There are many hazards and dangers within your home that can prove fatal to your bird. Listed here are some of the most common hazards to bear in mind.
Doors and windows:- This may seem an obvious danger around the home, but accidents occur. Whether your bird is wing-clipped or not, it doesn't take long for a bird to walk outdoors, get trapped in a door or escape through an open window.
Cables:- Hide all cables within your home, birds will chew through them, the results can be devastating.
Teflon:- Teflon and other non-stick coated pans are potentially lethal. Such pans are best avoided although not always practical! When overheated, these products emit fumes that can kill your bird quickly - without harming humans or mammals. You can't smell or see the gases, so the only way to protect them is to monitor the heat. Never allow these products to overheat. Small birds are especially at risk, but any bird can die as a result of exposure to fumes.
Lead and Zinc poisoning:- One of the most common cause's of accidental death to birds. Many items contain lead, Zinc or other heavy metal. Items include:- fruit juice cartons lined with silver paper, lead pencils, mirror-backing, curtain weights, metal keys rings, many brass items and old paintwork. Most importantly take care when choosing cages and toys. Lead or Zinc can build up from a bird taking even small quantities from the powder-coating of its cage. Toys with chains or fasteners must always be made from stainless steel. Symptons of such poisoning include:- Drinking more water than usual, excessive urine, vomiting and convulsions. Speed is essential if you suspect your bird is suffering, do not delay in taking your bird to an avian vet.
Poisonous Plants:- Many house plants are poisonous to your birds. We prefer not to have any plants in the same room as birds. Birds are great chewers which often gets them into trouble! Don't allow your bird access to any plants, except for the branches you put in the cage for perches and chewing material.
Other dangers include:- Pot pourri, cigarette smoke, fumes from household cleaners, such as air freshner, carpet freshner, anything which contains chlorine, ammonia, bleach, or solvents. Scented candles, don't allow your birds in the bathroom when you are spraying cleaners, hair spray, or deoderant, they are toxic to birds. Nail polish is also toxic. areosols of any description should never be used around your birds.
Other pets:- No matter how much you trust your cat or dog, never leave them alone with your bird for a second. Although some pets seem to get along wonderfully, never discount the power of instinct.
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