Incense and Birds

[Bright Star]

I know air fresheners, candles, and incense are dangerous for birds. I've gotten rid of all my air fresheners and candles. But, I have kept my incense. I just don't burn it anymore.

Is it only dangerous if burned? I love incense, sometimes more if it isn't actually smoking up the room, so I place a fresh stick in the holder every once in a while. Is this a safe alternative to burning incense? Do I still need to worry about endangering my birds? I don't keep it near them, but it is in the same (large room) sometimes.

 

[Gxunicorn]

Hmmn, well any strong fragrances aren't good for them. Many people are going to say no, it's bad for them. Definately don't burn it, but if it's not terribly strong I wouldn't worry too much about it. That's just my opinion. If it smells as strong as an air freshener, than I would say it's not good.

 

[antoinette]

Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and if you burning scented candles, incense or ANYTHING that puts smoke or scent into the air, you are killing your bird.
I would not ever burn one stick, is it really worth the risk.

 

[Bright Star]

Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and if you burning scented candles, incense or ANYTHING that puts smoke or scent into the air, you are killing your bird.
I would not ever burn one stick, is it really worth the risk.

Yes, I know that I don't plan to burn the incense...EVER. My question is, can the incense cause harm if it is NOT burned?

 

[Cowtown]

I would not keep it in the same room with your bird...

 

[Netty]

If it is in an enclosed burner and NOT lit then i don't see a problem as the bird doesn't have access and the fragrance given off an unlit stick is barely discernible and NOTHING like burning it. but for sure only in a covered "burner" so the bird cant get at it as the process (I know how to make incense) involves some items that are not to be ingested.

I don't see this being any worse then people who boil herbs in pots to freshen the house as it is not as strong as that.

Just make sure your bird is acting fine. and if you are still weary about it call your avian vet and ask.

 

[suebee]

if you can smell it, then there are particals in the air, so if its natural particals etc alls well, but if its a chemical that is making the smell, i'd feel its a no-no

i no longer have plug-ins etc,

a very good natural air freshener is rosmary, grow some in your garden, its a hardy plant, so no need for bug spray etc only extreme cold will kill it off when its mature, take sprigs into your home, you can crush them for more intense scent, or hang to dry (looks pretty rustic too)
its also a natural anti septic

goes great with roast lamb

problem with all these air freshener things are, when the chemicals break down, they stink! so you need more air fresheners and so on and i have noticed since i have not had air freshers other then natural things, that funky smell that i thought was my house smell, has not been around

also if it effects a bird, whats it doing to us in the long run

 

[NJDenman]

I have an Incense waterfall in a closed bathroom that I use. It is not anywhere near my birds or their cages, it is merely to give fragrance to the bathroom.