scented candles

BenjaminG

New member
Sep 19, 2013
79
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Pittsburgh
Parrots
Thor tiel (Male), Zazu African Grey. (Female)12/12/2013 hatch date
My mom burns seated scented candles downstairs a lot. Is that going to hurt my bird?
 
I frequently burn candles, both scented and unscented (well if scented are usually vanilla - I really can't stand the smell of other scents) and have never had a problem with candles and my birds but I would caution you on allowing your bird out of it's cage with a candle burning. Also, I would be very hesitant to burn a chemical candle - like citronella, or using an oil-based lamp. I'm curious as to what our fellow members have to say on this subject.
 
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Ok thanks. I read somewhere they can be harmful so i wanted to check......
 
With candles you really need to be careful...

The main issue is the wick- it needs to be "tab-less" so there is no metal tab at the bottom, and the wick needs to be 100% cotton...sometimes manufacturers put other fibers in the wick and the chemicals are released when the wick burns.

There is also the concern of scented candles and whether or not the scents themselves give off any dangerous chemicals as the candle burns and the wax melts.

But even after all of that, I would not recommend burning any candle in the same room as your fids.

Even if it doesn't affect them right away, the harm could compound over months or years....birds have extremely delicate respiratory systems and it can easily be damaged by many things.

Before having birds, I used to burn candles all the time- because I love candles! But now, I tend to err on the side of caution and I no longer burn candles.
 
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In general candles are not a good idea. Anything that sends particles I the air can affect our loves. Wicks have to be 100 % cotton if you choose to burn. There is a lot of debate over whether the wax emits enough particles to harm. I work in a manufacturing field and know that many things do emit particles that you do not see or smell and I believe wax to also do so. Also anything scented is treated with chemicals so the scent can stay longer. So No candles are not safe.
 
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He will never be downstairs unless we're going out. And the sent doesn't make it up here..... so would that still make it a issue?
 
He will never be downstairs unless we're going out. And the sent doesn't make it up here..... so would that still make it a issue?

The air is likely circulating throughout your house, especially if you have a central heat or air system. Personally, I don't trust commercial candles because of chemicals released, quality etc. Perhaps your mom would consider using the flameless candles if she is going for the ambience of candles. If she is going for the frangrance, she might try the high quality essence oils on sitck wicks in a vase. So easy.
 
Household products are not routinely tested on birds, therefore manufacturers cannot certify that they are harmful or harmless to birds.
There have been some reports of birds dying after exposure to scented or 'room freshening' candles.

I personally refrain from burning any candles.

Rather be safe than sorry.

:grey:
 
I have no idea whether they do harm birds or not as even if the bird seems fine you don't know the long term damage. So I just don't burn them as I would rather not burn and know my birds safe than be unsure. I think wannabeaparrot made some great suggestions as alternatives
 

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