Some questions that i don't think have been asked before, and a Teflon question.

[Astrid660]

I believe that teflon is bad for people, not just birds. Canary in a coal mine anyone? If it kills them, what is it doing to us ? I use a cast iron pan and it works great for me. It's not the only thing that concerns me when I'm cooking though, if the toaster gets crumbs it starts smoking, and anything on a burner can start smoking and sends me into panic, opening windows and immediately worrying about the birds! Open pots of boiling water can be dangerous too, if your bird likes to fly around like mine do (one of my tiels always does a loop through the kitchen)

Not sure about the subway.. But bird proofing is a definite must, if you want to bring a bird into your home. It's worth it in the end.

[Sorechia]

Isn't teflon only bad if it burns?! Not just normal cooking....was also going to ask if its so bad to birds what the heck does it do to us!

[Razzle]

1. Find a vet who makes house calls or only take your bird by taxi to the vet in case of an emergency. The subway is a bad idea, you're right.

2. Put your bird into a small cage that is only just big enough to make a transport crate but is very confining, like a cat carrier. In fact, a cat carrier is perfect. Cover the cage/carrier with a thick blanket. This will also help keep out polluted air. Keep the bird indoors as much as possible, take a taxi if at all possible, and put a hot water bottle in the cage UNDERNEATH the bedding like newspaper or whatever you use so that it has access to warmth. Put your hand on the bottom of the cage and make sure it will not burn your bird. Then pray.

3. Get a hand-fed baby bird that has just been fully weaned and act completely normal when the subway goes by. If the bird freaks out, look at it and say "What's the matter? You're okay! Good baby bird!" in a soothing voice. Usually pets are not afraid of things like that if they are raised in the situation.

4. Cooking in teflon with your bird in the apartment will kill your bird. If you can't get rid of the teflon, don't get a bird. Consider spending your current dough on a new set of cookware for your mom for christmas, then save up for a bird after that. Birds will still be there.

[Razzle]

Originally Posted by Sorechia

Isn't teflon only bad if it burns?! Not just normal cooking....was also going to ask if its so bad to birds what the heck does it do to us!

Why do you think I don't cook with teflon?

[jenseits]

Up until recently, I didn't have a car either. Luckily I have friends who do, and if there had ever been an occasion where none of them could have helped, there's always a cab. That's what taxis are for, to get you where you need to go when you don't have a car and public transport isn't an option

As for the teflon, get rid of it. I've heard of way too many horror stories. And I've forgotten pans on the stove more often than I care to admit, to know that accidents can happen even with the best of intentions (all it takes is just a moment of distraction to lose your train of thought). If you get a parrot, every single person in your household needs to be committed to making the necessarily changes/sacrifices (e.g., no more teflon, no smoking indoors, no leaving windows/doors open, no more inviting over that friend who thinks it's funny to tease animals, etc). If they refuse to make those changes, please think carefully about whether it's the right time for a parrot; it could just make things hard for everybody, and the bird will be the first to suffer.

As for the vibrations, I don't think that's an issue.

[venuslovebird]

Originally Posted by Astrid660

I believe that teflon is bad for people, not just birds. Canary in a coal mine anyone? If it kills them, what is it doing to us ? I use a cast iron pan and it works great for me. It's not the only thing that concerns me when I'm cooking though, if the toaster gets crumbs it starts smoking, and anything on a burner can start smoking and sends me into panic, opening windows and immediately worrying about the birds! Open pots of boiling water can be dangerous too, if your bird likes to fly around like mine do (one of my tiels always does a loop through the kitchen)

Not sure about the subway.. But bird proofing is a definite must, if you want to bring a bird into your home. It's worth it in the end.

Actually I just read an article that came out here in Iceland about the health effects of teflon on people. It has become an increasing problem lately that people have problems concieving children and they are linking it to teflon, that it is having negative effects on sperm and eggs!

[kare_bear]

After our teflon incident my husband had difficulty breathing for several days. Even if I didnt have the birds wouldnt use it in my house.

[Flappuccino]

I agree with the other posts...

Take a taxi or have a friend drive you. Cover the cage on the way when it's cold.

NO to teflon. Too much of a risk. Not everyone will remember not to use it. Yes, it has killed under normal cooking conditions, even when bird is in another part of house.

Vibration shouldn't be too big of a problem, unless it's really loud or shaking suddenly.

[Stellas Mom]

Maybe wait a couple of years before you get one. Its a huge responsibility and you have too many obsticles right from the start. I'm just saying this because a friend had to give up a GCC and we adopted him. We didn't realize just how much it would change our lives. We had to "bird proof" our home, change our routine, make sure he's never alone for too long.. always gets nice fresh air (no drafts) fresh fruit and vegys everyday.. doubled our laundry loads and the list goes on. 10 weeks later, I wouldn't give him up for the world but boy, it completely changed our lives and it seems that with what you have said, maybe its best for you and your Mom to discuss it, make changes, buy proper cookware and btw, if she's cheap, do you realize just how much it costs to own a GCC?. Its very expensive. I can't even come up with how much money we've spent on him in 10 weeks..... This is why i'm saying... perhaps you really should wait... its not like having budgies...(with all due respect to my 2 budgies!) Just my opinion! Does anyone else agree? Wishing you the best!

[Sally]

I agree, wait to get a bird until you have transportation because emergencies can happen and you need to get there fast.

Wait until there is no more teflon also. Slowly just change over to safe pans. Better for everyone.