How To Tell if Your Bird Has Been Poisoned and What To Do About It Now

By Diane Burroughs

Revised 12/28/2022

 

Did you know that common household items such as cleaning products, air fresheners, and even certain plants can pose a serious risk to your pet bird? These poisons for birds can be fatal if not detected quickly. Even if you take precautions to keep your pet bird safe, it is important to be aware of potential dangers in your home. In this blog post, we will discuss common household poisons that could be fatal to your pet bird, including discovering poison fumes, plants, and more.

Birds poisoning is a frequent occurrence.  Bird’s have very unique bodies including specialized respiratory systems and digestive systems. They may be exposed to a variety of toxins and poisons in their cages or as they explore or perch around your home.

Bird poisoning can occur through inhalation of fumes, consuming poisons, or even by absorbing poisons through their skin.

Lead paint from foreign manufactured bird cage bars or toys, consuming too much salt from human snacks such as crackers or chips or chewing on pop cans may lead to death or thousands in veterinary bills.  Discover what toxic items in your home may contribute to poisoned birds and how to tell if your bird has been poisoned.

Fumes and aerosols

Birds have a highly sophisticated and ultra efficient respiratory system, making them particularly vulnerable to the inhalation of fumes and aerosols, which can be poisons for birds. Many everyday items can be toxic to your pet bird if not used properly. It is important to be aware of potential household toxins and take precautionary measures to protect your feathered friend.

Common sources of fumes and aerosol chemicals to be aware of include aerosol sprays, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, paints and paint removers, mothballs, gasoline, and insecticides. Any of these products that contain volatile organic compounds or strong odors could be hazardous for your bird. When using any of these items, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area away from your pet bird. Consider using natural alternatives to some of these items when possible, such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, or beeswax candles instead of chemical air fresheners.

Additionally, never use a non-stick cooking surface like Teflon (PTFE) around birds, as the fumes from this product can be fatal. PTFE isn't just on cookware. It is on carpets, mattresses, clothing, furniture, and other fabric surfaces. It is even on some pet toys and lightbulbs. If heated above 300 degrees F it will emit toxic fumes which can kill an unprotected bird within minutes.

Whenever you are using an appliance that heats up, take a look at whether it is coated with Teflon or other non-stick coatings. This could include ovens, space heaters, blow dryers, curling irons, and irons. Play it safe and never use a Teflon-coated appliance in the same room that your bird is in.

A Teflon pan can heat up to toxic levels within just a few minutes killing thousands of pet birds every year. At least 6 toxic gases are emitted at temperatures as low as 325. When exposed to the fumes, a bird's lungs hemorrhage and fill up with fluids causing the bird to suffocate. Learn more about how PTFE is  poisonous to birds here.

Don't take a chance. Get rid of your teflon cookware.

• Never run a space heater near your bird.
• Never clean the oven with a bird in the proximity. If you need to clean your oven, take your bird to a place where it has plenty of ventilation.
• Never expose your bird to fragrances, chemical air fresheners,
• Never use aerosol sprays around your bird.

Cigarettes and smoke

 

via GIPHY

 

Cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, and even smoke from fires can be highly poisonous to birds. Not only do the fumes cause them physical discomfort and irritation, but the smoke particles can also be incredibly harmful if inhaled. Even second-hand smoke or smoke from candles can have an adverse effect on the respiratory health of birds. If you are a smoker, it is best to keep your pet bird in a separate area of your house that has been ventilated to avoid exposing it to any dangerous poisons for birds. 

Wood-burning fireplaces can also produce dangerous poisons for birds. The smoke created when wood burns contain carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene which can all be lethal to birds. In addition, the creosote produced by wood-burning stoves can release toxins into the air which can contaminate the atmosphere within your home. Often, wood-burning fireplaces cause sudden death in birds. 

Smoke damage may not be immediately apparent. And, keep in mind that birds instinctively hide illness and injuries. Any sign of unusual behavior should be taken seriously, especially if you suspect exposure to a toxic substance like smoke. Seek medical advice right away if your bird experiences persistent coughing, sneezing, wheezing, breathing difficulties, discharge from the nostrils or eyes, or changes in vocalizations such as croaking or gasping.  

In addition to avoiding smoke, it's important to feed your bird a diet of pellets and nutritious plant-based foods. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that can help keep your bird healthy and happy. This helps their respiratory immune defenses.  

