AND FOGGERS poison the air and can
kill birds. Safer solutions are roach traps, ant bait, and other
solid insect poisons that can be safely secured in the back of
cabinets and other areas that are inaccessible to birds.

*STICKY STRIPS for flying insects should always be enclosed in old
cages or other containers accessible to insects but out of the reach
of birds and other pets. Citrus oil or peanut butter can be used to
safely remove sticky substances from feathers.

*WING CLIPS should be checked on the first day of each month to
prevent flight-related accidents. Wing-clipped birds can often fly
well enough to escape so they should be protected by a harness, leash,
or carrier when taken outside.

*TRANSPARENT AND REFLECTIVE SURFACES like glass windows doors, and
mirrors should be shown to flighted birds. Many birds can be trained
to avoid large expanses of glass by repeatedly holding the bird on
your hand and imitating flight toward the glass and then lightly
pressing their beak, feet, and body against the surfaces. Decals can
be used as a visible reminder.

*CEILING FANS should not be used in homes of flighted birds.

*OTHER DANGERS to birds are open windows and doors, hot pots and stove
burners, open containers of water (sinks, toilets, tubs, boiling
water), poisonous or thorny houseplants, electrical wires, medication,
insect bait traps, and many other toxic substances.

*TOYS, both new and used, should be cleaned and examined for loose
parts that could lodge in a bird's throat. Loose strings and threads
can trap and cut off circulation to necks, wings, legs, and toes. Use
only stainless steel (not zinc) 'quick links' as toy fasteners and
never use strings, chains or ropes long enough to wrap around a birds'
neck or other body parts.

*WOOD SHAVINGS such as cedar and redwood are toxic to birds and should
not be used in cages, aviaries, or nestboxes. Newspaper is a safer
cage liner and pine or aspen shavings are safer nestbox substrate.

*TREATED WOODS like pressure treated lumber, conventional plywood, and
particle board contain a variety of toxic substances. Untreated pine
boards are a safer choice.

*HOUSEPLANTS AND FERTILIZER including 'fertilizer spikes' can poison
birds so they should be kept out of their reach. Some of the most
common poisonous houseplants are azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago
palm, yew plants, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), asparagus fern,
daffodils, flower bulbs, mistletoe, poinsettia, philodendron, and
potato sprouts or 'eyes'. Choose only non-poisonous plants for bird
homes.

*CIGARETTES, CIGARS, PIPES, AND OTHER SMOKING SUBSTANCES should never
be used in air space shared by birds. Passive inhalation of smoke,
including smoke from burning incense, damages the sensitive avian
respiratory system, eyes and skin. Nicotine can settle on perches and
other cage surfaces and cause the self-mutilation of feet and legs in
sensitive birds, especially Amazon parrots.

*ESSENTIAL OILS and potpourri oils should never be used in the
breathing space of parrots. Perfume, hairspray, and other aerosolized
grooming products can damage the avian respiratory system.

*AIR FRESHENERS, including plug-in air fresheners and scented sprays
are considered unsafe for birds. Avian deaths following the use of
Febreze in the home have been reported so until new research proves it
safe, do not use it in bird homes. To safely freshen the air, simmer
spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and citrus rinds on the
stovetop and provide fresh outdoor air whenever possible.

*SCENTED CANDLES release toxins when burned, so only unscented candles
should be used in bird homes. (Be aware of the open flame). Beeswax
candles are generally safe and unscented unless they are imported.
Lead wicks are dangerous and illegal in the United States so do not
buy imported candles unless they are labeled 'lead free'.

*CARPET POWDERS AND SPRAYS such as 'Carpet Fresh', as well as similar
treatments for upholstery (such as Febreze), often contain toxins
which are dispersed into the air when they are vacuumed so they should
never be used in bird homes. Carpets and upholstery can be cleaned
safely with solutions of water and baking soda, vinegar, or Grapefruit
Seed Extract.

*CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PRODUCTS like pine oil, ammonia, mold and
mildew cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, furniture
polish, oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, furniture polish, car
cleaning products, and laundry products, including bleach, can
irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract of birds when
used in their air space. Spray starch is also toxic to birds.

*HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS that create fumes include fresh paint, new
carpet, drapes, furniture and flooring that uses toxic glues. The
outgassing of toxic chemicals from new furnishings, paints, solvents,
adhesives, various finishes, and other building materials are
sometimes described as the 'new smell' and can damage the avian
respiratory system.

