Post by Casey on Oct 14, 2011 11:39:38 GMT -8
Even cages and toys can become dangerous for birds. Please read through this sticky to know what is not safe and how to prevent it.
METAL POISONING
Zinc, copper, and lead are toxic to birds. Wiring in bird toys and other metal hardware in toys should be nickel plated or stainless steel. If it is not either of those, you risk metal poisoning in your birds. Rust can also cause metal poisoning in birds. Always check cages for rust. Even a little bit of rust can sicken a bird. Galvanized wire is toxic to birds, unless treated with vinegar and left to weather for several months. Galvanized wire includes wire mesh, chicken wire, and the likes. It is made from galvanized zinc, which is toxic to birds. Be aware of this and do your research before using it on aviaries or cages.
BAR SPACING
Bar spacing should be appropriate for your species. If the bar spacing is too large for your bird, your bird can get their head stuck and strangle themselves to death.
Bar spacing for the species on this forum:
Budgies: Maximum 1/2"
Lovebirds: Peachies-5/8", Eye Rings-1/2"
Cockatiels: 5/8"
ROPE
Check rope perches and rope toys for wear and tear. They become frayed and this can cause loose threads. If you find loose threads, please trim them short. Birds can get toes, feet, and heads caught. They can become tangled in it and hang upside down. If you are not home, they can strangle themselves to death or chew their feet or toes off to get loose. Rope perches that become chewed and wire becomes exposed should be replaced. It is not good for the bird to stand on the wire nor to chew the wire.
TOYS
Check toys for sharp edges, loose strings, broken pieces, parts too small, etc. Some toys are not safe for individual birds. Any toy can become a danger to some birds. Always know your bird and check for wear and tear.
PERCHES
SandiPerches, Pediperches, Sandpaper covered perches, cement perches, etc. Any perch designed to trim birds nails are unsafe. They do not trim the nails, they abrade the feet and cause sores and infection. Not only do they cause foot sores but they can cause crop obstructions as they may eat the cement, sandpaper, etc and it cannot be digested by birds. Wood dowels are not good for birds feet and should not be solely used. Vary perches with size and material to keep feet in good health. Dowel perches should not be a perch used regularly due to the foot problems they cause. Natural branch perches should be bird safe and pesticide free. Perches should be appropriate diameter for your species. A bird should be able to fit no more than 3/4 of their foot around the perch and their toes should not touch. Of course, variation of diameters is important too, but their main perch should be of appropriate size.
DISHES
Ceramic or stainless steel is best. Plastic is harder to disinfect and can build up bacteria, especially in water dishes. Water bottles are next to impossible to disinfect properly and should be avoided. The bacteria that builds up can make your bird very sick. Water bottles also jam more frequently and need to be checked regularly to make sure water is accessible. If you use ceramic, always check for cracks and breaks. If there are any cracks or breaks, the bowl needs to be replaced.
CAGE PLACEMENT
Cages should not be placed in places where the temperature changes frequently such as the kitchen. They should not be placed directly in a draft such as in front of the air conditioner. If placed in front of a window, please be aware that direct sunlight can cause heat stroke and drafts can make your bird sick. A blanket can be placed on the cage to protect from drafts and direct sunlight. You can always lift the blanket on nice days so the bird can have a view out the window.
METAL POISONING
Zinc, copper, and lead are toxic to birds. Wiring in bird toys and other metal hardware in toys should be nickel plated or stainless steel. If it is not either of those, you risk metal poisoning in your birds. Rust can also cause metal poisoning in birds. Always check cages for rust. Even a little bit of rust can sicken a bird. Galvanized wire is toxic to birds, unless treated with vinegar and left to weather for several months. Galvanized wire includes wire mesh, chicken wire, and the likes. It is made from galvanized zinc, which is toxic to birds. Be aware of this and do your research before using it on aviaries or cages.
BAR SPACING
Bar spacing should be appropriate for your species. If the bar spacing is too large for your bird, your bird can get their head stuck and strangle themselves to death.
Bar spacing for the species on this forum:
Budgies: Maximum 1/2"
Lovebirds: Peachies-5/8", Eye Rings-1/2"
Cockatiels: 5/8"
ROPE
Check rope perches and rope toys for wear and tear. They become frayed and this can cause loose threads. If you find loose threads, please trim them short. Birds can get toes, feet, and heads caught. They can become tangled in it and hang upside down. If you are not home, they can strangle themselves to death or chew their feet or toes off to get loose. Rope perches that become chewed and wire becomes exposed should be replaced. It is not good for the bird to stand on the wire nor to chew the wire.
TOYS
Check toys for sharp edges, loose strings, broken pieces, parts too small, etc. Some toys are not safe for individual birds. Any toy can become a danger to some birds. Always know your bird and check for wear and tear.
PERCHES
SandiPerches, Pediperches, Sandpaper covered perches, cement perches, etc. Any perch designed to trim birds nails are unsafe. They do not trim the nails, they abrade the feet and cause sores and infection. Not only do they cause foot sores but they can cause crop obstructions as they may eat the cement, sandpaper, etc and it cannot be digested by birds. Wood dowels are not good for birds feet and should not be solely used. Vary perches with size and material to keep feet in good health. Dowel perches should not be a perch used regularly due to the foot problems they cause. Natural branch perches should be bird safe and pesticide free. Perches should be appropriate diameter for your species. A bird should be able to fit no more than 3/4 of their foot around the perch and their toes should not touch. Of course, variation of diameters is important too, but their main perch should be of appropriate size.
DISHES
Ceramic or stainless steel is best. Plastic is harder to disinfect and can build up bacteria, especially in water dishes. Water bottles are next to impossible to disinfect properly and should be avoided. The bacteria that builds up can make your bird very sick. Water bottles also jam more frequently and need to be checked regularly to make sure water is accessible. If you use ceramic, always check for cracks and breaks. If there are any cracks or breaks, the bowl needs to be replaced.
CAGE PLACEMENT
Cages should not be placed in places where the temperature changes frequently such as the kitchen. They should not be placed directly in a draft such as in front of the air conditioner. If placed in front of a window, please be aware that direct sunlight can cause heat stroke and drafts can make your bird sick. A blanket can be placed on the cage to protect from drafts and direct sunlight. You can always lift the blanket on nice days so the bird can have a view out the window.