It's important to never smoke around your pet birds as they are incredibly sensitive to the effects of smoke. If you do smoke, make sure you always wash your hands afterward and change your clothing before interacting with your bird. Doing this will ensure that the smoke residue and toxins on your hands or clothes do not get transferred onto your bird. 

It's also important to protect your bird during times of poor air quality. Wildfires, dust storms, and other environmental disasters can result in increased levels of smoke and other pollutants in the air. If this happens, it's best to keep your bird inside with the windows closed and in an air-conditioned house if possible. This will help to filter out any smoke or toxins from the air and keep your bird safe from harm. 

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is important to get veterinary help immediately. This can include symptoms like breathing hard, bobbing their tails, sitting on the bottom of the cage fluffed up, or just acting lethargic and not wanting to eat much. If these signs are present, your bird may be suffering from the effects of smoke poisoning and needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. 

Chemicals that are poisonous to birds​​

Household chemicals can be very dangerous for birds. Many common household products such as bleach, disinfectants, detergents, paint and solvents contain toxic chemicals that can be fatal if ingested by a bird. Even cleaning supplies labeled "non-toxic" can contain harmful ingredients that can cause serious harm.  

• Ammonia – This is a common ingredient in window cleaners, floor cleaners and some detergents. Even low concentrations of ammonia can irritate a bird's lungs, eyes and skin.

• Chlorine – This is found in many household cleaners and swimming pool treatments. Ingestion of chlorine can cause respiratory distress and eye damage.

• Insecticides – Many insecticides are highly toxic to birds and can cause severe neurological damage if ingested. If you must use insecticides, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all safety instructions.

• Rodenticides – These products contain ingredients that can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological damage in birds.

• Paint and Solvents – Paints and solvents contain a variety of toxins, including lead and other heavy metals, that can be deadly if ingested. Before using any type of paint or solvent, make sure your pet bird is safely out of the area.  

It is important to remember that even small amounts of chemicals can be poisonous to birds, so always take precautions when using any type of product around your pet bird. Store all hazardous materials out of reach and keep them tightly sealed to prevent accidental ingestion. 

It is important to be aware of the common symptoms of chemical poisoning in birds, so you can act quickly if your pet bird is exposed. Symptoms to be on the lookout for include difficulty breathing, lethargy, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. If you suspect that your bird has been exposed to a chemical, it is important to seek veterinary attention right away. 

Heavy Metal Poisoning: A common cause of death in pet birds

via GIPHY

 

Heavy metal toxicosis is a serious health risk for pet birds, as they are particularly sensitive to heavy metals. Common sources of heavy metal poisoning include lead-based paints, galvanized wire, lead shot, zinc, copper and brass. Even ingesting small amounts of these substances can cause serious damage to your pet bird's internal organs, leading to illness and even death. 

Signs of heavy metal poisoning in birds include lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, and respiratory problems such as labored breathing and tail bobbing. A bird with heavy metal poisoning may also have a greenish or blackish discoloration to its feathers and skin.  

To prevent heavy metal poisoning, always be aware of the materials used to build your bird's cage, toys, and other accessories. Inspect all toys and cages for any signs of rust or flaking paint that could contain lead. Additionally, never allow your pet bird access to any household items made from galvanized wire or other metals that could contain lead or other heavy metals.  

Birds can also be exposed to heavy metals through bird toys that are made with galvanized wire, lead, or zinc - with lead being, by far, the most commonly seen. There are all sorts of household items in common homes that could harm a bird such as toys, curtain weights, jewelry, imported metal cages, caulking compounds, batteries, solder, fishing weights, foil, jig heads, tank linings, bearings, ceramics, plastics, candy wrappers, inks, paint, ammunition, and leaded glass. 

Many inexpensive or foreign bird toys contain these materials, and if your pet bird chews or swallows any of these parts, it could lead to toxicosis. Be sure to inspect all of your bird's toys before giving them to your pet and throw away any toys that contain these materials. Look for bird toys made from natural materials such as wood or leather that are free from dangerous chemicals or metals. 

If you suspect your pet bird has been exposed to any heavy metals, seek veterinary care immediately. The vet can perform a blood test to determine if the bird has been poisoned, as well as take steps to treat the toxicity and improve the bird's health. 

Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include lethargy, decreased appetite, weakness, labored breathing, tail bobbing, and greenish or blackish discoloration of feathers and skin. If your bird is displaying any of these symptoms, you should seek veterinary care immediately to determine if the bird has been poisoned and take important life-saving steps to treat the toxicity. 

