Getting New Carpet -- What Arrangements???

[Xray Susie]

We are getting new carpet in our living room, foyer, hallway and stairs. Sydney's cage is in the living room. I was wondering if the new carpet would pose a respiratory danger to him.

I have a smaller cage that I can bring into the room, so he can get used to it. Then we can put that cage (and Sydney) in our bedroom upstairs. But, I guess he would have to STAY in the bedroom, and not come out into the kitchen because it's downstairs.

How have any of you dealt with new carpet installation?

[DarwinTheSun]

This is tough! I moved in about a month after new carpet was down, but it was well ventilated before. I know that (at least some) carpets off gas formaldehyde. You might want to check with the company about kinds of carpets and get one that does not. Or see if there is an area that you could air it out for a while to get rid of the gas?
Sorry I am not more help!

[texbird]

yes new carpets do give off gases, it varies by brand and materials.there ARE carpets that give off less, especially wools, the synthetics are the worst

its that "new house' smell

it can take quite a while for gasing to stop especially if there is little outside air going thru

If at all possible i would leave windows on opposite sides of the house open as much as possible if weather permits, until that new carpet smell is gone. keep bird in another room. but most air systems circulate all the same air to all the rooms

However, I cannot say how much gas is dangerous or if a typical new carpet is really a serious bird problem...

[Matt]

Tell them to air out the carpets for a few days before they install as well. If you say you have a kid or niece, etc. that has severe allergies to new carpets they should do it for you. I hate telling lies but better than having fids get sick or worse.

[texbird]

In college I worked in a store that sold carpet. I seriously doubt they would air it out for you there. Space is at a premium and there is usually no room to lay out carpet. Wouldnt hurt to ask I guess.

Your installers might be willing to deliver it a couple days early and lay it out in your back yard, sunny spot is best. They might charge for the extra trip. Of course this also makes it exposed to bird droppings, rain, dust, bugs, pollen, etc...

[dancelady]

I don't think that a couple days of airing out will make it any safer for the bird. It will take longer than that to de-gas the carpet. If you can't get it thoroughly aired out beforehand, then I would put the bird out in another place (like at your mother's house or whatever) or put into a sitter's house for a week or so to avoid the respiratory problem that will occur. Unless you are putting in an unusual carpet, then it can hurt or kill the bird. Don't take chances, just putting the bird upstairs won't keep the gas from making it upstairs. You need a stronger way to protect the bird -- do you have a garage or separate place that can be set up to stay [warm or cold] to put the bird in for a while?

Dancelady