Bird-safe - Household Objects

Household Objects

Numerous household objects may be dangerous to pet birds. Common potentially dangerous objects include other pets (especially predatory pets such as ferrets, cats, and dogs), ceiling fans, ammonia-based cleaners (glass cleaners), hot surfaces such as heaters and stoves, electrical cords, open windows and doors, aerosol sprays, chemicals/pesticides, filled tubs, sinks, or open toilets, terrycloth towels (toe tangle), and certain kinds of applicants as well as lubricants. In some of the older buildings, those built before the 1970s, the paint can also include a certain amount of lead, which can be dangerous to birds and other animals if swallowed.

Any source of open water can pose a potential danger to one's bird. Toilets are among the most common sources of water-related danger along with bathtubs, sinks, and water bowls of other pets or buckets.

Electrical cords are other potential dangers that can injure a bird. Commonly, birds are curious and they tend to explore everything with their beaks. Electrical cords that are situated close to the cage can be bitten and the plastic tubing may be removed, causing harm to the bird. This danger can be avoided by covering all the cords in the house, or keeping the bird away from them.

Not only are windows unsafe for birds, but also the mirrors and doors can be a cause of accidents around the house. Interior doors may be dangerous if the bird enjoys sitting on the top of an open door. When the door is closed, the bird might get injured. Mirrors are tricky for birds because they are often mistaken as places to escape and a strong collision may result in injuries.

The respiratory system of birds is vulnerable at the impurities in the air. The impurities in the air can cause a bird to choke. Impurities in the air can come from cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, scented candles, cooking smoke such as burned oil, incense, carpet powders, or household sprays. All these impurities can harm the bird's respiratory system and cause respiratory diseases.

Some of the plants can also pose a threat on the bird's safety. Although most types of plants do not affect the health of pet birds there are some that might be toxic for them if chewed. This danger can be avoided if the owners get a list of toxic plants for birds from their avian veterinarian.

The self-cleaning cycle of an oven also releases toxic fumes. All self-cleaning cycles can produce deadly results for pet birds. It is recommended that bird owners use their hands and a scrub-brush to clean their ovens.

Anything that is hot can be a potential danger for the pet birds. These include boiling water, boiling food, fireplaces, and hot light bulbs or burning candles which can cause serious skin burns if a bird flies into them. Some birds are attracted to shiny flames or bulbs which makes them more prone to get harmed this way.

Medicines that pet owners have in their cabinet can be dangerous for birds. As birds are extremely curious, they might find an open cabinet and chew on different pills. Not only pills intended for use in humans are dangerous for birds but also those that are especially designed for birds, unless the veterinarian prescribed them.

Responsible pet owners can avoid these problems through supervision of the bird when it is outside its cage and removing dangers from some rooms. Windows should be covered whenever a bird is first flying in a new location. Some aviculturists recommend wing clipping which, when properly done, reduces the ability of a bird to fly and may reduce the bird's ability to encounter certain dangers such as ceiling fans and windows. However, a clipped bird may be more vulnerable to some other dangers, such as other pets, and falling-related injuries.