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The following articles and stories are here for your education and enjoyment.
The following precautions cover the most common dangers to companion birds.
*FOODS that are dangerous to birds include avocado, guacamole, chocolate,
cocoa, alcohol, caffeine, the pits of apricots, peaches, plums, prunes, and
seeds of the cherimoya fruit, as well as foods containing large amounts of
salt, sugar, grease, preservatives, artificial coloring, and other additives.
Obvious dangers such as moldy foods and under-cooked or raw meat
should be avoided. Parrots should be fed the same quality of food that is
suitable for human infants.
*PTFE treated products, such as "Teflon" and other name brands of non-stick
cookware, kill birds by releasing odorless, deadly gases when
overheated. PTFE is used in some space heaters, ranges, ovens, stove-top
burner bibs or liners, heat lamps, irons, griddles, bread makers, woks,
waffle makers, electric skillets, crock pots, popcorn poppers, coffee
makers, roasters, curling irons, hair dryers, and more. Check labels before
purchase.
*SELF CLEANING OVENS use extremely high heat to burn off oven debris.
During that process, toxic fumes are admitted and they can harm or kill parrots.
*COOKING BAGS, especially those treated with PTFE emit harmful fumes during
cooking that kill birds. Any substance that releases smoke and/or fumes
when heated should be avoided in bird homes.
*KITCHENS, especially when cooking is in progress, are unsafe for
birds. The obvious hazards of open flames, hot ranges, open pots of hot
food or boiling water are as deadly as smoke or other toxic fumes, even
from dishwashers if a plastic item falls into a heating element during the
dry cycle.
*CAGES should be made of safe metal with non-toxic paint, no sharp points that can cause injuries, proper spacing between cage bars to prevent strangulation, and no empty cup holders. Birds have been injured or killed by getting stuck in empty cup holders in cages. Use empty dishes or fill them with toys or treats, but never leave empty cup holders in a cage.
*LEG BANDS can cause the loss of toes, feet, legs and sometimes bird lives.
Microchips are a safer form of identification of lost birds. Leg bands should be
removed only by a veterinarian.
*GRIT is not necessary for parrots and can cause impaction of the digestive
system.
*IMPORTED CERAMIC CROCKS often contain toxic metals that can leach into
bird food and water. Stainless steel, Pyrex and other glass is safer.
*HALOGEN LIGHT FIXTURES such as torchier-style floor lamps create extreme
heat and can kill birds that land on them. Choose only bird-safe light
fixtures for bird homes.
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*LITTER made of walnut shells or corn cobs can cause life-threatening
impaction if ingested by birds. They also harbor fungal spores when soiled
or wet. Newspaper is safer.
*METALS such as lead, zinc, copper, and iron can cause metal toxicosis if
ingested by birds. Some sources are galvanized cage and aviary wire, house
keys, (especially gold colored keys), lead-based paints, metallic paints,
paints containing zinc, linoleum, vinyl mini-blinds, foil from champagne
and wine bottles, lead weights, bells with lead clappers, stained glass,
some improperly-glazed ceramics, costume jewelry, mirror backing, copper
pennies, zinc oxide, artist paints containing cadmium, cardboard or
paper with high gloss inks, and magnetic business cards.
*QUIK-STOP and other styptic products should never be applied to avian
skin. They are safe for bleeding toenails when broken or cut too short, but
they destroy skin. For broken or pulled blood feathers, either cornstarch
or flour are safer. Aloe gel can be applied first to help the flour or
cornstarch to adhere to the wound and to help with pain and healing.
*CATS, DOGS, FERRETS (and many other pets) are a danger to birds. The
slightest cat scratch can infect birds with Pasteurella bacteria and
immediate vet treatment is required to save the bird's life. Never allow
birds to interact with ANY pet without close supervision.
*PESTICIDE SPRAYS, NO-PEST STRIPS, AND FOGGERS poison the air and can kill
birds. Safer solutions are roach traps, ant bait, and other solid insect
poisons that can be safely secured in the back of cabinets and other areas
that are inaccessible to birds.
*FLEA COLLARS AND SPRAYS emit toxins into the air and should not be used in
bird homes. Lice shampoo also contains dangerous toxins and should never
used on birds.
*STICKY STRIPS for flying insects should always be enclosed in old cages or
other containers accessible to insects but out of the reach of birds and
other pets. Citrus oil or peanut butter can be used to safely remove sticky
substances from feathers.
*WING CLIPS should be checked on the first day of each month to prevent
flight-related accidents. Wing-clipped birds can often fly well enough to
escape so they should be protected by a harness, leash, or carrier when
taken outside.
