Bird Protectors

[MrsKay]

Palmetto941 has a thread on 'fleas' that I didn't want to jump so I'm starting a new thread.
Does anyone use or recommend these 'protectors' that I see in the pet stores that you hang on the birds cages? Like the 8-in-1 ? Do they work? Are they safe?
I'm not having a problem, but wondering if they are safe and beneficial in protecting the bird and cage perimeter from potential pests. Thanks

 

[RavensGryf]

Do you have a dog or cat? If not, it's highly unlikely that you'd encounter fleas in your home unless there is a host animal around (not birds or people). If you're not having a problem, I wouldn't worry. I know you like to be prepared though. . These traps are made for hanging on birds cages? Never heard of it. If so, I'm thinking it's not made to be around the kind of birds (parrots) who get out of the cage and chew. I don't think the pesticide would be good to ingest! Also, it's probably more for flies and gnats, not fleas.

 

[henpecked]

Don't fix it if it's not broke. Why expose your bird to harmful chemicals/poisons for no reason???? That type of stuff works because it's a poison to smaller creatures but not the larger one. The fleas aren't an issue with the bird, it's how to control fleas without killing the bird, that's what the thread is about. Does your bird have mites? if not , learn how to keep it safe from mites and you won't need repellents/chemicals. many years ago we used "moth balls" to get rid of mites on parrots. In the short term it probably wouldn't kill the bird but got rid of the mites. The problem was leaving them around the cage for long periods and losing the birds. If it's not broke,don't fix it.

 

[Birdman666]

I've never seen a bird that attracts fleas. That's a dog and cat thing, and yes, it's potentially deadly. So, no, don't do it!!!

Your bird chews on that thing he is DEAD!!!

And it looks like a bird toy, so guess what...

 

[MrsKay]

RavensGryf & henpecked,
No, I don't have any other pets other than a couple of fish tanks.
These are round tins called '8 in 1 Bird Protectors'. They hang outside of the cage and supposedly keep the fleas and lice away by emitting a scent. They are found in the bird supplies area of the pet store. I have seen them a lot that's why I was asking about them.
I understand what you are saying "If it's not broke...."
Thank you both for your advice I really appreciate it

 

[Birdman666]

That's another one of those products that probably has no business being on the market if you ask me...

I wonder if these have been tested in any way shape or form... because it certainly seems like a deadly idea.

 

[MrsKay]

I have seen them around for 30 years. They used to be from Hartz, otherwise Hartz Mountain, which is a well known pet supply here in the west. Now I notice the Hartz label is gone and they just say '8 in 1' on the label. They must have been tested (as Hartz is a major provider of pet supplies) and harmless for small bird cages such as canaries and parakeets that remain in the cage mostly. There is no way they can get inside the unit. I noticed the instructions say to cover the cage at night, which I don't think I would do with the unit attached to the cage. My gosh... that sounds like having a bug bomb in your tent heheheh
Anyway, it sounds like no one has tried one but thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts

 

[henpecked]

We haven't tried one because if we do encounter mites/lice we treat with a prescribed Rx.

 

[goalerjones]

I keep Hahnzel in her unopened original wrapper and enclosed in a bird protector. That way she will stay in mint condition and be worth more on eBay.

 

[MrsKay]

I keep Hahnzel in her unopened original wrapper and enclosed in a bird protector. That way she will stay in mint condition and be worth more on eBay.

Hahahahah, now why didn't I do that with my original Barbie dolls?

 

[MissLarissa]

I have seen the things that you are talking about and thought about getting one for my bird because I have dogs and cats in the house. But like these guys I thought it was not worth the risk because I KNOW my bird will chew on it AND I believe they are poisonous if ingested. It sounds like a good idea, but it is not worth the risk, I wouldn't do it.

 

[weco]

I only recently returned to active participation in the forums or I'd have posted to this thread earlier.....

Everybody who has thought these "bird protectors" are dangerous around birds are right, actually they're dangerous to any pets/animals you care about and Birdman666 is right, the stuff shouldn't be marketed like it is.

I just posted about the same stuff to another thread: http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/46995-please-help-2.html