Because our birds
are so much a part of our family, we want them with us as much as possible.
Plentiful interaction is the key to a healthy bird; however, bird owners need to
be aware that there are lurking household dangers that threaten flying pets.
Historically, the
kitchen has always been the place where families and friends like to gather, and
keeping your bird where he feels most like a part of the “flock” seems like the
ideal cage placement. Beware, though – the kitchen holds many threats to bird
health. Non-stick coatings used on cookware, stove drip pans, irons, ironing
board covers, bread makers and other household appliances emit toxic vapors when
heated. Even cookware preheated with oil, margarine, butter or other fats can
release fumes that are harmful to birds. Turning on the exhaust fan or opening
the window will help with ventilation, but a bird is safest out of the kitchen
until the cooking or ironing is done.
Cigar, cigarette
smoke, and even nicotine on your fingers can cause a bird to become ill, due to
their unique respiratory systems. Aerosol sprays of any kind are unhealthy for
the same reason.
Keep the toilet
seats down, and do not leave uncovered buckets of water while the bird is loose.
The same applies to pots of water on the stove.
Some houseplants
are toxic, if enough is ingested. Dangerous plants include dieffenbachia, cut
leaf philodendron, English ivy, mistletoe, holly berries, poinsettia, oleander,
or any bulb flower. Bird-friendly plants are aloe, palms, spider plants and most
ferns.
By using common
sense, and keeping your bird’s safety in mind at all times, you and your birds
will have a long, safe life together to enjoy the wonders of the world.