Bird Safety Alert: 15 Everyday Items That Can Poison Birds!

Top 12 Toxic Foods For Birds

Bird Proofing Tips

• Avoid feeding avocado – Contains persin, which is highly toxic to birds and can cause respiratory issues or death.
• Keep chocolate away from birds – Chocolate contains theobromine, which is harmful to a bird's nervous system and heart.
• Do not give caffeine – Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and soda, overstimulates birds, leading to arrhythmias and possible heart failure.
• Never offer alcohol – Even small amounts of alcohol can poison birds, damaging their liver and kidneys.
• Onions and garlic are dangerous – These can cause anemia and digestive tract irritation, leading to serious health issues.
• Remove pits and seeds from fruits – Fruit seeds like apple and cherry contain cyanide, which is poisonous to birds.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol – Xylitol, found in many sugar-free products, is deadly for birds and causes rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia.
• Do not feed salty snacks – Excessive salt can lead to dehydration and kidney failure in birds.
• Avoid feeding raw mushrooms – Some types of mushrooms can cause digestive upset and liver failure in birds.
• Do not allow access to tomato leaves – The leaves and stems of tomato plants contain solanine, which is toxic to birds.
• Avoid dairy products – Birds cannot digest lactose, which can cause digestive problems like diarrhea.
• Never offer raw honey – Raw honey may contain bacteria that can lead to botulism in birds.

Popular Plants That Are Toxic For Birds

Many indoor and outdoor plants can be dangerous for birds if they nibble on the stems, leaves, or bark. Some plants are toxic and can cause serious health problems, like stomach issues or organ damage. Birds are curious and might try to chew on plants, so it's important to keep harmful plants out of their reach, both in the house and the garden.

Even potted plants can be risky due to bacteria or fungi growing in the soil. If birds dig in the soil, they could get sick from harmful germs. To keep your bird safe, make sure they only have access to bird-safe plants, and always watch them when they're near any plants.

Parrot Proofing Tips

Ensure all houseplants are safe for birds. Replace toxic plants with bird-friendly ones. Place your outdoor aviary away from plants.

Hot Tip: With so many dangerous plants and toxic plant parts, it's no wonder birds instinctively avoid eating unfamiliar plants. In the wild, parent parrots spend months teaching their young which plants are safe to eat—it's up to us as their caretakers to do the same by introducing safe, healthy plant-based foods and guiding their choices. Diane Burroughs, LCSW, September, 2024

Top Household Dangers for Birds

We've interviewed dozens of avian vets over our 30 years in business. They consistently tell us that the top 9 household dangers for our feathered friends include these horrible, yet avoidable deaths:

Bird Safety Tips

• Place the cage away from the kitchen – Fumes from non-stick cookware and appliances can be harmful.
• Keep windows and doors closed or use screens – Prevent your bird from accidentally flying outside.
• Cover electrical cords – Birds love to chew on things, and exposed cords can be dangerous.
• Remove toxic plants – Keep plants like philodendron and lilies out of your bird’s reach.
• Turn off ceiling fans – Birds can fly into them and get seriously injured.
• Avoid using aerosol sprays or strong cleaners – These can release fumes that are harmful to your bird’s sensitive lungs.
• Secure heavy objects – Birds might knock over items like books or lamps when flying.
• Close toilet lids and keep open water sources covered – Birds can accidentally drown in sinks, toilets, or uncovered water.
• Supervise time outside of the cage – Always keep an eye on your bird when they’re free to fly around your home.

5 Bird Care Myths Busted

Birds are quite different from dogs and cats. Unlike mammals, they have unique needs and behaviors that we must understand in order to care for them properly. Birds, especially parrots, are incredibly intelligent, social creatures with specific physical and emotional needs. In the wild, they spend their days flying, foraging for food, and interacting with their flock. These instincts don't go away in captivity. When we keep birds as pets without considering their natural needs, we unintentionally limit their quality of life.

