Pacific Crest: The Cockatiel Resource




				Avian Safety Issues Dangers lurk in our home environments. Problem is, some of them are specific to birds, and their owners don't take notice of them. So here are some tips on thinking in terms of bird safety.



				Many houseplants are toxic to our feathered pals (here's partial listing). However, remember that many plants, while not toxic to your pet, are not meant to be eaten. If a 'tiel nibbles on them, that's fine, but just because a plant isn't toxic does not suggest that it is a food item. Also consider that insecticides and other chemicals (such as fertilizers) applied to your plants makes them obviously items you'll want to keep away from pet birds. Avocado skins and pits are toxic, as are caffine and chocolate. Yes, however tempting it may be to have a chocoholic 'tiel, don't let her have the stuff. Birds' respiratory systems are the most efficient in the animal kingdom; unfortunately, this means that they are among the most susceptible to airborne pollutants (yep: the canaries in the mines). The fumes in many household cleaning products, insecticides, etc. can be deadly, and non-stick coatings can produce toxic fumes for birds when overheated (it breaks down into gases at 621F), polytetraflouroethylene gas, or PTFE. Since your cockatiel can drown in small amounts of water, narrow glasses, buckets, and uncovered toilet bowls are a danger as well. Also figure that if your bird's wings aren't clipped, there exist another set of potential problems; for example, uncovered windows, if flown into, can kill. We greatly suggest wing clipping. It doesn't hurt, isn't even permanent (birds molt, or get new feathers, at least once a year), and makes life a lot safer. Remember: common sense is your best guide to keeping your bird (heck, and yourself and your human family) safe.