Urgent! Electric heater killed my bird!

I don't know where to put this; we like to believe that electric space heaters are safer than gas, or kerosene.
But I purchased this heater several years ago, and it had worked just fine. Today I came home to find the house filled with fumes, and my bird dead at the bottom of the cage. He was just fine when I left the house; his cage in the next room away from the heater. The unit smelled like burnt plastic from the front (exhaust port) of the heater, where the hot air comes out, and the on/off switch was too hot to touch, and couldn't be turned off. I tossed it outdoors immediately, and opened all the windows and doors, but it was too late for my poor Max. 28 years old.
If the above picture becomes unavailable, here is the link to the product at the manufacturer.
https://www.stanleytools.com/products/home-improvement/heating-cooling-solutions/low-profile-electric-heater-1500-w/st-221a-120
While I can't say for absolute certainty that it's the fumes from this heater that killed him, I can't think of any other cause.

It's weird, in the other thread, I saw mention of Narbird's pionus who died at 28 just a couple of years ago. Of course, I never thought this would happen. I'd been so careful. And on Thanksgiving. My other bird is visiting relatives for the holiday. Now I wish I took both of them with me. I took the best talker, because I know everyone loved him.

Now I have to live with the knowledge that I played favorites, and I now have a dead bird.

I have no kids. These guys are my family. Now I'm afraid to bring Toby home later tonight. Probably best to let him stay away for a few days while I air out the house.

This is very sad, hope you recover. Let him stay over where he at for a couple days and let house air out.

Never use a heater if coils, or elements have Teflon, or PTFE coating as some use coating to prevent dust built up on coil. When overheated off gases and is very toxic to especially birds. Plus heaters with plastic housing can off gas as well when overheated. Try to avoid also using electric heaters unsupervised as well. Likely was heater as sounds like thermostat did not cut off and stay on and when into thermal runaway. Also any appliances and cookware could have coating and sure be avoided at all cost as nonstick pans and etc. Use stainless steel, or ceramic if you want nonstick pans.

The only heaters I recommend for birds are the Infrared 6 or 8-Element Quartz Space Heater and the ones in the wood cabinet as they have no coating and have metal blower and metal chassis and overall built better. Been using one for years with zero issue.

burnt plastic will kill. I had seconds after plastic fell on a burner to get my birds outside, they did recover, but it was close tgey we we falling down...ugh

I'm sooo sorry fir your loss. And thank you for all the birds you will save by posting and sharing this tragedy... you have a big heart, even in the midst of your loss to think of others.
I understand very well the deep love between us humans and these special creatures. Im so sorry

I’m so very sorry for your loss.


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I am so sorry for your loss.

fiddlejen said:

I am so sorry for your loss.

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So well stated.

Far more likely that the death was from the melting plastic and not Teflon, or PTFE coating, which can kill just as quickly.

That style heater is designed for short usage (office hours) and then turning-off. They are not intended for extended use.

The 'only' space heater that is designed for extended use is the radiator style that are oil filled and use an electric rod, which heats the oil -- the same design concept as used for electric hot water heater.

The problem with coil heater, regardless of design or fancy box is that dust builds on the the coils, over-heats and melts the structure that holds them in place.

SailBoat said:

fiddlejen said:

I am so sorry for your loss.

Click to expand...

So well stated.

Far more likely that the death was from the melting plastic and not Teflon, or PTFE coating, which can kill just as quickly.

That style heater is designed for short usage (office hours) and then turning-off. They are not intended for extended use.

The 'only' space heater that is designed for extended use is the radiator style that are oil filled and use an electric rod, which heats the oil -- the same design concept as used for electric hot water heater.

The problem with coil heater, regardless of design or fancy box is that dust builds on the the coils, over-heats and melts the structure that holds them in place.

Click to expand...

