These 15 Things Can KILL Your Bird (Parrots, Parakeets, and Others)

Birds bring joy and companionship into our lives. However, these delicate creatures are susceptible to a wide variety of dangers. In this video, we will talk about 15 things that can kill your bird (parrot, parquet, budgie) which you must avoid. Cooking near them Most cooking pots and pans have layers of Teflon or aluminum. When these get too hot, they emit harmful fumes into the entire house and are very toxic to birds. Your feathered friend can die just by breathing in these toxic fumes. AC Drafts Hot summer days can be tough for us humans, but birds are very sensitive to cold air. They can quickly become sick and even die from a cold. Direct sunlight The sun can be just as dangerous as the cold for birds. Never leave their cage near a sunny window without any shade. The intense heat from the sun can cause severe dehydration and overheating, which can be life-threatening for your bird. Bumblefoot Bumblefoot is an infection that happens on your bird s feet. It occurs when the bird spends too much time standing on hard surfaces. To prevent bumblefoot, always look for natural wood and rope perches. Avoid using hardwood surfaces, perches that are too small in size, or any rough-textured perches like those covered in sandpaper, concrete, or burlap. Chemical scents Just like cooking around your bird isn’t safe, never use hair spray, air refresheners, perfumes, or pesticides near your feathered friend. These substances typically contain harsh chemicals and birds are very sensitive to pollutant in the air. Birds are also extremely susceptible to any source of smoke. Your bird should not be exposed to cigarettes, candle, incense, grilling smoke, and fireplace fumes. Plants many houseplants can be very toxic to birds. If your bird eats or bites these plants, it could be fatal for them. Some of the most dangerous plants for birds include Amaryllis, daffodils, Ivies, lilies, hollies, tulips, Philodendrons, Mistletoes, Shamrocks, and Hyacinthus. Human Food We like to share our food with our pets, including birds. However, many foods that we humans eat can make our birds sick or even cause death. For example, foods that are high in sugar or salt, as well as fatty foods, are not suitable for birds. More serious are things such as chocolate, which is toxic to many pets. Avocado should also be avoided. Onions and garlic are also a big No-No as they are harmful and poisonous to birds and other pets. Trusting the pet store Many bird parents just buy any product that has a photo of bird on it, however, many products that are marketed towards birds, are actually not good for them. The first danger comes from cheap steel iron and lead toys. Keep in mind that many metals such as lead, zinc, copper, aluminum and chrome are toxic to birds. If your pet chews on these metals, it can be deadly. Fruits Most birds love fruit, and most fruits are safe for birds. However, certain fruits containing seeds (such as apples and pears) and pits (such as cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums), should not be offered to birds without removing the seeds and pits first, as these seeds and pits contain small amounts of a toxic cyanide compound. Dust Doing home renovations, repairs, or perhaps installing a new carpet? Excessive dust in the environment can cause potential problems in your birds, so make sure that your home is kept as dust-free as possible. Unattended water Is that glass half empty or half full? Doesn t really matter to a thirsty bird; he s likely going to perch on the edge and dip his head down for a drink. If he loses his footing and is unable to flap his wings to get out, he will drown. Never leave glasses of liquid unattended. Likewise, keep the toilet lid down and remember that a bird can drown in an unattended bath. Chasing after them Birds are prey animals. Chasing after them and grabbing them when they don’t want to, can cause them stress and anxiety. Remember, a stressful environment is not good for you, and is certainly not good for your feathered friend. Bathing them Unlike cats and dogs, birds do not need any help to bathe. You just need to provide the means for them to bathe themselves. A shallow bowl or basin filled with fresh water can be a bathing pool for your pet bird. A dirty living space Birds are very clean animals and they appreciate a clean, nice environment. Dirty and smelly homes will create mental and physical health problems for your pet. Other Pets While birds often live happily with other household pets, owners should always be careful when other pets are near the birds. The motion of birds can attract the prey instinct of cats and dogs, and an infected bite or scratch can quickly be fatal to a bird. Chewing on dangerous items Birds are notorious for chewing, which is why they should always be provided with plenty of chew toys. However, there are specific things they should never chew on. Never let your budgie chew on your nail polish or paint as they are toxic to birds.