If you can believe it, bird-proofing is much more complicated than for a child or puppy. Birds are very curious, and will get into almost anything. Plus, they can fly. Basically your bird is a two-year-old toddler that can fly. They are also very sensitive to odors and chemicals, and explore things with their mouths–meaning they put everything in their mouths. The most important rule to bird safety is knowing where your bird is at ALL TIMES. If you are unable to watch your bird out of its cage, the best thing to do is keep it in the cage.
Below are some safety tips to help keep your bird safe:
Fans
Ceiling fans can be a major hazard to your bird. The blades can cut its toes, give it a concussion, or trap its wings. The best thing to do is turn off all ceiling fans when your bird is out of its cage.
Windows
Birds don't understand the concept of glass and will fly through it, just like wild birds flying outside do. To protect your bird, cover your windows by drapes or blinds.
Electrical Cords
It's okay to have electrical cords, but be aware that your bird could chew on them. If it does, they could cause burns, electrocution, or oral and GI tract injury or obstruction. Just make sure to keep an eye on your bird, and hide the cords as best as possible.
The Kitchen
The kitchen houses a lot of bird hazards. Don't allow your bird into the kitchen if you are cooking or have recently cooked. Also, don't keep its enclosure in the kitchen. The kitchen can be a danger zone for your bird. It can get burned on a hot stove or eat something toxic (chocolate, avocado, onion/garlic, fruit pits and apple seeds, salt, and more). Don't use Teflon or other non-stick materials if you have a bird. They give off fumes that are toxic to birds.
Bathrooms
The bathroom can be a dangerous spot for your bird if it's not bird proofed. Make sure all sources of water are drained or covered so you're bird doesn't drown. Close the lid to the toilet and drain your tub. Store all medications in a safe spot so your bird doesn't accidently open the bottles and ingest the pills. Hide all toxic items including cleaning supplies, aerosol containers, make-up, and make-up removers.
The Laundry Room
The laundry room can have several hazards. Your bird can fly into the washer or drier and get trapped. Check both the washer and drier before putting anything inside. Keep detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners in a cupboard and out of the reach of your bird. They are very toxic! Also, be careful when ironing, as your bird can get burned from the iron
Heat Sources, Smokes, and Fumes
Birds can easily get burned from burning candles, fireplaces, space heaters, and uncovered light bulbs. Your bird shouldn't be in the same room as these heat sources. Also, toxic fumes and smoke can negatively affect your bird's respiratory system. Be mindful when using products/substances that have strong odors, such as bleach, glues, hairspray, potpourri, gasoline, and paint.
Heavy Metals
Household items such as jewelry, nails, staples, clasps, and zippers can be a hazard to your bird if they get it in their system and cause lead poisoning. Keep anything that has a trace of metal our of the reach of your bird.
House Plants
Be careful with plants in your house when your bird is around. Many household plants are toxic and can be harmful to your bird when ingested. Some common plants include black locust, coffee beans, daffodils, elephant's ear, holly, honeysuckle, ivy, jasmine, lilies, mistletoe, morning glory, parsley, philodendron, poinsettia, potatoes, rhododendron, tobacco, and tomato.
This is a lot of information to digest, but keeping your bird safe is a priority. Just remember, if you are unable to keep an eye on your bird, put them in their cage.
