Tips and Guide to Keeping Pet Birds Safety at Home

Many of us have heard stories about birds outlasting their owners. This is a surprise to many, considering the delicate appearance of most species of birds. Birds, especially canaries, were used by miners to test the quality of the air deep in the mines. When the air reaches relatively unhealthy levels, the canaries are affected adversely and succumb to the fatal effects. This gives miners ample warning before the air became fatal for humans. This shows the keen perception of birds.
Just like birds found in the wild, pet birds are susceptible to unhealthy odors as well. Many household items, Teflon pans, aerosol sprays and even furniture polish, can be lethal to birds. One of the best practices when dealing with substances that may give off pungent odors is to use it in airy areas far away from your birds.
Pet birds have a natural inclination to chomp and it can be a major issue. Lead poisoning can be caused when a bird chews on soldered joints found on welded items. Also, birds do have a penchant to chew on potted plants. Despite popular sentiments, poinsettia plants are not deadly. It is important to remember that if you are unsure if a plant is toxic or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and move the plant away from the bird. A small pot of innocuous parsley can be helpful to the bird to overcome the desire of nibbling on houseplants as it is a safe substitute.
Feeding your birds fresh food is usually good for them; however, food like coffee, chocolate and avocado are fatal for birds and they should never be given such foods.
During festive seasons, many families tend to bring trees into their homes. Many might think that a bird's natural habitat is a tree and have the belief that their birds will have an affinity for perching on it. While the birds may in fact enjoy such an activity, many pine trees are toxic to birds, especially if they have been treated with any type of preservatives. In addition, ornaments and electric lights can pose a safety hazard to your birds.
There are a number of precautionary issues to see to if your bird does not have had its wings clipped. Firstly, all glass doors and windows should be shielded one way or another. A good bet is achieved by blinds, shades or curtains. Placing safety decals on windows and glass is another option, besides curtains or blinds, to alert the bird that the glass is there and help avoid serious or fatal accidents. You should treat other large reflective surfaces and mirrors in a similar manner when your pet bird is released from its cage.
Standing water can also be a hazard. The bird can meet its untimely end in a toilet bowl or full kitchen sink in a few seconds. If a bird is released from its cage, cooking with an uncovered pot is especially ill-advised.
Finally, always be mindful of the whereabouts of your bird even if its wings are clipped. Even a bird with clipped wings can soar for a considerable distance if there is an upward breeze. It is easy to forget that your bird is perched on your shoulder when your doorbell suddenly rings and you rush to answer it but you must remember never to carry your bird to an open door regardless of whether or not its wings are clipped.