Common Household Poisons of Pet Birds

Many bird owners are unaware of the toxic substances that may exist in their own homes. Lead, smoke, houseplants, chocolate, even carpet fresheners can be toxic to your pet bird. Curious birds readily chew or ingest foreign materials and are very sensitive to airborne toxins and particulate irritants. And, in general, the smaller the bird the more sensitive to toxins it is.

Heavy-metal poisoning (lead, zinc, copper, iron) is very common, probably because of their ubiquitous availability (see below) If your bird shows depression, weakness, vomiting, seizures, an inability to use it's legs, diarrhea, bloody urine, or is drinking a lot of water, heavy-metal poisoning should be considered.

Any strong odor or smoke is potentially toxic. Gases released from burning non-stick cookware or irons/ironing board covers, self-cleaning ovens, ammonia, strong bleach, glues, paints, nail polish, hair spray, spray starch, moth balls, bug bombs pesticide strips/sprays, carbon monoxide and smoke from any source can result in coughing, wheezing, respiratory failure and death. Even "second-hand" tobacco smoke is believed to result in chronic respiratory disease as well as feather and skin disorders. Aerosolized powdered carpet fresheners have also been associated with death in birds. Avoiding exposure by moving your pet to a distant location or, better yet, out of the house, and providing good ventilation will help prevent toxicities.

Many common plants, such as philodendron, rhododendron, oleander and even avocado can be toxic. Vomiting, sores in the mouth and lethargy may result. Many more potential toxins lurk in even the most careful of households. If toxin exposure is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Sources of Lead:
Lead shot, galvanized wire, lead-based paints, lead putty, solder, linoleum, foil from champagne/wine bottles, some metal cages both bars and paint, lead weights (fishing or curtain), bells with lead clappers, stained glass, improperly glazed ceramics, Tiffany lamps, batteries, bird toys with lead weights, some chain, some quick links, costume jewelry, mirror backing, pool cue chalk and possibly other chalk

Sources of Zinc:
Staples, galvanized mesh/containers, galvanized nails, pennies (post 1982), hardware cloth, fertilizers, some paints, zinc pyrithione shampoos, zinc oxide, Desenex cream, some bird cages, some quick links, some bird toys

Miscellaneous Toxins:
Furniture polish, matches, nicotine, salt, aluminum chloride deodorants, alcoholic beverages, rubbing alcohol, pencils, perfumes, pine oils, detergents, hairspray, chlorine.

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Additional Safety articles:

• Harmful Foods & Plants
• Safe Plant List
• General Bird Safety
• The Importance of Wing Clipping
• Winter Considerations
• Selecting Safe Toys
• True Myths and False Truths
• There's Something About Zinc

• All Articles
• Introduction to Parrot Island
• General Care of Pet Birds
• Diet and Nutrition
• Behavioral Information
• Veterinary Health
• Special Interest
• Species Specific
• Recommended Reading