Household Dangers to Pet Birds

House birds are sensitive to a lot of household dangers. A bird’s small size, respiratory system, and metabolism are all factors in this danger.

Thankfully, you can prevent household accidents with your birds by being aware of these household dangers.

Nonstick Pans

Nonstick pans or pans with Teflon can be fatal. When overheated, these nonstick coatings on pans release fumes that are toxic to your birds.

Unhealthy Food

Birds can not digest foods high in sugar or salt. Avocados, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol can all be deadly to birds.

Open Water

Open water, such as toilets, can be dangerous to birds. A small birdbath or a shower perch is fine, but a full sink or bathtub can be dangerous or deadly.

Electrical Cords

Birds have been known to pick at electrical cords and uncovered outlets. This can result in electrical burns in the throat that can take months to heal. And this is if your bird even survives. Keep cords out of the reach of your birds or hide them in PVC pipe.

Poisoning

There are many toxic substances in the home that can poison birds if they ingest or breathe them in. Pesticides or insecticides are deadly, as well as bleach, ammonia, nail polish removers, paint, oven cleaner, and candles.

Ceiling Fans

If your bird has unclipped wings, ceiling fans can be dangerous. Most birds feel anxious about moving objects, and if they come in contact with one, it can harm or kill them.

Bird Toys

Be sure that any toys your parrots have can not be broken or have parts pulled off of. These pieces can become lodged in your bird’s throat or digestive tract. Rope toys especially can be dangerous as birds love to pick at the strings or frayed rope, which can tangle around your bird’s toes or neck.

Windows, Mirrors, and Doors

Birds that fly into windows can experience deadly injuries. When birds are frightened, they usually fly towards the light, and this could be a window, door, or mirror. Hitting glass at full speed can break a bird’s neck.

Bad Air Quality

Birds are sensitive to things in the air, like aerosol and cigarette smoke. Carbon monoxide is also dangerous to your birds.

Other Pets

It’s crucial to be wary of other pets in the home. You may think it’s cute for your bird to cuddle up with a cat or dog, but the prey instinct in cats especially is powerful. Even if another pet were to bite your bird, some bacteria could be fatal to your bird.