Cockatiel Safety

Just because your bird is inside the house, don't think for a second that it is safe. There are a myriad of often unnoticed dangers awaiting your bird even in the safety of your own home. The more freedom in your home the bird has access to the more likelihood it is that he will be at risk of harm.

• Risks from injury due to other pets and small children are common. Children can accidentally grab a bird too tight or fall on them and other pets can prey on your bird too. Whenever your bird is out of its cage it is imperative you are aware of its location and what it is doing at all times. There is nothing sadder than hearing from a devastated owner that has just accidentally stood on their bird or sat on it.
• Ceiling fans can be deadly to a flighted pet bird. While we turn them on as habit and enjoy the breeze it is easy to forget they are on and the harm they can cause if a bird flies into one.
• Open windows and doors often signifies the end to your pet bird if it escapes through one of them. Once birds are free they get disorientated quickly and with the threat of wild birds and cats and cars they really do not have much of a chance of surviving outdoors. If possible keep windows and doors closed and even locked if there is even the slightest chance they may be opened whilst your bird is free. It only takes a second for them to be out the door and off.
• Glass windows and doors can be a hazard to a bird in flight. They do not realise there is glass there and risk serious injury by flying straight into it. If possible have drapes or blinds at the windows to prevent this occurring.
• Ensure any houseplants are non-toxic in case your bird decides to chew on it.
• Be careful of leaving bathroom and toilet doors open in case your bird flies in and falls. A bath full of water or an open toilet bowl can result in drowning.
• Kitchens are another very dangerous area. Sinks full of water, boiling water on the stove. Hotplates, cooking fumes, toxic cleaning products all pose a serious threat to your bird.
• Teflon pans when left unattended can give off toxic fumes which are fatal to your bird. Other strong fumes like paint, chemicals, even nail varnish can have a serious affect.
• Be very cautious with air fresheners and insect sprays around your bird. If possible do not spray near your birds cage and always ensure adequate ventilation is available. Insect sprays with natural pyrethrums or those that are for sensitive people area better alternative.
• Electrical cords and appliances need to be kept away from your bird. at all times. Cockatiels are notorious chewers and it takes only a second for a disastrous result to occur from an innocent nibble on a cord.
• Heavy metal poisoning is another serious safety hazard. Lead poisoning is the biggest issue and can occur very innocently. Be very wary of any new bird toys and perches with metal washers on them that have been manufactured in China as there is a much higher lead content in use there than here. Another area where lead can be found is in paint on old homes. Paint used back then was lead-based and peeling paint is very attractive to a cockatiel. Also curtain weights, leadlight windows and lead sinkers used for fishing are equally dangerous.

We know this list seems rather daunting but with simple care your pet can be as happy and safe in your home as the rest of your family!