How do you protect your bird from fumes?

[ShaunaR]

Hi everyone,
I am aware that teflon is dangerous and can be found in heaters, curling irons, ovens, and iron/ironing board covers. Can anyone recommend a place I can find a list of potential hazards in the home? I heard some kitchen cooking oils like olive oil also produce toxic fumes as well. Our birds are in the living/dining room and kitchen which is one large open plan. What about hair dye fumes and various hair products? It's a bit overwhelming not knowing exactly everything that could hurt our babies!
Thanks ahead

 

[henpecked]

Ever hear of the canary in the coal mine ?? They used canary to tell the miners when the air was getting "bad",the canary would quit singing or fall dead. Giving the miners time to get out. The bird's lungs are much more sensitive than ours. if the "fumes" are noticeable to you than they are too much for your bird. Anything that bothers you is too much. I don't think olive oil is an issue but burning oil of anytype is bad. The danger with teflon is it's odorless ,invisible and kills. There are several articiles/threads in the health section that deal with dangers in the house.

 

[RavensGryf]

I can tell you that in 20 years of having a bird, my boy has been exposed to quite a bit, and it didn't harm him. I'm NOT saying don't be careful, but just use your sense about products ie. hairspray with the bird being right there, etc. I know you're mainly talking about the kitchen. Years ago, my ex refused to get rid of his Teflon pans when my birds and I came into his home. Truth is, the Teflon either needs to be new, or overheated over a certain degrees (as if left on and forgotten on the burner) to release the toxic fumes, BUT taking precautions not to use them anyway is best of course.

Dye your hair in the other room. It's fine. I wouldn't worry about it. Of course inhalation of anything really strong is bad, but whether it is just not good for them, or will it kill them, it depends on several things, what it is (level of toxicity) and how close/strong. If in doubt don't do it. Ceramic products are fine.

 

[Allee]

Hi Shauna, it does seem a little overwhelming at first. There are a lot of every day ordinary things that are harmless to humans but dangerous or deadly to birds. Put a list of safe foods in your phone to refer to when shopping. It's good to be vigilant and cautious within reason. Pretty soon you'll notice you no longer need your safe parrot notes.

My bird room is close to my kitchen, I have good ventilation and no cookware with heat resistant surfaces, just in case someone who doesn't know better is using my kitchen. I cook with olive oil and have never had a problem, just make sure nothing over heats.

Enjoy your adorable little Pixie. Keep reading and learning and posting those cute photos.

 

[goalerjones]

Safety is no accident it's been said. And situational awareness is your friend.
Pilots have check lists before and after flying. So too, as a guardian of a bird we have to make sure we've done what we can to keep them safe, and ourselves too.
Teflon, gasses, paint fumes, carpet and furniture off - gassing is harmful to humans as well.
Do what you know for now, then learn more. Become a student. And you'll both profit from your knowledge.

 

[GW.Joe]

good ventilation

Hello Shauna,

I agree with Allee, good ventilation is the key to good health for birds AND Humans too

If you know you are going to be broiling or frying make sure you vent some air, that means some air in and some air out I use a box fan in one of my windows with a piece of wood to seal the gap around it (so it is air tight and pumps better)

If you are lucky enough to have a REAL vent in your kitchen (the kind that really vent outside and not just through a fake filter) then you are set already, in another room on the other side of the bird crack a window about an inch, it does not take a lot to create a very small fresh air flow that will not make you house too hot, We do this even if it is hot outside

We only use Stainless Steel cookware, Teflon is really bad for you, people use it for convenience, But it is a fact that you are ingesting Teflon (and other nonstick chemicals) over your lifetime

We use olive oil and just about every other "healthy" type of oil

Joe

 

[TessieB]

The key to dealing with all these deadly fumes is ventilation. Get the old air out and fresh air in. Open a window and use a fan. Newer homes are built for energy effiency and we are so caught up in conserving electricity we forget the basics of good quality air. Many of us are learning how an airtight home is not the best for asthmatics. Recirculating old air is not good for humans or any pet.