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Echo's Haven |
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Our goal is to provide a free-flight home for formerly abused, unwanted or problem Macaws. |
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Household Hazards for Pet Birds
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Echo's Haven |
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Our goal is to provide a free-flight home for formerly abused, unwanted or problem Macaws. |
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Household Hazards for Pet Birds
Introduction
Birds are totally reliant upon us for the maintenance of their environment.
Their longevity, freedom from sickness and stress are dependent upon our quality
of care. We must provide adequate shelter and proper nutrition for a long and
healthy life. Many household objects can be dangerous and sometimes fatal for
pet birds. Natural curiosity, powerful beaks and the ability to fly can lead to
harm if birds are not carefully monitored.
The Cage
The cage should be of the proper size for the variety of bird. Ideally speaking,
no cage is large enough. There is the potential for injury if the cage is too
small. In addition, a cage of improper size can lead to battered wing tips as
well as damage/fraying to wing and tail feathers. It is truly a shame to see the
damage done to the beautiful tail of a macaw if it is placed in an inadequately
sized cage. The cage should be constructed of a material suitable for the type
of bird. It must be of sturdy construction for the larger birds as they can
easily dismantle a cage designed for a smaller bird. The material used in the
construction of the cage should be non-toxic. If the cage is wood or if you are
fabricating your own cage, make sure that the wood has not been treated with
wood preservatives as they have the potential to be poisonous. Psittacine birds
have a great need to chew so that over time there is the potential that they may
acquire sub-lethal levels of toxic components. Some toxic preservatives include,
creosote, bitumen paint, naptha compounds and pentachlorophenol to name a few.
If a preservative is to be used be sure it is non-toxic. Avoid materials
containing lead such as solder or lead-based paint. That old cage from Grandpa's
attic that had been repainted might have been repainted with lead-based paint.
If you are using galvanized metal in your cage be aware of "new wire disease"
which is a frequently encountered heavy metal poisoning caused by the zinc in
the wire. Galvanized wire and clips used to construct cages or galvanized
containers and dishes which are not properly treated are common sources of zinc.
The white rust on galvanized metal is also toxic. The brighter or shinier the
metal the more zinc is present. Scrubbing the galvanized metal with a brush and
a mild acidic solution ( vinegar ) will remove the 'loose' zinc and can reduce
but not totally eliminate the risk. Birds suffering from new wire disease may
show GI problems, drink and urinate excessively, lose weight, exhibit weakness,
anemia, cyanosis and seizures. A blood sample checking for zinc levels can
confirm the disease. Most often the diagnosis is made through the clinical signs
coupled with exposure to an improperly treated galvanized surface. Clinically
and radiographically zinc toxicity is difficult to distinguish from lead
poisoning. Fortunately the treatment for both conditions is the same, CaEDTA, an
agent that 'chelates' or combines with the metal in the system to prevent
further absorption. Proper bar spacing is very important, particularly when a
smaller bird is placed in a large cage. Too wide of bar spacing could lead to
escape or worse yet, trapping of the head between the bars. It is a good idea to
check the cage for any sharp edges or projections that may pose a hazard. Larger
birds will damage a cage over time so it is recommended that you be on the
lookout for any loose or bent pieces of metal which could cause injury.
Cage Furnishings
Perches
The perches should be made of an easily washable material and thoroughly cleaned
regularly. A variety of perches, including various diameters, flat perches, and
different surfaces may help to even out wear on the bottom of the feet and
prevent pressure sores/ulcerations. Branches from the outside make great
perches, however, they should be prepared by baking at 250 degrees F for 10
minutes. Care must be taken if the branches had been sprayed with
insecticides/herbicides as even tiny amounts could be lethal to a bird.