As bird trainer Lara Joseph often says, "When we know better, we do better." It’s important to recognize and challenge the common myths about bird care so we can create a healthier, happier life for our feathered friends. By understanding the truth behind these myths and learning joyful ways to meet their needs, we can transform their lives for the better.

How To Tell If Your Bird Has Been Poisoned

A poisoned bird often behaves similarly to us when we're sick, showing signs like weakness, confusion, and difficulty breathing as their body struggles to expel the toxins. Think RAV:

Respiratory Distress: Tail bobbing when breathing is a significant warning sign—this visual cue shows the bird is struggling to get enough air, much like a person gasping for breath. Birds may also lose balance, struggling to perch or even falling off. These symptoms are the body's way of trying to slow down to deal with the poison.

Activity Level: A bird that’s usually energetic and playful may suddenly become very still, sitting with puffed-up feathers, barely moving.

Vomiting and Diarrhea: You may also notice the body trying to expel the toxin. If your bird starts throwing up, you might notice wet or partially digested food around its beak. Droppings may change rapidly, becoming watery, unusually colored, or foul-smelling.

Watch for your bird chewing excessively on their feathers or skin, a sign that they’re feeling discomfort. Breathing may become labored, with the chest visibly rising and falling more than usual. The tail bobbing, in combination with these symptoms, is a clear signal that something is wrong.

Birds have an extremely high metabolism, meaning they process toxins quickly. Time is critical. Every moment counts when your bird shows these signs, as their small bodies can’t afford to wait long before the poison spreads. If you spot any of these symptoms, get your bird to an avian vet immediately. Quick action can make all the difference in saving your bird’s life.

Stabilizing a Poisoned Bird In A Hospital Cage

If you suspect your bird has been poisoned, it’s crucial to act quickly. The first step is to stabilize your bird in a hospital cage while you contact your avian vet for immediate guidance. Here’s how to set up the cage and provide urgent care until you can get professional help:

• Set up a small, quiet cage in a low-traffic area. This minimizes stress and helps your bird conserve energy while its body tries to recover.
• Provide soft bedding to prevent injury or discomfort, as your bird may become weak or uncoordinated.
• Add a heating pad or lamp to keep your bird warm. Poisoned birds can easily become cold, and maintaining warmth is essential for stabilization.
• Place food and water close by, but avoid forcing your bird to eat or drink. Hydration is important, but your vet will advise the best approach for offering fluids, possibly using a syringe or dropper.
• Dim the lighting to help keep your bird calm while reducing stimulation.

Once your bird is stabilized, call your avian vet immediately. Time is critical, as birds have fast metabolisms, and toxins spread quickly through their system. If your bird isn’t improving within 30 minutes to 1 hour, it’s vital to get them to the vet as soon as possible for further treatment.

If you cannot get ahold of your vet, call the Pet Poison Hotline for guidance. Follow the vet's advice to the letter for the best chance of recovery.

Pet Poison Control Hotline

Move your bird away from the source of the toxin. Check if your bird is stable: ensure they are breathing and behaving normally. Do NOT attempt any home remedies. Do NOT make your bird vomit unless directed by a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline®. If urgent care is needed, contact your avian vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.

Test Your Bird Safety Knowledge!

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References:

Link to this blog

Burroughs, D. (2024, September 10). Bird safety alert: 15 everyday items that can poison birds! BirdSupplies.com. https://birdsupplies.com/blogs/news/bird-safety-alert-15-everyday-items-that-can-poison-birds

Diane Burroughs, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in avian anxiety disorders, nervous bird behaviors, and overall bird care. With training in ABA therapy and certification in Nutrition For Mental Health, Diane has authored several books on bird behavior and offers expert consultations for resolving issues like feather plucking and bird anxiety.

Her work has been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and presented at Exoticscon. Diane also mediates the Feather Plucking Help group on Facebook, offering support to parrot owners. With over 30 years of experience, Diane has developed thousands of successful individualized behavior plans, promoting parrot wellness and excellent bird care.

TAGS: #BirdProof #BirdPoisoning #BirdSafety