Parrots and gas stoves

[Cambear]

I don't know if this is the right place to put this.

We've got about half stainless steel and half non-stick pots, pans, etc. We're working on getting rid of all non-stick stuff. I don't have my bird yet so this isn't a problem currently.

But anyways, I do, obviously, intend on using stainless steel for my bird. But I don't have an electric stove... Only a gas one. We don't have a microwave, either, though we could probably get one.

Is a gas stove going to be okay? I can't be the only one with a gas stove?

You can't smell the gas unless you leave the thing on fully lit for more than a few seconds, and it makes an obnoxious noise until you turn it down.

What about the oven? That's obviously gas too.

Should I just get a microwave and do it that way? Can't really replace my stove...

 

[RavensGryf]

As long as there is no gas leak, it's fine. In the case of an old appliance, the gas company can come and check for a leak. They can also give a consultation on safety and maintenance and answer your questions. They can inspect if any parts need replacing or fixing. This is what I'm going through currently, as I am moving into a home with older gas appliances.

Think of it this way, if gas stoves weren't okay, no one prior to the invention of electric stoves would have been able to successfully keep parrots in their home ...and parrots have been kept for many decades!

 

[jenphilly]

The good news is that modern gas has an additive that makes it stink so bad... natural gas on its own does not have much if any smell (thus years ago, houses blowing up due to gas leaks were not quite so unusual). These days, you smell the gas almost immediately if even the pilot just goes out.

 

[Kiwibird]

Modern gas stoves are perfectly safe to use in the same home as birds. If you smell a leak, you should call the gas company, but thats for everyones safety in the home, not just the bird would have issues with a gas leak.

Parrot should not be housed in a kitchen, nor should they be allowed in there while you're cooking for obvious reasons. Otherwise, you should be fine once the non stick is gone

I know my bird LOVES "helping" me when I prep food, as he likes to steal little bites (the piggy!), and he also loves watching me do dishes. He has to go up when the stove is on though for safety.

 

[Cambear]

Well, this stove is older, but we've never had any issues with it other than the fact that the self cleaning thing doesn't work. The only time we ever smell gas is when the full-lit is on, and it certainly lets you know to turn it down...

Bird is obviously not going to be allowed in the kitchen when the dishwasher is open or the stove is on. The bird will be in my bedroom here, and then either in my living room or bedroom when I move into my new apartment. Trying to find a landlord that will take two seriously stupid cats and a (relatively) quiet bird species... so far I've only found ones that will take the two cats or the one bird. But I will find one!!! I will!

Thanks guys.

Also, are rice cookers safe?

 

[RavensGryf]

Rice cookers are fine. I used one for years with birds. Most rice cooker pots look aluminum, with the heating element being aluminum too it looks like. Anyway, the normal ones you usually see are safe.

I think you're having more problem getting an apartment with cats. I've never had a landlord or management company even think of a bird as a "pet" fortunately for not having to pay pet rent.

 

[Cambear]

Yes, I agree. I do not HAVE to take my cats, but my cat has separation anxiety (from me) and the other one goes wherever he goes, I don't have the heart to separate them. But all in all, they could stay with my mother.

Nice to know that rice cookers are safe! I can't cook rice on the stove to save my life...

 

[goalerjones]

It's good that the self cleaning function isn't working. The superheating of the oven causes both massive off gassing of the nonstick coating, and actually shortens the life of your oven.

 

[Cambear]

Oooh, really?! That's good to know! I've always just sprayed it down with vinegar water, set it on warm (warm it like... it's cool enough where even I can reach in there and grab stuff without flinching) for about 15 minutes, then go in and wipe it all down. Of course, I don't leave it for like, 4 years like some people.

*off topic*

I was showering last night, and we have really strong shower pressure. I wanted to bring my Meyer's in to shower with me if he wanted to, so I experimented with turning the water pressure down... All that does is make it scalding hot. So, does anyone bathe their smaller birds in the bath tub? Like, fill it up with about an inch and a half and leave a small trickle of the tap running?

 

[labell]

I really hate to cook on anything but gas and I haven't owned a microwave in over 15 years. I don't want to "nuke" my or my animals food. As long as you get rid of the non-stick you should be fine. I also never use the self cleaning mode just elbow grease right after any spills.

 

[Cambear]

Yeah, we're getting rid of it all. My mother isn't too impressed, but I told her I'd buy her a stainless steel set to replace her non-stick one, lol. That's okay, though, she likes cast iron and stainless steel... She'll get over it.

One thing we do have that I know she will not get rid of is her kitchen aid. The attachments, like the dough hook, the whisk, etc are non-stick, but they are never heated up. What to do about this? We wash them by hand and all that.

 

[labell]

I also have a kitchen-aid, as you said they are not heated, no worries.

 

[Cambear]

Okay, good! She would murder me if I even suggested her to get rid of it. Seriously, she would. That thing was like, $300.

I've emailed Scott (OldWorldAviaries) and he said that he was going to put me on a list to let me know when his Meyer's have babies. Super excited. Might not be able to get one this first hatch, but hopefully the second.