Cage Toys
Bird toys should be suitable for the particular variety of bird. Large birds can
easily dismantle or destroy toys designed for smaller birds. Glass mirrors are
hazardous to large birds. Watch for sharp edges and hooks on toys as they may
lead to severe injury. We have seen many birds impaled on hooks used to secure
certain toys. Bells may be removed from toys by larger birds and become lodged
on the beak. For some reason the most frequent victim of this mishap, in my
experience, is the lovebird. Certain toys contain lead weights. Some toys that
are safe for smaller birds have the potential to be dangerous to larger birds as
they may crack open the toy to expose the lead weight within (such as the
penguin toy). It is important to avoid cluttering the cage with excessive toys
and cage furnishings. We have seen some cages that are so packed with
paraphernalia that it is a wonder that the bird can move about inside at all and
with that is a greater risk for injury.
Food and Water Cups
The cups should be made of an easily washable material. Ideally they should be
cleaned daily to minimize bacterial contamination. The cleaning should be
thorough, merely running your finger around on the inside of the cups is not
enough. I feel that dirty water cups may be one of the greatest sources of
infection for pet birds.
Water that stands for several days will pick up bacterial contaminants from the
surrounding environment. The addition of vitamin and other supplements to the
water make it even more suitable for bacterial growth. The condition will worsen
when bits of food or droppings are in the water. I cannot emphasize how
important a clean and fresh source of water is for the health of our pet birds.
The food and water cups should be covered/shielded or placed in such a position
that they are protected from fecal contamination. Too often do we see cups that
have droppings in the food or floating in the drinking water.
Food
The food should be clean, fresh and from a reputable source. Mycotoxins are
chemical metabolites produced by various species of fungi that grow on grains
and food stuffs. The toxin produced may be present even after the fungus stops
reproducing. The amount of toxin present varies due to many factors, quite often
it may be concentrated on certain areas of the grain causing 'hot spots'. The
effects vary depending upon the type of toxin, species of bird, nutritional and
physiologic status of the bird. A stressed bird on a poor diet is more likely to
be affected than a healthy one. It is difficult to identify the disease as it
mimics so many other conditions and quite often when the disease develops the
offending food may no longer be present making diagnosis difficult. There is no
specific antidote, rather prevent exposure as opposed to treating the condition.
All foods and seeds made available to birds should be clean and fresh. Avoid
spoiled foods and moldy or dirty grains, which may be a possible fungal source.
Food should be stored in an area that is not damp or dusty. Special caution with
poor quality corn and peanuts as these are common sources of toxin producing
molds.
Many people refrigerate their seed. The "cooking" of seeds/pellets is a
controversial topic. It is believed that by doing this, contaminating and
potentially disease causing gram negative bacteria will be eliminated or at
least reduced in the food material. Opponents feel that the nutritional content
of the food may be reduced. The temperatures recommended are 1) conventional
oven- 350 degrees for 10 minutes and 2) microwave- 2 1/2 minutes at the low
setting. After cooking, the food should be properly stored.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to remove any residual
insecticide contaminants. Wash these foods better for your birds than you would
for yourself. Birds are very sensitive to any insecticide sprays that may have
been used.
Chocolate is not recommended for birds. It can result in hyperactivity,
vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, seizures, dark colored droppings and
death. Progression of signs can be rapid if large amounts are ingested. Excess
consumption of salt can cause problems. Avocados have been shown to be toxic for
pet birds. At first only the pit was thought to be toxic but some studies
suggest that all parts, including the fruit, are toxic. The actual toxin has not
been described. There are several varieties of avocados that are commercially
available which appear to vary in their toxic capacity. Signs of toxicity
include ruffling, increased respirations, vomiting, weakness, anorexia and
death. The progression is rapid, the lungs are especially affected. Treatment is
non-specific, mainly supportive care.
Oversupplementation with Vitamins (Hypervitaminosis) Especially important are
vitamins A, D3 and calcium. Many formulated diets carry excess amounts of these
nutrients and further supplementations of these diets with vitamins and minerals
can result in life-threatening toxicities. Excess vitamin A can cause changes to
the bones. Excess vitamin D3 can cause mineralization of certain organs,
including the liver, stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. Can lead to
increased calcium levels affecting heart and muscular activity. Excess calcium
can lead to skeletal abnormalities.
