Bird proofing home, and cleaning home

[DRB]

I watched the top ten hazards video, very helpful, but what are some other tips of MUSTS with making your home as safe as possible for your feathered friend(s)?

I'm a first time bird owner, and I never let Perjo out without being pretty much right there within 10 feet of her. I'll go into the other room for roughly 7-10 seconds, but that's it.

I live alone, try to keep a clean place, like to use Febreeze, and feel I need to more now b/c of the slight bird smell that I'm not nose blind to yet. Is Febreeze OK to spray around if the bird isn't close by?

How about changing the cage liner, I feel it is unnecessary to change it everyday for her, but come day 2 or 3 I feel it is a must. Is there a definitely approach in which X amount of days is an absolute NO NO?

How about leaving mail or papers on a table, IF (<--- really big) she does wander off out of sight is it something that could cause a real problem. She is getting more daring with flying off my shoulder of off the top of cage, she's getting some confidence and probably feeling a tiny bit territorial now that she's been home for 3 weeks.

Any other tips/suggestions in how to leave the home surroundings?

Oh, she is scared sh/tless out of bubble wrap. Which sucks for me.

 

[Birdman666]

My greenwing actually likes popping those...

I thought Fabreeze was on the no-no list.

 

[Christinenc2000]

I do not use any aerosol sprays . NONE
Fabreeze Is on the no no list
I change papers just about every day.
You can leave paper mail out if you want. I am sure your fid will recycle it for you. Sucks if you have a check in it though

 

[DRB]

Ok so I'm a bit of a worry wort as Perjo get more daring and comfortable outside her cage, never unsupervised mind you.

But stuff happens and I want to take extra precautions where I can, I have a lots of electrical devices plugged in on my first floor and in living room where Perjo resides. As she starts to wander more I know she'll get curious and find her way near a plugged in cord. I was thinking of adding plastic wire loom on all the cords, anyone do this? Does it sound like a viable option for added protection?

 

[plumsmum2005]

I have only had one instance of Plum being interested in wires from a lamp. We just cable tied it up out of the way and it got forgotton quickly. There are others he could have a go at but doesnt so there was something interesting in this ones position I feel.

I have got used to the fact that my home probably does smell what I term "birdy" but I love Plum and it's part and parcel of having him in my life. You can do things to help ie empty the bin that you empty any waste food into often, change the cage papers and I may do this a couple of times a day sometimes depending. Fresh air is good too - when Perjo is in her cage to freshen up rooms.

 

[DRB]

Just found something called Crittercord, never heard of it before. Basically wire loom with a citrus scent and a bitter taste on it. I imagine traditional plastic black wire loom gets the job done. I don't have the option of getting many wires off the floor or out of reach.

I really want Perjo to be able to walk around freely while I'm there, so I think I will try the wire loom.

 

[wrench13]

@DRB - Febreeze is a no no.
THe wire loom ( we call it a cable raceway in my industry) is a great idea. I know Salty is drawn to wires and love to comp on them if given a chance. Imagine what 120 volts at 60cycles a second would do running thru Perjo - fried birdie. I may try your idea myself.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Great news on the critter wire. I have been google it but got side tracked. I have the only cord around BB - his light - run thru some PVC pipe. Would have used this if I had seen it before. Great find

 

[DRB]

My vet told me Febreeze in a different room is fine, a room far enough away from the bird with no breeze and air moving the Febreeze in her direction.

???

 

[coopedup]

I watched the top ten hazards video, very helpful, but what are some other tips of MUSTS with making your home as safe as possible for your feathered friend(s)?

Can you please provide this link??

 

[SailBoat]

The standard wire loom is just fine, as is thick walled plastic pipe. The other stuff looses that scent in a few days/weeks at most. Lot of money for nothing.

Regarding keeping your home parrot proof. Its the same starting point as if you have a 1 - 5 year old Human trashing the room. Only the parrot comes standard with a can opener in place. With the Human baby, you get a short few months before they grow in.

Regarding Febreeze and all the other air scents! A waste of money and a danger to your parrots and any Human with lung problems.

 

[DRB]

Under 3 bucks at Lowe's/Home Depot for 10' of ribbed wire loom-1/2" diameter. Easy to slide cords in. Not as aesthetically obnoxious as you'd think either.

Next step is the big wire mess behind TV AV/tuner and speakers. Just going to buy a cheap wicker basket used for home decor and cut a hole in side and put the wires and surge protector in there and put lid on it. She might see it someday but never be able to move it or get inside.