Hairspray, candles, etc

[katie_fleming]

Hello,

I posted here last week (I don't have an Eclectus yet, still thinking/saving/waiting for the right time) but I have a few more questions.

I use hairspray every day and was wondering if this would be a problem if I were to own an Eclectus. I only spray my hair in the bathroom, door closed, fan on. Would this be ok if I owned a bird? What about using scented candles in the bathroom (only)? Are scents ok as long as they're applied in the bathroom and contained there with the door shut/fan on? Same with nail polish odor, etc.

Thanks very much.

 

[kc_y0]

Hello!

I personally wouldn't risk the candles. But I do spray hairspray and perfume on in my room, with it closed (its not anywhere near audrey's cage) and seems fine. The smell doesn't come out into the lounge room, and I always wait a couple of minutes before it settles to leave the room. I guess it just depends how close the bathroom is to the birds cage. If the smell can't get out there because its far enough away, I don't see a problem? But I could be wrong, someone correct me if I am!

If you are worried about bathroom smell, mysafebirdstore has some odour adsorbents which are bird safe, I am going to get some myself for the house!

 

[Oedipussrex]

If its well ventillated and you dont have any trace of it in there if you ever do take your ekkie into the bathroom - say for showers and things, then i dont think the scents would be much of an issue. However, my ekkie preens my hair while he sits on my shoulder... i wouldnt want him doing that if i had hairspray in it...

 

[katie_fleming]

Thank you for your replies. I only use hairspray in the mornings so I could keep the door shut all day just to be sure the trace is gone. If for whatever reason I had to use it at night I could always use the sink tap/hose or get him a little "pool" to bathe in the kitchen.

I could always get in the habit of putting my hair up if mine wanted to chew on my hair as well.

Thanks for the info - I want to make sure my daily habits wouldn't result in any harm if I do get one

 

[MollyGreenCheeks]

Remember that what you smell and what the bird breathes are two different things. The birds respiratory system is much more sensitive than ours so even if you cannot smell it, it can still possible affect them. Where do we draw the line? I think it's a personal decision we must all make but we must educate ourselves about the risk and reward.

Just because we have birds does not mean we can't bathe, smell, and look nice but we must educate ourselves and make educate decisions. If you want the best educated information ask your Avian Vet but two different Avian Vets may give two different answers. We know that Aerosols and scented candles, plug-ins, etc. are, in general, no no's but where do we draw the line? I'm a guy so the decision is easier for me.

 

[Chikoo]

An easy solution is to buy candles and hairspray and such that do not contain synthetics or chemicals. There are plenty of natural scented candles that do not use any artificial fragrance, and only natural fragrance. It is all the artificial crap in these things that disturb the birds. I would steer clear of it.

 

[kc_y0]

An easy solution is to buy candles and hairspray and such that do not contain synthetics or chemicals. There are plenty of natural scented candles that do not use any artificial fragrance, and only natural fragrance. It is all the artificial crap in these things that disturb the birds. I would steer clear of it.

The smoke from any candle can be dangerous though. Even if its natural and has no fragrance.

 

[Chikoo]

Yes, good point.

 

[lene1949]

I used to wear makeup, jewelry and perfume... After years with parrots, I now only use soap and water... Also the cosiness of candles have gone from my home...