Grit
The use of grit is another area of controversy. We recommend its use only
sparingly as it is not continually required in the cage. A bird will retain grit
in its gizzard and does not need to have it replenished daily. The problem is
that sick birds (especially with digestive tract disturbances) will tend to
overeat grit and this could lead to impaction. Observe the feeding habits of
your bird as excessive intake of grit could indicate a problem. On occasion we
have had clients with sick birds that thought they were still eating, when in
actuality they were eating only grit. A constant source of minerals is required
and plain grit is not that great of a source. Good mineral supplements include,
cuttlebone, mineral block, crushed eggshells, crushed oyster shells, bones and
commercial mineral preparations.
Bedding
We recommend paper as the droppings are more easily monitored as to their number
and appearance. Carefully checking the droppings and watching for any unusual
changes is an effective means of early detection of possible disease conditions.
If corncob or wood shavings are used as bedding an extra special effort should
be made to periodically monitor the droppings as they will become lost in the
bedding. The bedding must be from a reputable source. Dusty/dirty bedding may be
a potential source for fungal (Aspergillus) or bacterial (Klebsiella)
contaminants.
Nesting Material
Nesting material composed of fine threads should be avoided as it may wrap
around the toes or legs and acting as a tourniquet, cutting off the circulation.
This may lead to deterioration (necrosis) and loss of toes. The birds most often
affected seem to be finches and canaries. Cedar chips and other aromatic woods
in small nesting boxes may be hazardous. The aroma is too overwhelming in a
small area and can be toxic, possibly leading to death.
Overgrown Toenails and Beaks
Check the toenails and beak regularly and be aware of overgrowth or unusually
rapid growth. For example, in fatty liver disease of parakeets a rapidly
overgrowing upper beak with areas of hemorrhage (seen as black spots) may be
diagnostic. Deterioration and beak overgrowth may indicate Beak and Feather
Disease in a cockatoo. Therefore it is very important to be a good observer as
many such changes seen may help aid in the early diagnosis with better success
in treatment if identified properly. Nonetheless, the usual problem caused by
overgrown beak and toenails are impairment to eating and movement. If they are
too long there is the potential for cracking leading to severe injury or
hemorrhage.
Leg Bands
If they are not absolutely necessary for identification they should be removed.
Bands are a hazard as they may become hooked whereupon the bird may injure its
leg (sprain, dislocation or fracture). The band may also become irritating to
the leg and possibly cause swelling and inflammation of the leg. There is a
potential hazard that the band may become constricting on the leg and act as a
tourniquet with resultant loss of the leg if the problem is not soon identified.
This problem occurs mainly with canaries and cockatiels, although any banded
bird may be at risk. Always be certain that the band moves freely on the leg.
Examine the legs periodically and watch for any unusual changes.
Dangers in the Household
Exercise caution whenever birds are allowed freedom in the house. Many seemingly
innocent common household furnishings can be dangerous. If you are not at home
to monitor your bird, it is best to keep it caged.
Windows/Mirrors
Windows and mirrors do not appear to be a barrier to flying birds. They may
unwittingly proceed headlong into them, possibly causing severe injury or loss
of consciousness. If your bird flies free try to keep these surfaces covered. If
you want to prevent this type of injury it would be a good idea to keep the
wings clipped.
Open Doors/Windows
The danger is obvious. The loss of a pet bird is not uncommon due to this and
can easily be avoided if proper precautions are taken.
Open Containers of Water
The risk of drowning exists whenever there are open containers of water. Birds
have drowned by falling into sinks, commodes, pots of water, etc. If your bird
flies freely in your home, such containers should be covered. Caution must be
exercised whenever your bird is nearby and you are in the kitchen cooking or at
the sink.
Ceiling Fans
These can cause serious injury to flying birds. Surprisingly injuries from this
occur much more frequently than you (and myself) would imagine. If your bird is
free-flying be extremely careful when the ceiling fan is in operation.
Loud Noises
Birds do have sensitive hearing so loud noises can cause stress, leading to
lowered resistance to infection or emotional problems such as feather picking.