Foods that are poisonous to birds

There are a few common household foods that can be fatal to your pet bird.

via GIPHY

1. Avocado contains persin, a fatty acid-like substance that can be toxic to birds.  
2. Caffeine, chocolate, and salt should also be avoided as they can be toxic to birds.
3. Fats from processed foods should also be avoided, as well as fruit pits and apple seeds which can cause choking or an intestinal blockage.
4. Onions and garlic can cause anemia in birds and xylitol, which is often used as an artificial sweetener, is also toxic to birds.  

It is so important to research any new food before offering it to your pet bird. 

With that being said, birds need to eat a variety of bird-safe, raw plant-based foods for proper nutrition. Some great examples of bird-safe plant-based foods are carrots, celery, kale, broccoli, apples (without seeds or core), and various types of sprouts.

Make sure to avoid any food that is overly processed or contains a lot of sugar. As long as you provide a variety of fresh, nutritious food for your pet bird, it should be healthy and safe from any potential toxins. 

Plants that are poisonous to birds

There's a new trend in the world of avian nutrition: uncooked plant-based foods. Variety is the key. Many avian nutrition experts suggest a diet of 40-50% organic pellets and 40-50% of nutrient-rich, plant-based foods that include fruits, vegetables, sprouts, fresh grains, herbs, flowers, and the like. Various bird-food specialty companies are starting to sprout up to support these nutritional needs.  

However, it is important to know that many common household plants can be poisonous to birds. Be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home to make sure it is not hazardous to your feathered friend - or other pets. Some of the most toxic plants for birds include lilies, amaryllis, azalea, holly, begonia, caladium, English ivy, and mistletoe. Even if a plant is not poisonous itself, the fertilizer used on it may contain toxic elements, such as zinc or lead.  

Bird owners should also be aware of the dangers of mushrooms growing in their yards or gardens. Many species of mushrooms are deadly to birds, and these fungi should be removed immediately. Finally, be aware of the types of products used in the home that may contain plants or fungi.  

Symptoms of Bird Poisoning

Look for these common symptoms of bird poisoning. Depending on the toxin, your bird may display one or more of these common poisoning signs: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Lethargy 
• Increased urination 
• Blindness 
• Tremors 
• Excitability 
• Depression 
• Staggering or lack of coordination 
• Falling from perch 
• Convulsions 
• Coma 

First Aid For A Poisoned Bird 

1. Immediately get your bird to safety.
   
   
2. Foreye contact, flush the eye with lukewarm water or an eye wash.
   
   
3. Forskin contact, flush the affected area with water.
   
   
4. Forfume intoxication, remove the bird from the area altogether. Head over to your vets office immediately.
   
   
5. Stabilize your bird in a clean, warm, safe bird hospital cage. 

Call your veterinarian now!

• Bring a sample of the poison and its packaging.
• Bring a sample of the bird's most recent droppings.
• Provide general supportive care. 

Common Culprits in Bird Poisoning

Respiratory Poisoning in Parrots 

• Cleaning fumes 
• General household cleaners
• Paint fumes
• Teflon
• Exposure to chemicals that irritate your respiratory system
• Insecticides
• Bleach fumes 

Ingested Products

• Chocolate
• Onions and Garlic
• Comfrey (herb)
• Avocado
• Fruit Pits and apple seeds
• High fat, sodium or sugar foods
• Sugar-free candy
• Alcohol
• Mushrooms
• Caffeine
• Tomato leaves
• Dried, uncooked beans
• Certain household plants
• Human medication
• Certain household plants 

(The following is a list of some potentially toxic plants. Be sure you correctly identified all plants in your bird's environment.When using these lists, ensure you use the Scientific Name to identify Plants, if uncertain remove the plant )

(Abbreviations: Spp=subspecies, Sp=species)