*TRANSPARENT AND REFLECTIVE SURFACES like glass windows doors, and mirrors
should be shown to flighted birds. Many birds can be trained to avoid large
expanses of glass by repeatedly holding the bird on your hand and imitating
flight toward the glass and then lightly pressing their beak, feet, and
body against the surfaces. Decals can be used as a visible reminder.
*CEILING FANS should not be used in homes with flighted birds.
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*OTHER DANGERS to birds are open windows and doors, hot pots and stovetop
burners, open containers of water (sinks, toilets, tubs, boiling water),
poisonous or thorny houseplants, electrical wires, medication, insect bait
traps, and many other toxic substances.
*TOYS, both new and used, should be cleaned and examined for loose parts
that could lodge in a bird's throat. Loose strings and threads can trap and
cut off circulation to necks, wings, legs, and toes. Use only stainless
steel (not zinc) "quick links" as toy fasteners and never use strings,
chains or ropes long enough to wrap around a birds' neck or other body parts.
*WOOD SHAVINGS such as cedar and redwood are toxic to birds and should not
be used in cages, aviaries, or nestboxes. Newspaper is a safer cage liner
and pine or aspen shavings are safer nestbox substrate.
*PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER, conventional plywood, and particle board contain
a variety of toxic substances. Untreated pine boards are a safer choice.
*HOUSEPLANTS and fertilizer including "fertilizer spikes" can poison birds
so they should be kept out of their reach. Some of the most common
poisonous houseplants are azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, yew
plants, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), asparagus fern, daffodils, flower bulbs,
mistletoe, poinsettia, philodendron, and potato sprouts or "eyes". Choose
only non-poisonous plants for bird homes.
*CIGARETTES, CIGARS, PIPES, AND OTHER SMOKING SUBSTANCES should never be
used in air space shared by birds. Passive inhalation of smoke, including
smoke from burning incense, damages the sensitive avian respiratory system,
eyes and skin. Nicotine can settle on perches and other cage surfaces and
cause the self-mutilation of feet and legs in sensitive birds, especially
Amazon parrots.
*ESSENTIAL OILS and potpourri oils should never be used in the breathing
space of parrots. Perfume, hairspray, and other aerosolized grooming
products also can damage the avian respiratory system.
*AIR FRESHENERS, including plug-in air fresheners and scented sprays are
considered unsafe. Bird deaths from using Febreze in the home have been
reported so until new research proves it safe, do not use it in bird homes.
To safely freshen the air, simmer spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla,
and citrus rinds and provide fresh outdoor air whenever possible.
*SCENTED CANDLES release toxins when burned, so only unscented candles
should be used in bird homes. (Be aware of the open flame). Beeswax candles
are generally safe and unscented unless they are imported and contain lead
wicks.
*CARPET POWDERS AND SPRAYS such as Carpet Fresh, as well as similar
treatments for upholstery (like Febreze), often contain toxins which are
dispersed into the air when they are vacuumed so they should never be used
in bird homes. Carpets can be cleaned safely with solutions of water and
baking soda, vinegar, or Grapefruit Seed Extract.
*CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PRODUCTS like pine oil, ammonia, mold and mildew
cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, furniture polish, oven
cleaners, dishwasher detergents, furniture polish, car cleaning products,
and laundry products, including bleach, can irritate or burn the skin, eyes
and respiratory tract of birds when used in their air space. Spray starch
is also toxic to birds.
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*HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS that create fumes include fresh paint, new
carpet, drapes, furniture and flooring that uses toxic glues. The
outgassing of toxic chemicals from new furnishings, paints, solvents,
adhesives, various finishes, and other building materials are sometimes
described as the "new smell" and can damage the avian respiratory system.
*MEDICATION and natural remedies containing tea tree oil, which contains
the oil of the melaleuca tree, as well as all over-the-counter medications
should be kept out of the reach of parrots.
*MOLD on food or in the air is dangerous to parrots. Aspergillus mold can
cause the deadly disease, aspergillosis. It can grow on improperly handled
and stored foods, especially grains such as corn. Excessive moisture in
bathrooms promotes the growth of various molds in homes.
*CARBON MONOXIDE is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas produced by
furnaces and other heaters. Birds in poorly ventilated, heated areas are at
high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It robs the blood of oxygen and can
be particularly harmful to animals and humans with heart ailments when
inhaled at levels often found indoors.
*DRY CLEANED CLOTHING should be aired outside or in an airspace not shared
by birds until there is no remaining odor. The chemical "perc"
(perchloroethylene) causes cancer in lab animals.
*MOTHBALLS and moth-repellent cakes and crystals contain
paradichlorobenzene. It also is found in toilet disinfectants and in
deodorizers, and it causes cancer in lab animals.
*HUMAN SALIVA contains pathogens that are deadly to birds. Never allow a
bird to place its beak in your mouth or nose, nor to "clean your teeth".
