Cooking question

[b105]

Hello, all! You may have seen my "baby pics" thread - baby is home now! And I have another question for you all. I have read many posts on here that non-stick pots/pans release poison fumes (scary...).

My question is this: how far away is safe? Another room, opposite end of the house, no where at all... Or what about cast iron skillets/pans? Are they harmful as well?

Thank you all! The last thing I want is to accidentally hurt my new baby.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I threw away all my non stick pans when I got Zilla. I use either cast iron or stainless steel.

Even if in another room the fumes could "travel" to other areas of your home.

I'm also super careful not to burn anything, since the smoke and fumes could be harmful.

 

[b105]

So cast iron is okay? My living room (where the cage currently is) is separated from the kitchen by a half wall, so I'm being a little paranoid. But I have a few cast irons... I will use those and replace the non-stick.

Thank you!

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I'm still careful not to heat anything too hot (no smoke) and I don't use the oven's self clean option. I choose to use a baking soda & lemon oil solution, let sit then wipe out with warm water. I always turn on the fan over the stove when I'm cooking, just as a precaution.

Zilla is in my living room and only a half wall and about 20 feet from my kitchen so I choose to error on the side of caution when it comes to her health.

 

[veimar]

Just to stay safe I threw away everything that had non-stick coating on it. If you have fully flighted birds they can come into the "danger" area at any time. Why risk? Cast iron is fine, as well as ceramic coating and stainless steel. I thought it would be crazy expensive, but it wasn't at all, so we gradually changed all the cookware. My birds are in the dining room next to the kitchen, so I take even extra precautions like always covering with lids everything I cook and using only low to medium gas (which is healthier too).

 

[Grraarrgghh]

Haven't touched my non-stick stuff since I got Albert, bought a bunch of Ceramic stuff instead (was actually pretty well priced).

Even closed doors and separated rooms can be a hazard. Cold-air return vents+forced air = everything goes everywhere.

 

[Robin]

run the fan and don't use Pam;

 

[Kyoto]

I recently switched to ceramic too, and I find it's great!

 

[Flboy]

You all are aware there are issues with ceramic cookware too?
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/51002-green-pans-they-really.html
This thread is on the green cookware, but as you go further into it, all ceramic in general.

 

[Kyoto]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Kiwibird]

Stainless steel, cast iron, enameled cast iron and PORCELAIN ENAMELED (the old school stuff) cookware are all safe. The new "eco ceramic" stuff that LOOKS like porcelain enamel is of questionable safety at best (for them and us) and should be avoided. Obviously, seasoned cast iron is naturally non-stick and for stainless or enamelware, lower the heat and you shouldn't have sticking issues.

Parrots should always be locked in their cages while anything is heating (just in case they pay you a visit as you boil some potatoes, wouldn't want any tragedies!) and of course, use common sense if you born something and open a window, turn on a fan and move the birds away from the smoke.

 

[Birdman666]

Based on the title, I thought you wanted my honey BBQ glaze recipe for naughty misbehaving parrots...

Cooking question: How long and at what temperature do I roast the little ones for?!

 

[ChocoboFun]

Lol Birdman, to be fair, what does budgerigar mean?

 

[Puck]

The microwave is my friend. I am terrified of stoves! I have one pan total, so I guess it wont cost a lot to replace my cook wear!

 

[birdylady]

I always find the summer is the best, salad for me, salad for my birds, no cooking!

 

[Aruba]

NO nonstick, anywhere! Give it to goodwill and get stainless steel. This includes utensils, too. If a nonstick utensil falls onto the heating element of a dishwasher, it can release the same toxic fumes and kill your bird within minutes.

 

[b105]

Thank you, everyone! I am learning SO much from all of you.