Written by David Maclin

Your home probably contains some of the most deadly toxins known and unknown. Unfortunately many pet birds have suddenly met their demise from being exposed to things that would seem harmless.

Before detectors were invented, people used birds for early warning of toxins within the air. Miners would keep a canary in a cage near and if the canary suddenly died, they knew it was time to leave that area immediately or suffer the same fate.

A rather large amount of energy is required for a bird to fly. Because of this, the birds lungs have to be extremely fast and efficient to move enough oxegen through to the blood stream. Their lungs have very little defense against toxins, and unfortunately it only takes a tiny amout of toxic material to kill them. When exposed they usually die in a very short time, with very little or no warning.

IF YOU SMOKE:
Never touch your bird without washing your hands, and if you give your bird kisses, brush your teeth and lips well. Cigarette smoke contains quite large amounts of lethal toxins which can get on your birds feet and feathers. NEVER smoke around a bird. You might say you have many times but not only can you give your bird cancer, the right concentration of cigarette smoke can sign its death warrant and it could die in a matter of minutes.

IF YOU DONT SMOKE:
Never touch your bird without washing your hands, and if your bird kisses, brush your teeth and lips. Your hands can still contain literally thousands of dangerous germs. Its better safe than sorry.

COOKWARE:
As a rule of thumb, Non-Stick cookware, teflon coated, and most galvanized are a no-no. As non-stick surfaces are heated they produce tiny amounts of toxic fumes including hydroflouric acid which can kill your bird. We have reverted to strictly aliminum, glass, and iron. Also many surfaces you would not expect like ceramic flat top stoves, toasters, waffle irons, electric skillets, ironing board covers, electric griddles, the list goes on and on. If you must use these be sure to turn on the vent-a-hood fan and open some windows. If your bird is near the kitchen, temporarily move it to a well ventilated area.

Cleaning Supplies:
There are so many that we will be better to say ALL HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TOXIC. If chemical cleaners are a must, move your bird to another part of the house while in use, and always well ventilate before returning it.

Cage Cleaning:
Always be sure to rinse off cleaners with hot water and allow to dry completely before returning the bird to the cage. Also it is important to disinfect the cage. We wipedown the cages with a hot wet washcloth, change food, clean food as well as water bowl, daily, and do a complete cage washdown every Saturday. It keeps the cages looking new and spiffy, while making sure the birds have a clean safe living condition.

Candles and Deoderizers:
To be safe, dont use any at all. The list on this is so long it would take days to read them all.

For more information please visit the following pages:

List of Articles from About.com

Non toxic cleaners

Home Safety Hazards

News article of interest

Another bird safety article