*CLEANLINESS is important to the prevention of bacterial infections. Wash
your hands frequently when working with birds and preparing their food and
dishes.
*BOARDING BIRDS with other birds of unknown health status is an unnecessary
risk to healthy birds. It is safer to have a friend or relative come into your home or
keep your birds in their home during your absence.
*DISEASE EXPOSURE should be avoided by quarantining all new birds from your
existing flock or companion birds for one to three months. Taking birds to
pet stores, bird fairs, swap shops and other bird gatherings can expose
them to deadly, incurable diseases.
*EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS should be left with caregivers
when you're away. Leave your vet's contact information as well as hotline
numbers near the phone and advise your caregiver about potential
emergencies and what to do.
Our thanks to Carolyn Swicegood for providing the preceeding information!
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ROSIE AND GOGO'S STORY
By Kathie Miller
She seems attentive, even giving kisses between the bars of her cage. I have been told she and Gogo are a bonded pair. She is four or five, He, five or six. Most of their lives have been spent together, but they are not related. I wonder why he is in another cage across the small space from her. I find myself so enamored with the scarlet beauty; I have a little trouble turning away to look at him. She is blood red with purple around the nape of her neck and over her chest. It looks like she is wearing an apron. Her beak is jet black and she has a bright yellow stripe across her tail feathers. Stunning! I tear myself away and try to focus on him. He is pale green. His beak looks just like candy corn. Something does not seem right about him. “Why does he have those black streaks on his beak?” I ask. She does not know. To read more go to: Rosie and Gogo's Story
A Tale of Two Cockies
About eight years ago a wild Australian Sulphur Crested Cockatoo flew into a car and broke it's wing. The motorist took it to the Vet in Nerang, Queensland, who had to amputate the wing. We adoped her - for which we needed a National Parks and Wildlife permit - and kept her in a cage outside where she was often visited by wild Cockatoos. One of the things that impressed us was how she would push lettuce leaves through the bars of the cage, offering food to visitors. To read more go to: A Tale of Two Cockies
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SICK HOUSE SYNDROME
Is your home safe for parrots?
by Carolyn Swicegood
Do you and your parrots live in a safe environment? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is our worst pollution problem. Research tells us that whatever the quality of outside air, it nearly always is worse indoors, where we spend ninety percent of our time and where many of our parrots spend all of their time. A Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission has concluded that indoor air pollution accounts for fifty percent of all the illness in the United States. In one study, twenty-four percent of the people complaining of the flu actually were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning
SAFE BIRDKEEPING TIPS
By Carolyn Swicegood
From "Ask Polly Please"
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Bird owners must be aware of the dangers of Teflon (PTFE) and other name brand non-stick coatings on cookware and other items. When it is heated to medium high temperatures, it releases a gas that is deadly to birds. PTFE is also in some new appliances, space heaters, ranges, ovens, heat lamps, irons, griddles, bread makers, woks, waffle makers, electric skillets, crock pots, popcorn poppers, coffee makers, roasters, curling irons, and hair dryers, and more. Check labels before purchase.
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TIMELY TIPS FOR BIRDKEEPERS
Birdkeepers in general are amazingly devoted to the health and welfare of their avian charges. Many aviary owners devote a great deal of thought and effort into the care of their flock, including their birds diet. Although a few birdkeepers feed their birds only formulated food (pellets), the great majority of aviculturists offer a wide variety of foods in order to cover all nutritional bases and to provide their birds the enjoyment of colors, textures, and flavors in their food. A typical daily offering might include freshly sprouted seeds, grains and legumes; fresh fruits and vegetables; a variety of leafy green foods; cooked mixes of corn; beans and grains; wholegrain breads; cornbread; seed mixes; and other dried foods.
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NEW...
STALKING THE WILD PARROTS
By Sheryl Roberts
20 years ago, I bought myself a bird feeder. Then I bought a bird book. Thus began the slippery slope into birdwatching that has compelled me to troop around 3rd world countries in less than comfy conditions to look at birds.
Ok, just Costa Rica thus far, but we’re going to Panama next spring.
You would think that hiking around the rainforest looking at parrots is glamorous, but really, it’s not. Costa Rica is the jewel of Central America, but we lived on chicken, beans, rice and plaintains and took cold showers for 9 days. It wasn’t exactly a 5 star deluxe excursion. I still have a bug bite on my left elbow that hasn’t gone away in 5 months and I have scars on the back of my calves from the rubber boots I wore during what we of the Amazona Society dubbed “The Mud Walk #2.”
It was worth every inconvenience, every Bataan Death March through the secondary rainforest to look at parrots and other exotic birds. Someone once told me, seeing parrots fly in the wild changes one, and she’s right. It’s a breathtaking experience to see the birds we all love fly free. To read more go to : Stalking the Wild Parrots
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