Plant Name	Scientific Name	Parts Known to be Poisonous
Acokanthera	Acokanthera spp.	all parts toxic
Amaryllis	Amaryllidaceae	Bulbs
American Yew	Taxus canadensis	Needles, seeds
Angel's Trumpet	Datura spp.,	leaves, seeds, flowers
Apricot	Prunus armeniaca,	pits, leaves, and bark
* Autumn Crocus	Colchicum autumnalle	bulb
Avocado	Persea americana	pit, leaves, unripe fruit, and stems
Azalea	Rhododendron occidentale	Leaves
Balsam pear	Memordica charantia	Seeds, outer rind of fruit
Baneberry	Actaia spp.	Berries, roots
Belladonna	Atropa belladonna	All parts
Bird of Paradise	Caesalpina gilliesii	Seeds
Bittersweet	Celastrus spp.	All parts
Black Locust	Robinia pseudoacacia	Bark, sprouts, foliage
* Bleeding Heart	Dicentra	all parts
Bluegreen algae	Schizophycaea spp	Some forms toxic
Bracken Fern	Pteridium aquilinum	All parts
Some forms toxic Boxwood	Buxus sempervirens	Leaves, stems
Buckthorn	Rhamnus spp.	Fruit, bark
Burdock	Arctium spp.	All parts
Buttercup	Ranunculus spp.	Sap, bulbs
Calla lily	Zantedeschia aethiopica	Leaves
Caladium	Caladium spp.	Leaves and rhizome
Castor Oil Plant	Ricinus communis	Beans, leaves
Catclaw Acacia	Acacia greggii,	twigs and leaves
Chalice vine	Solandra spp.	All parts
Cherry tree	Prunus spp.	Bark, twigs, leaves, pits
Chinaberry	Melia azadarach	All parts
Chokecherry	Birdcherry Prunus	seeds (stones),
Christmas candle	Pedilanthus tithymaloides	Sap
Clematis	Clematis spp.	All parts
Coral plant	Jatropha multifida	Seeds
Cowslip	Caltha polustris	Seeds
Crocus (autumn)	Cholchicum autumnale	All parts
Cycad, or Sago Cycas	Cycas revoluta	All parts
Daffodil	Narcissus spp	Bulbs
Daphne	Daphne spp.	Berries
Datura	Datura spp.	Berries
Deadly amanita	Amanita muscaria	All parts
Death camas	Zygadenis elegans	All parts
Delphinium	Delphinium spp.	All parts
Devil's Ivy	Epipremnum aureum	All parts
Dieffenbachia	Dieffenbachia picta	Leaves
Eggplant	Solanaceae spp.	All parts but fruit
Elderberry	Sambucus mexicana,	roots, leaves, stems, bark
Elephant's ear (taro)	Colocasis spp.	Leaves, stem
English ivy	Ilex aquafolium	Berries, leaves
English yew	Taxus baccata	needles, seeds
Euonymus	Euonymus spp.	fruit, bark, leaves
European Pennroyal	Mentha pulegium
False henbane	Veratrum woodii	All parts
Figs	Ficus spp	sap
Fly agaric mushroom (deadly amanita)	Amanita muscaria	All parts
Four o'clock	Mirabilis jalapa	All parts
Foxglove	Digitalis purpurea	Leaves, seeds
Golden chain (laburnum)	Laburnum anagyroides	All parts, especially seeds
Heliotrope	Heliotropium spp.,	leaves
Hemlock	poison Conium spp.	All parts, especially roots and seeds
Hemlock	water Conium spp.	All parts especially roots and seeds
Henbane	Hyocyanamus niger	Seeds
Holly	Ilex spp.	Berries
Horse chestnut	Aesculus spp.	Nuts, twigs
Horse Nettle	Solanum carolinense	All parts
Hyacinth	Hyacinthinus orientalis	Bulbs
Hydrangea	Hydrangea spp.	Flower,bud
Indian turnip (jackinthepulpit)	Arisaema triphyllum	All parts
Iris (blue flag)	Iris spp.	Bulbs
Ivy (Boston, English, and some others)	Hedera spp.	All parts
Japanese yew	Taxus cuspidata	Needles, seeds
Java bean (lima bean)	Phaseolus lunatus	Uncooked beans
Jerusalem cherry	Solanum pseudocapsicum	Berries
Jessamine, Yellow	Gelsemium sempervirens,	leaves, stems
Jonquil	Narcissus jonquilla	All parts
Jimsonweed (thornapple)	Datura spp.	Leaves, seeds
Juniper	Juniperus virginiana	Needles, stems, berries
Lantana	Lantana spp.	Immature berries
Larkspur	Delphinium spp.	All parts
Laurel Kalmia, Ledum	Rhododendron spp.	All parts
Lilly of the valley	Convallaria majalis	All parts, including the water in which they have been kept
Lobelia	Lobelia spp.	All parts
Locoweed	Astragalu mollissimus	All parts
Lords and ladies (cuckoopint)	arum sp.	All parts
Lupine	Lupinus spp.	All parts
Marijuana	Cannabis sativa	Leaves
Mayapple	Podophyllum spp.	All parts, except fruit
Mescal bean	Sophora spp.	Seeds
Mistletoe	Santalales spp.	Berries
