Gun cleaning solvents

[WolfmoonCT]

I have read that gun cleaning solvents are toxic for parrots. What I'm wondering is if anyone knows how toxic it is. If I do all my cleaning in the downstairs, will any odor that may make it upstairs where Leo is, cause problems? Or is it more if I was to try and clean them on the coffee table right next to his cage?

I haven't done any cleaning yet, since I got him, and I don't want to hurt him, but I do enjoy owning and shooting my guns, though it's been a while since I've done any shooting after I moved. During the summer, I can clean them outside on the deck, or in the garage, but it's too cold to clean in the garage during the winter.

Thanks.

 

[TexDot33]

not sure just how powerful these solvents are, I would caution you to not use them anywhere around your Leo ... not worth putting your buddy at risk.

 

[Chaos_1.0]

I play airsoft and constantly work on my guns. My rule of thumb is if it is in a can and compressed, I use it outside away from my birds. I figure this for 2 reasons. First if I got any of whatever is in the can on one of my birds it can be nothing but bad. The second is that most compressed can are compressed with propane which when inhaled by the birds can kill them. Also if it has a smell then I don't use it any where near my birds. I figure better safe than sorry.

Whatever you do don't do it near his cage. I would say if you don't take him downstair then it would be fine. Or you could clean them in the garage if you have one.

 

[WolfmoonCT]

I have a garage, but it's not heated, and during the winter when it gets real cold out.. it can drop to freezing... don't really want to be in the garage during the winter ya know. and I dont' use any compressed stuff. It's mainly Hoppes #9, but that stuff can smell pretty bad.

 

[Chaos_1.0]

then because of the smell I wouldn't use it. If you really want to clean your guns, you could buy one of those space heaters and just heat the garage up and not worry about it at all. They only cost like $30 from amazon.com and last for a super long time.

 

[antoinette]

Rather be safe than sorry.
I would personally clean the guns in the garage, as far away as possible.
As Chaos mentioned purchase a heater, as least you will have peace of mind.
Take care, and of your feathered friend.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I think the only really safe way to use those in the home would be far from the cage with windows open and fans going. But then the house would end up as cold as the garage. I think a space heater for the garage would be the most sensible option.

Space heater: $15-20
Extension cord (if needed): $5
Keeping your bird alive and well: Priceless.