HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS & EMERGENCIES
The average home is full of potential dangers for pet birds. For the most part, they fall into two categories, trauma and toxicity, and veterinarians treat the former far more frequently than the latter. Always use common sense.
The kitchen ranks as number one area for danger and hazards in the home.
Forewarned is forearmed! Take extra precautions in the kitchen area!
Birds frequently need treatment for second degree burns as a result of flying into a pot of hot water or an open flame. Treatment includes running cold water over the affected burn areas, trying to keep the bird calm, and rushing it to an avian veterinarian.
Severe head injuries, broken wings, and lacerations occur when a pet bird flys into an unprotected ceiling fan. Always safeguard ceiling fans with a cover if your bird enjoys free flight.
Head and neck injuries can also occur if an unsuspecting bird flys into a mirror or window. Birds perceive them as openings to other rooms or to outdoors. They will try to fly right through them. The results can be deadly when a collision occurs.
Circumventing many of these household dangers is not difficult. 'Bird-Proof your home and use common sense.
First, in the common sense arena, never allow unsupervised activities when the bird is outside of its cage, especially places like the family kitchen. Second, your bird's wings should be clipped regularly so it can not physically fly into dangers such as fans and mirrors. If you chose not to have the wings clipped, then make certain that your home is 'bird-proofed'. Turn the ceiling fans off, pull the window shades down, cover mirrors and windows with drapes, keep the toilet lid securely closed, keep foods, disinfectants, and household poisons under wraps, watch for doors opening, your bird will fly away, no matter how strong your bond is.
Other pets in the home can be a problem. Family cats and dogs can inflict serious injuries to pet birds. Always supervise your pets when they interact with one another. When you are away, make sure your bird's cage is protected and secured so there can be no interaction with the family dog or cat. Remember too, that other large pet birds can be equally dangerous, if not more so, to the smaller pet birds. It is all too often that we see larger psittacines inflicting trauma to their smaller counterparts. Toes and feet that have been bitten, beaks torn off, and wings that have been severely traumatized, are the most common types of injuries seen in veterinary practice. If any of these injuries occur at your home, quickly apply direct pressure to the bleeding wounds. Bandage the affected area, and rush the pet to a veterinarian. A small bird such as a parakeet or a lovebird, can easily die in a very short time from blood loss and shock as a result of its injuries. This is the time you will be thankful for your avian first aid kit as it can be a life saver.
The broken blood feather is the most common form of household trauma. Blood feathers are the newly-formed feather shafts growing in the wings and tail. They are easily recognizable because of their shape and color. Broken blood feathers are often the result of a young bird learning to perch or fly and falling on the newly formed blood feather. A bleeding blood feather is a very serious problem and can potentially be life threatening because of excess blood loss. If a broken blood feather is encountered, apply direct pressure over the bleeding feather and apply a topical cauterizing powder (such as Quik Stop) to control the bleeding. Once the bleeding is under control, take your bird to your veterinarian as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment.
Toxicity in pet birds becomes a problem when the pet is allowed to roam freely about the home and gets into mischief. By far the most common toxicity seen in pet birds is lead poisoning which comes from stain glass moldings, lead paint chips (from older houses), lead shot, lead fishing weights, lead champagne wrappers, lead solder, lead curtain weights, and old bird toys or bells that have parts made with lead. Lead toxicity in pet birds affects the nervous system and gastrointestinal system. Signs of lead toxicity include weakness, difficulty walking or perching, head tilts, circling, and seizures. Gastrointestinal signs include regurgitation, diarrhea, and sometimes bloody stools. Lead toxicity can be acute or chronic and birds may become blind.
If you notice any of these symptoms, go to your avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Many birds can be saved and go on to lead a normal life if care is given quickly.
Zinc toxicity is another common heavy metal toxicity in pet birds. Sources include galvanized wire and clips used for making bird enclosures, pennies minted by the US mint with dates from 1982 to the present, and game pieces from the popular board game Monopoly. Clinical signs and symptoms of Zinc toxicity are similar to those of lead toxicity.
Beware of Teflon coating! Polyterafluoroethylene gas poisoning is a very common household hazard and it can be extremely deadly. The most common source of this gas comes from Teflon coated pans and cookware. Other sources include irons, drip pans, ironing board covers, and heat lamps. The deadly gas is emitted only when the temperature of the metal surface exceeds 530 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to the gas leads to respiratory distress which may then lead to death as exposure continues. First aid care involves bringing the bird to fresh air and quickly calling the veterinarian.
Quickly consult with your avian veterinarian if you think there is the slightest chance your bird is ill. Prevention is the best medicine and your reaction speed is second best.
Beware of These Hazards!
They Kill Birds!
Teflon pots, Pans & Heatlamp Bulbs
Coated Irons and Ironing Boards
Silverstone Cookware
Open Toilet Bowls (Keep Covers Closed!)
Poisonous Plants: Poinsettias, Holly, etc.
All Fumes from Bug Spray, Cleaners, etc.
Tobacco Smoke, Hair Spray, Chemicals
Chocolate, Avocados, Sugar, Oil
Lead in Jewelry, Bells, Paint, Stained Glass
Dogs, Cats, Other Birds, Other Animals
Uncovered Mirrors, Windows
Rodent Poison
Scented Candles, Air Fresheners, etc.
Carelessness by Owners!!!
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