Other Pets in the Household
A very frequent cause of injury for pet birds. A cat bite or cat scratch can be
lethal to a bird unless properly treated. The bacteria from this type of cat
injuries can cause a systemic infection, so even if the bird looks fine there
can be severe disease developing. Seek veterinary care if it does occur for
proper therapy. Injuries due to dogs are moreso due to blunt trauma or puncture
wounds. We have had two instances of ferrets causing the death of pet birds, one
of them being a cockatoo. Even though a bird may be large it may not be able to
defend itself adequately. Jealous or aggressive birds may cause severe injuries
to other birds in the household. Beaks can be traumatized or even ripped off.
However, one of the more common injuries is of the toes. Toe lacerations,
fractures, and amputations are seen if a bird lands on the cage of an aggressive
bird or vice versa. So even if your pets seem to live in harmony, always be on
your guard for potential confrontations. Your pets relish your attention so that
sometimes jealousy can motivate them to attack one another.
Cooking Food
Hot cookware, hot food and hot range tops can be dangerous. Remember, even
though a burner is turned off it still remains hot enough to blister the feet of
a bird for some time. A good rule is to keep the bird away from the range while
you're are cooking.
Potentially Poisonous Compounds for Pet Birds
A listing of some poisonous compounds. Birds are particularly sensitive to many
of these due to their small size and very efficient metabolism.
-agricultural/gardening chemical
-insecticide/herbicidal sprays
-rodenticides
-mothballs (napthalenes)
-drugs in excessive quantities/improper usage
-denture cleansing solution
-salt (in large amounts)
-cigarette butts
-disinfectants
(phenols and cresols used more concentrated than manufacturers recommendations)
With disinfectants people feel that if a little is good then alot is better. The
disinfectants can lie in pools on the bottom of aviaries and dry on the perches.
Adequate rinsings are necessary whenever disinfectants are used.
Lead Poisoning
One of the most common poisonings in avian practice. Due to their curiosity,
birds will pick up objects, chew and occasionally swallow small fragments. Lead
is absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. It is then carried to
the brain and also incorporated into the bone. It can cause nervous system
disorders and eventually lead to death.
There are many sources of lead around the household that you should be aware of
as due to their inquisitive nature your pet bird could accidentally happen upon
some. Lead is common in weights such as curtain weights, cuckoo clock weights,
fishing sinkers, and some toys (usually within). Shotgun shot and bullets are
obvious sources. Solder, putty, linoleum, mirror backing, costume jewelry, and
some zippers are less apparent sources of lead. Ceramics not glazed to be food
safe can contain lead. Wine bottle foil has been the source of lead poisonings
on several occasions in our practice. The two most common sources of lead
poisonings are lead-based paints and leaded glass. As most paints used now are
not lead-based why does it still occur? Many times in older homes the birds will
chew through the superficial layers of the safe paint to expose the lead-based
paints beneath which are toxic. If you live in an older home keep a wary eye out
for any evidence of chewing of paint by your birds. Also if you have any leaded
or stained glass in your home make sure that you keep your birds away from the
lead surfaces. Even a small chip can cause toxicity. The diagnosis of lead
poisoning is through the demonstration of lead in the digestive tract. If lead
poisoning is suspected seek veterinary assistance immediately, a x-ray will
confirm the diagnosis. However, the absence of metal densities in the digestive
tract on an x-ray does not rule out heavy metal toxicity. Some cases of lead
poisoning may be from sources that do not show up well on an x-ray such as paint
chips or leaded gas fumes. Sometimes by the time clinical signs are noted the
lead may have cleared the digestive tract or there may be slow release from the
bone months after exposure. Other aids in diagnosis are clinical signs which
include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, weakness, excess urination, diarrhea and
nervous system signs such as ataxia, head tilt, blindness, circling, paresis,
paralysis, head tremors, convulsions and death. Some birds die with no clinical
signs displayed. Hemoglobinuria (blood in the urine) is a clinical sign
especially in Amazons and some other birds but does not occur in all cases. It
is secondary to rupture of red blood cells within the blood vessels and may be
misinterpreted as bloody diarrhea.. Blood lead analysis will confirm the
diagnosis but results may take several days.