The quartz heaters are designed for 24/7 use to. They incased the coil in quartz glass tube with ceramic isolators and the better ones tubes can be replaced and heats way better then other types of electric heaters I used and tested over the years. So don’t have issue with dust buildup on coils, plus the one I am using has a fail safe if thermocouple thermistor goes bad it cut off unit with error. I repaired a few. Oil filled radiators are pretty safe as well and pretty good at maintaining heat in larger room. I would keep plug in to a second thermostat as if the internal one sticks they can overheat and seen where they literally exploded due to pressure buildup. The one that exploded was a dual stage DeLonghi. It is rare as they use a mechanical thermostat. The infrared heaters in the wood cabinets have a internal reflector to reflect infrared and uses a cage blower to get heat out and does way better then ceramic and regular coil based heater at same wattage.

The other problem with electric heaters is the cord they use. They will put a thin gauge heater cord on them and over time goes high resistance on the crimp inside the plug in and melt outlets and start fires. The good heaters will use a thick gauge 3 Prong style plug like the quartz based heaters I use. Then you have one that use cheap switches and Thermostat that can melt, or go high resistance as well, or mechanical thermostat sticks. That why It a good idea to use a second external thermostat just in case that happens.

I read some of the reviews on amazon for your heater and someone wrote that the control buttons melted. You should sue that manufacture for emotional distress plus additional costs. I am so sad for Max and you. I am sending my condolences . I will be looking into the heaters I use because of you post. I am so sorry maybe call a consumer protection agency - this heater is at the very least a fire hazard and maybe there could be a recall. I am sure it was the fumes that did it, birds are sensitive to fumes that’s why there is the the expression “canary in the coal mine”.

Littleredbeak said:

I read some of the reviews on amazon for your heater and someone wrote that the control buttons melted. You should sue that manufacture for emotional distress plus additional costs. I am so sad for Max and you. I am sending my condolences . I will be looking into the heaters I use because of you post. I am so sorry maybe call a consumer protection agency - this heater is at the very least a fire hazard and maybe there could be a recall. I am sure it was the fumes that did it, birds are sensitive to fumes that’s why there is the the expression “canary in the coal mine”.

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likely underrated switch not designed for 1500w continuous use. I seen manufacturer cut corners from using thin gauge wiring to underrated switch and etc. A recall is likely necessary since it has happen before and same issue.

My deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your tragic loss of Max.

DM sent to suggest moving for greater visibility at other location.

So ugly! I am so very sorry!!

I am so so so sorry!

Where I used to live I used to have to use space heater also, but would never leave them unattended and on while I was away. Just asking for the house to be burnt down.

Again I am so sorry this happened.

I'm so sorry for your loss of Max, my heart breaks for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this to warn others.

I thank everyone for their heartfelt words. I still miss Max.
I still haven't taken apart the heater to find out what went wrong with it. I did replace it with one of those oil filled radiator style ones, though.

Passing of a Feathered Friend
Provided By: Steven (SailBoat), November 2016

“All of us feel such deep sadness when our Parrot friends die, and because they are Animals and not Humans, we are at a loss for words. Often, it is only other Parrot owners who can understand the depth of the loss that we feel with this complex, loyal, and loving creature. Resulting from such a loss, I have placed feelings and emotions into words and found verse to console the loss of my Cleo and since her, other sweet Amazons, in turn; I hope it will speak for all of you.” - Steven

You left this world so quickly. I can hardly comprehend your leaving. Yet there, in my hands, your still body rested — no longer your home. So much I have learned, so much you have taught, your purpose a full measure beyond your size. Comprehensions of your loss still a mist but yet, I know you are whole and happy - now beyond Rainbow Bridge. And so busy you must be upon your green wings, guiding angles to those of us yet to cross. With in my ear, I still hear you, those special sweet sounds of comfort and contentment:

“Do not stand by my grave and weep my friend.
I am not here. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the gentle summer rain.
When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry my friend.
I am not there. I did not die.”

My pray for you my beloved feathered friend:

“May your body nourish this earth.
May your soul find release and contentment.
May you fly high and free upon wings of spirit.
Rest in peace little green one.”

The love and tender warmth of you is a un-full-fill-able void.
I do so much thank-you for creating a space for another, a special place next to yours’.

In remembrance of Cleo, (Estimated) Spring 1959 - May 2003