Hazards for Pet Birds

Overview

At Animal Republic Veterinary Hospital and ER, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet bird. Understanding potential hazards can help you prevent accidental poisonings and keep your feathered friend safe. Below are common dangers to be aware of and what to watch for.

Common Chemical Hazards

• Zinc: Found in items like some metal cages, coins (especially pennies minted since 1983), and galvanized food dishes. Zinc poisoning can cause symptoms like increased thirst, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures.
• Lead: Present in old paint, toys, batteries, and some household items. Lead poisoning can cause lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, and convulsions.
• Nicotine: Found in tobacco products and some insecticides. Symptoms include excitement, panting, drooling, and in severe cases, collapse or cardiac arrest.
• Insecticides: Chemicals for pest control can be harmful. Be cautious with products like avermectins and fipronil.

Common Inhalant Hazards

• Toxic Fumes: Overheated non-stick cookware, smoke, and fumes from cleaning products or paints can be harmful. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, lethargy, and in severe cases, sudden death.
• Gas and Smoke: Avoid exposure to car exhaust, smoke, and fumes from new carpets or cleaning products, as they can be harmful to birds.

Foods and Plants Hazardous to Birds

• Avocado: Contains a toxin called persin, which can cause respiratory distress and may be fatal.
• Chocolate: Toxic to birds, similar to dogs and cats.
• Caffeine: Causes hyperactivity, increased heart rate, and potential cardiac arrest.
• Onions and Garlic: Can cause digestive upset and red blood cell damage.
• Salt: Even small amounts can disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to dehydration and kidney failure.
• Fatty Foods: Can cause obesity and fatty liver disease.
• Fruit Pits and Seeds: Some contain cyanide, which is toxic.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be fatal to birds.
• Toxic Plants:
  • Lily of the Valley, Oleander, and Yew: Can affect the heart.
  • Rhubarb and Lilies: Can harm the kidneys.
  • Sago Palm and Amanita Mushrooms: Can cause liver damage.
  • Autumn Crocus and Castor Bean: Can affect multiple organs.
  • Houseplants like Peace Lilies and Philodendron: Can irritate the mouth and throat.

Physical Hazards

• Heaters and Stoves: Can cause burns. Ensure your bird is safely caged or supervised around these.
• Open Toilets and Baths: Birds can easily drown. Keep these areas inaccessible.
• Doors: Birds that perch on top of doors may get injured if the door is closed.

Critical Signs Your Bird Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
• Fluffed feathers and lethargy
• Bleeding (from nostrils, mouth, or vent)
• Unusual droppings (discoloration or consistency changes)
• Sudden weight loss or inability to perch
• Trauma or fractures
• Prolapsed vent (tissue protruding from the vent)

If you suspect your bird has been exposed to any of these hazards, contact us immediately for advice and treatment.