Lead poisoning can be treated if identified quickly. A drug called calcium EDTA
is given by injection into the muscle and it combines with the lead in the
bloodstream so that it cannot enter the brain. It is given until there is no
evidence of lead in the GI tract or when clinical signs resolve. Mineral oil or
peanut butter can be given to aid in the passage of the lead out of the GI
tract. If large fragments of lead are present surgical removal may be required.
Poisonous Plants
House plants can be a problem as birds tend to nibble at vegetation, however
actual plant intoxications in pet birds are quite rare. There are few documented
cases of plant poisonings in birds and it is believed that the rapid GI transit
time is thought to play a role in the low incidence of toxicity. Determining how
much a bird ingests is difficult as they seem to enjoy shredding the leaves more
than ingesting them. Much of the data related to poisonous plants in pet birds
is extrapolated from that of mammals. I will not go into detail listing the
toxic plants as several excellent articles on this subject have appeared in past
issues of Bird Talk. Another good source is the listing of toxic as well as safe
plants for aviary use in the fine avian medical text written by Harrison and
Harrison. If you have any doubts as to the toxicity of your house plants call
your local poison control center. If you suspect your bird has been poisoned
seek veterinary care immediately.
Toxic Fumes
Birds have the most efficient respiratory tract in the animal world. They are
able to efficiently remove oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream.
However, due to this efficiency and their small size, they are more sensitive to
toxic elements in the air. Remember that canaries were used in mines to detect
gases that would otherwise be undetectable.
Following is a listing of different elements that have been shown to be toxic
for pet birds. As you will notice from the list, many have no effect on man, so
care must be taken whenever they are used around birds.
-aerosol sprays (the propellant in the spray is toxic)
-polymer fumes in spray starch
-fumes from self-cleaning oven
-paint fumes
-smoke from burning food
-burning/overheated cooking oil/butter
-non-stick plastic sprays used to coat cooking utensils
-cigarette smoke
-cooking gas
-carbon monoxide (car exhaust/water heater)
-any material that emits fumes
Passive inhalation of cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke can cause chronic
ocular, dermatologic and respiratory disease in pet birds. Birds that live in
homes with smokers often show clinical signs which include, coughing, sneezing,
sinusitis and conjunctivitis due to the constant irritation of the respiratory
system. Many times secondary bacterial invasion occurs into the lining of the
respiratory tract which has been damaged by the smoke. Clinical signs can
resolve without treatment if the source of smoke is eliminated and no secondary
infections are present.
If you notice a strange smell or fumes, remove your bird to an area free of
fumes with good ventilation. As is evidenced from the listing above, many of
these hazards are from the kitchen. A rule of thumb is not to keep the bird in
the kitchen. Too many unfortunate situations can occur there. Many people keep
their birds in the kitchen as it is a place of great activity. If you do keep
your bird in the kitchen for this reason then exercise extreme caution whenever
any cooking or cleaning is being done in the kitchen. However, it is preferred
to keep the birds out of the kitchen.
"Teflon Toxicity" This has been a problem that the author has been addressing
for the past several years, having written many articles and giving numerous
lectures on its danger. Dr. Roger Wells had performed the initial research on
PTFE toxicity and his work was essential to avian practitioners and their
understanding of the condition.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic polymer used on non-stick cooking
surfaces. The most familiar PTFE coated cookware are marketed under the trade
names Teflon, Silverstone and Supra. However, other PTFE coated products are
available under other trade names.
Under normal cooking conditions PTFE coated cookware is stable and safe. When
PTFE is heated above 530 degrees F it undergoes breakdown and emits caustic
(acid) fumes. Most foods cook at lower temperatures though, water boils at 212
degrees F, eggs fry at 350 degrees F and deep-frying occurs at 410 degrees F.