Milkweed	Asclepias spp.	All parts
Mock orange	Poncirus spp.	Fruit
Monkshood	Aconitum spp.	Leaves, roots
Moonseed	Menispermum canadense	All parts
Morning glory	Ipomoea spp.	All parts
Mushrooms	Amanita spp. and many others	All parts
Narcissus	Narcissus spp.	Bulbs
Nightshades (all types)	Solanum spp.	Berries, leaves
Oak	Quercus	acorn, young plant
Oleander	Nerium oleander	Leaves, branches, nectar of blossoms
Pennyroyal	Mentha pulegium	All parts
Peach	Prunus persica,	leaves, pit, bark
Peony	Paeonia officinalis	All parts
Periwinkle	Vinca minor, Vinca rosea	All parts
Peyote	Lophophora williamsii	All parts
Philodendron	Philodendron spp.	Leaves, stems
Pigweed	Amaranthus spp.	All parts
Plum	Prunus spp.,	leaves, pit, bark
Poison Hemlock	Conium maculatum	All parts
Poison ivy	Toxicodendron radicans	Sap
Poison oak	Toxicodendron quercifolium	Sap
Poison Sumac	Rhux vernix	All parts
Poinsettia	Euphorobia pulcherrima	Leaves, flowers
Pokeweed (inkberry)	Phytolacca americans	Leaves, roots, immature berries
Poppy	Papaver somniferum and related spp.	All parts
Potato	Solanum tuberosum	Eyes and new shoots
Pothos	Eprimemnun aureum	All parts
Primrose	Primula spp.	All parts
Privet	Lingustrum volgare	All parts, includling berries
Ragwort	Senecio jacobea and related spp.	All parts
Red Maple	Acer rubrum	All parts
Rhododendron	Rhododendron spp.	All parts
Rhubarb	Rheum rhaponticum	Leaves
Rosary pea (Indian licorice)	Abrus precatorius	Seeds
Sage	Salvia officinalis	All parts
Sedum	Sedum	All parts
Shamrock Plant	Medicago lupulina, Trifolium repens, Oxalis acetosella	All parts
Skunk cabbage	Symplocarpus foetidus	All parts
Snowdrop	Ornithogalum umbellatum	All parts, especially buds
Snow on the mountain (ghostweed)	Euphorbia marginata	All parts
Sorrel	Rumex spp., Oxalis spp.	All parts
Spindle Tree	Euonymus	leaves, fruit, bark
Spurges	Euphorbia spp.	All parts
Star of Bethlehem	Ornithogalum umbellatum	All parts
Sweet pea	Lathryus latifolius	Seeds and fruit
Tansy	Tanacetum vulgare	all parts
Tobacco	Nicotinia spp.	Leaves
Tomato	Lycopersicon esculentum	stems and leaves
Tulip	Tulipa spp.	All parts
Vetches	Vicia spp.	All parts
Virginia creeper	Pathenocissu quinquefolia	Sap
Water Hemlock	Cicuta spp.
Waxberry	Symphoricarpos albus
Western yew	Taxus breviflora	Needles, seeds
Wisteria	Wisteria spp.	All parts
Yam bean	Pachyrhizus erosus	Roots, immature pods

 

Prevention

The best cure for bird poisoning is prevention. Bird-proof your home before your bird is exposed to or gets into a poisonous substance.

• Teflon products
• Cleaning solutions, especially aerosols
• Heavy metals - use only reputable bird toys and bird supplies
• Never give your bird pop cans to chew
• Mop up all potentially poisonous spills immediately. 

References:

http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/veterinary-advice/poisons-and-parrots

Avian First Aid DVD by Greg Burkett, DVM

https://wagwalking.com/bird/condition/heavy-metal-toxicosis

https://theparrotsocietyuk.org/site/index.php/parrot-information/veterinary-advice/poisons-parrots/poisons-and-toxins/

https://whisperingpinespc.com/bird-safety-toxic-effects-smoke/

 

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Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written a number of bird behavior books and she offers behavior consultations. She's developed a range of UnRuffledRx Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.

Diane's products have been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon, a conference for exotic pet veterinarians. Her bird collars & supplements are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores throughout the US. With over 30 years in the field of behavior, Diane has created thousands of successful individualized behavior plans that help pets thrive.

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