Household Dangers

If your parrot is housed indoors then there are many hazards you must be aware of in order to make your home a bird safe environment. Parrots have an extremely complex respiratory system, very different to that of our own, and are therefore much more susceptible to any sprays, fumes or poisons. For Example:

• Fumes given off by an over heated or burning Teflon pan are toxic to birds and can kill them almost instantly
• Plug in air fresheners, incense, and most household deodorizers
• Fly sprays, hair sprays and toilet sprays
• Cigarette smoke
• Very clean windows, birds can't see them and can injure themselves by crashing into them at high speed
• Be aware of young children with birds. They must be closely supervised at all times as birds do not respond well to the stress involved in a child innocently handling a parrot too roughly
• Ceiling fans
• Other household pets
• Cockroach and mice baits

Naming only a few. It is our responsibility to be vigilant at all times to ensure our parrot's environment is a safe one for them to live in.

Teflon poisoning

Teflon poisoning is a rapid and lethal gaseous intoxication that can affect all birds. This occurs when cookware is left on the stove and overheats. Overheating causes teflon to produce a gas called Polytetrafluoroethylene. This gas is not harmful to larger animals but due to the parrots complex respiratory system, it will kill them almost instantly. Parrots suffering a severe case of PTFE poisoning may drop from their perch or display signs of respiratory distress such as open-mouth breathing or tail bobbing. You may hear the parrot breathing loudly, gasping for air and death is often inevitable. Parrot owners should avoid using teflon pans or other teflon items in the home. We use Scanpan™ cookware, however there are many safe alternatives such as stainless steel. The more we can do to keep our kids safe in the home, the better.

Some toxic or deadly plants

Here is a list of some plants which may or will be harmful or deadly to your parrot. It always pays to research the plants and branches you give your birds before you put them in their cages.