But when empty PTFE coated cookware is left on a burner set on the high setting,
it can reach temperatures of 750 degrees F or greater. Thus if a pan is being
preheated on a burner and forgotten or if water boils out of a pot then
breakdown of the PTFE can occur. Therefore PTFE coated cookware has to be
"abused" to emit toxic fumes. There have been reports of some instances of
toxicity at lower temperatures.
The signs of PTFE toxicity are non-specific. Birds are usually found dead in the
cage or gasping for air and then dying. The lung tissue is severely damaged by
the caustic effects of the toxic fumes. On post mortem examination changes are
seen in the lungs only, with congestion and hemorrhage in the airways.
The diagnosis is through the signs of respiratory difficulties and death coupled
with the association of a non-stick surface that was possibly overheated. Other
sources of toxic fumes must be ruled out. The changes in the lungs are
non-specific for PTFE toxicity so there is no SPECIFIC way it can be positively
identified.
PTFE coated drip pans (burner pans) are extremely dangerous for use around
birds. The pans are exposed to the direct heat of the burners, so that under a
burner set on high, the pan can reach over 650 degrees F in 5 minutes, and after
10 minutes, over 1000 degrees F. PTFE coated cookware is dangerous when abused,
PTFE coated drip pans are dangerous under normal usage and should be avoided if
birds are present in the household.
A real threat exists as drip pans coated with PTFE are still being marketed and
distributed through mail order houses. From what was gathered speaking with a
representative of one of the companies he stated that "hundreds of thousands"
have been sold. The fact that these can cause death in pet birds under normal
usage (with unknown effects on humans) and the fact that there are not warning
labels on all these products or no composition label (so the consumer knows if
PTFE is present or not) is totally unacceptable.
In the late 1980's the author conducted a nationwide survey of bird owners who
had lost their birds to PTFE toxicity. The call for information was requested in
an article submitted to Bird Talk which discussed PTFE toxicity and the emerging
danger of the newly available PTFE coated drip pans. A large volume of letters
and phone calls were received from all over the country. They were all
investigated to be sure that the death of the bird(s) was due to overheated PTFE
and not other sources (such as burning food/smoke).
Over the one year period that the information was collected there were 105
instances of PTFE toxicity accounting for 520 bird deaths, ranging from finches
up to macaws. It can easily be surmised that there were countless other
experiences that went unreported or unrecognized indicating the scope of this
problem. Twenty percent of the instances reported involved the use of PTFE
coated drip pans but the majority were due to a PTFE surface that was overheated
through improper usage. The most frequent situations were when a PTFE coated pan
that was placed on burner while empty or a pot forgotten on a burner was allowed
to boil off the water inside and the surface allowed to reach the temperature
for pyrolysis.
Bird owners do not need to throw out all their PTFE cookware, they just need to
be more careful when using it around birds. However, PTFE coated drip pans
should never be used around birds.
Despite efforts by many concerned parties trying to alert bird owners to these
dangers deaths are still occurring from PTFE toxicities and we, as concerned
consumers, must address this problem. Manufacturers should place warning labels
on PTFE coated products alerting consumers as to the dangers of the usage around
pet birds. Another requirement should be a label as to the composition of the
non-stick material being used on the surface. Informed bird owners that would
like to avoid PTFE are frustrated, as on these surfaces there is no indication
as to what type of non-stick agent is used. For example, some surfaces contain
silicon, which would be safe around birds, however, this information is not
easily accessible. Warning labels and composition of the non-stick surface are
two things that are definitely needed in the future.
Conclusion
As you can see danger in the household lurks in many seemingly innocent
places. The purpose of this article was to alert you to some of these dangers
which can be averted if proper husbandry practices and caution are exercised. I
have always felt that even one death or injury from any of these circumstances
is too many. It is also our duty as bird owners to share this information with
other bird owners so that we can prevent any further accidental death and injury
of these truly wonderful pets.
For information on products and chemicals as well as assistance with poisonings,
call the National Animal Poison Control Center, University of Illinois, College
of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61801. 1-800-548-2423 ($30/case)
1-900-680-0000 ($20/first 5 minutes, $2.95 each additional minute)
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