*(Continued)

[Skyebirdsmom]

[quote=Skyebirdsmom]Parrot Precautions and Safety Alerts
by Carolyn Swicegood
List owner, The Eclectus Connection
http://www.landofvos.com/tec.html

Part 2---
MEDICATION AND TEA TREE OIL REMEDIES should be kept out of the reach
of parrots. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.

*MOLD, whether ingested or inhaled, is dangerous to birds. Aspergillus
mold can cause aspergillosis, a serious disease of the respiratory
tract. It can grow on foods, including corn and peanuts, that are
improperly handled or stored. Excessive moisture in bathrooms and
other damp areas promotes the growth of various molds in homes.

*CARBON MONOXIDE is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas produced by
furnaces and other heaters. Birds in poorly ventilated, heated areas
are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. It robs the blood of oxygen
and can be particularly harmful to birds.

*DRY-CLEANED CLOTHING should be aired outside or in an airspace not
shared by birds until no odor remains. The chemical 'perc'
(perchloroethylene) causes cancer in lab animals.

*MOTHBALLS and moth-repellent cakes and crystals contain
paradichlorobenzene which also is found in toilet disinfectants and in
deodorizers causes cancer in lab animals. Do not use in air space
shared by birds.

*DISEASE EXPOSURE should be avoided by quarantining all new birds from
your existing flock or companion birds for one to three months. Taking
birds to pet stores, bird fairs, swap shops and other bird gatherings
can expose them to deadly, incurable diseases.

*HUMAN SALIVA contains pathogens that are dangerous to birds. Never
allow a bird to place its beak in your mouth, nor in your nose, of course.

*CLEANLINESS is important to the prevention of bacterial infections.
Wash your hands frequently when working with birds and handling their
food and dishes. Disease transmission can be avoided by using
common-sense hygiene.

*BOARDING BIRDS with other birds of unknown health status is an
unnecessary risk to healthy parrots. It is safer to have a friend or
relative come into your home or keep your birds in their home during
your absence.

*EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND AVIAN FIRST AID KITS AND INSTRUCTIONS
should be left with caregivers when you are away. Leave your vet's
contact numbers and all emergency instructions near your phone. Advise
your caregiver about what to do in case of emergency.

This list of precautions cannot possibly cover every danger to birds
but these are the most common pitfalls to avoid. Print this list for
your bird sitter and add to it any other dangers that are unique to
your situation.

[janevhfla]

thanks for that list it is very helpful to me as iam a new mother of a CAG..KODIE and as a new mother i woldnt want anything to happen to my baby...so thanks again for the list

[HareTrinity]

I'm always impressed by the amount of time and effort those here are willing to put into the well-being of their birds.

Not only is it responsible, but since being able to relate well to other people shows intelligence, I always took it that being able to relate to others regardless of species was even better, and I respect those who manage it.

Well done. Makes coming here a pleasure. [Insert :) here]

[Birdmaniac1990]

You can feeed parots baby food!

[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by Birdmaniac1990

You can feeed parots baby food!

Yes you can feed birds baby foods, but the cereals in boxes contain too much iron. They are labeled "enriched" and that is the tip off.
Linda & HRC~

[Stasia]

I know this is an older post, but I just wanted to say thanks for posting this in the forum! As a person who is new to being a bird owner, I found this list very helpful! :)

Stasia

[The Outlaw]

As Linda kindly pointed out, this was printed from Carolyn Swicegood's Land Of Vos site. I encourage ALL bird owners to visit that site and read EVERYTHING. Carolyn has provided the most comprehensive site for parrot tips that I've ever seen. I discovered it in 2000 when I dragged my first Ekkie home. That's when Carolyn and I became friends. She's simply the best. Can't say enough good things about her. She is also our own in-house Eclectus Expert.

www.landofvos.com

THE OUTLAW

[Boe]

I had built my flight cage from 1/2 X3 wire I assumed it was galvanized. I puchased it from a company called Safeco I don't know if they still exsit. I had English Budgies I never had a problem with the health of the birds. I also had purchased metal cage fronts. Maybe I was lucky or maybe they used another process simular to galvinizing that isn't harmful. Either way there were no fatalities thank goodness. Breeders in the area I have visited Have there outside flights made from wire purchased at local agway or hardware stores that I know is galvanized. Is it something they have to ingest or is it mere contact that is harmful.

[Ashling]

So... many... dangers... *curls up in a corner*
Yes we have to be very careful don't we!!!