Allee
Well-known member
Bird ownership is a challenge for the best of us, especially in the beginning. So many things are dangerous or even deadly to parrots. The information and hazards can be overwhelming at first. We've all been there, we've all made mistakes.
Straight to the point.
Open flames-any open flames from heat sources of any kind or smoke from any source is a major hazard for your bird.
Ovens-hot surfaces and toxic fumes, self cleaning features on your oven. It's wise to keep your kitchen off limits to Avians, especially while you're cooking.
Toxic fumes from candles, essential oils, incense, aerosols, cleaning agents, pesticides (any pesticide). Heated, NON STICK COOKWARE, small appliances with non stick heating elements. Yes, most of us prefer non-stick cookware, granted, most alternatives cost us extra time, effort and dollars, non stick cookware can cost our parrots their lives, no kidding. Once you get the hang of it, cooking with parrot safe cookware is easy, it's also a healthier choice for humans.
Electrical cords, parrot beaks are stronger than they look. Liquid in open containers, including toilets, sinks, mop buckets, etc.... Doorways, windows, access to the great outdoors and freedom. Even the largest parrots are small in comparison to humans, most can't survive being accidentally closed in a door, stepped on when playing on the floor, sat on when hanging out on comfortable furniture that humans use. Snuggling in bed with your parrot as sweet as it sounds can result in heartbreak, many parrots have been accidentally crushed or suffocated when their human fell asleep. Many parrots love an outing but if the opportunity presents itself most will escape, most will not survive on their own, those fortunate enough to be rescued usually never see their original families again. With a few precautions, you and your parrot can enjoy time outdoors but please be responsible.
A clean closed window, a glass door or a mirror can also be deadly, a bird in a new home may see any of the above and fly full speed straight into it resulting in a broken neck, it happens often.
Ingestible dangers, pills, human consumables, toxic wood, toy parts, house plants. The more obvious, chocolate, avocados, onions, caffeine, tobacco, etc.... Do a little research and be vigilant about what your buddy has access to.
It's mind bending how many parrots lose their lives to other family pets. Birds are small, birds are prey, dogs, cats, ferrets, rats and snakes are predators. If prey and predators interact, the chance of a tragic accident is always present.
Ceiling fans, if your birds are flighted, disconnect your ceiling fans, if you have to use fans to beat the heat, turn them on but make sure your parrot doesn't have access. He's safer in his cage or a different room if a fan is running.
Never assume your parrot knows best, for example, if you leave a cup of coffee and a sugary pastry or salty snack on the table, more than likely Polly or Paulie will help him or herself. Your parrot didn't grow up in the wild, he or she depends on you to keep him safe.
An incomplete diet may not knock your parrot off his perch instantly but it can shorten his life and cause long term medical issues. Before you grab that bag off the shelf, consider how long it's been there and read the ingredient list. Don't cheat your parrot out of a healthy diet for the sake of convenience, in many cases you can do better for less money. Research and choose the best diet for your parrot's health and your budget.
Water-the stuff of life. Make sure your parrot has a constant source of clean water. My cockatoo has no thought for her future, at the sound of rainfall, or any sound of a similar nature she will slap every drop of water out of her large bowl, leaving herself with nothing to drink. Parrots are small, they dehydrate quickly. Some parrots are soup makers, they dump food in their water, bacteria grows, they get sick. Check water dishes often, wash, sanitize, and dry your bowls at least once every day. Same is true of your bird's cage, parrots depend on us to keep their environment clean.
Be suspicious of products even when they say, "all natural" or "pet safe" in big friendly letters. Use logic and good judgement, just because it says it's safe for your pets doesn't mean it is, it often means the company will use any means necessary to sell you something. The pet industry makes billions from loving pet owners.
Get to know your parrot well, watch for symptoms of illness, changes in behavior or physical appearance. Have your closest certified Avian Vet's number available in case of emergency, reacting quickly can save your bird's life.
Please don't be discouraged, lots of humans can't imagine life without a parrot, the rewards are real. Living with parrots is challenging, no doubt, but it's also an adventure and often comes with a unique and lasting bond between a human and a lovable, intelligent species. All the above mentioned dangers become part of life with parrots, it gets easier and becomes part of our daily routines. IMHO, we are all fortunate to know, love, and live with these incredible birds. The rewards outweigh the efforts.
A warm welcome to ParrotForums. No matter where you are on your personal journey with your parrot, we hope you find something useful here or at the very least a group of like minded bird lovers. Congrats and best of luck.
I had Reilly for 15 years. He suffered from Bird HIV and eventually died from respiratory failure. Then I bought a baby Grand Electus (male) named Ziggy
. Then, on Christmas Eve 22 years ago I purchased Angel 
my Citron Cockatoo. I had three birds that got along extremely well. Reilly died, then Ziggy and Angel formed a nice relationship with my cat Neidemyer. All I have now is my Angel. I joined to ask advise about my Cockatoo. The vet said physically he is fine, but all of a sudden started screaming at night. HELP! Michele
