Bird Home Hazards - continued

Non-stick coated pans have made clean-up in the kitchen a breeze, but an overheated coated pan releases fumes that are toxic to your bird. Recent studies have shown that even a moderately heated pan can still emit fumes, so just regular cooking can be dangerous. When cooking make sure your bird is safely in it's cage to prevent any accidents and when using non-stick pans make sure the kitchen is well ventilated to prevent any fumes from reaching your bird. Want to make life for you and your birds even safer? Toss the non-stick pans...the fumes aren't good for you either!

Pans, sinks, tubs and toilets full of water might be attractive to your birds, but it doesn't take much water for a bird to drown. Close those toilet lids when your birds are out playing and if you both need to bathe...take a shower together and skip the bath.

Non-stick coating isn't the only inhalant that can be dangerous to your bird. You should never use aerosol sprays in any area where your bird may inhale the fumes. If you must use sprays in rooms the birds reside in, remove the bird from the area and ventilate. Once the fumes have cleared out, then it is safe to return your bird to the area. Some bird owners have reported

illness or deaths when their birds were exposed to scented candles, perfumes, hair sprays, and even scented lotions! Be aware of the scents you use in your home and watch your bird for any changes in behavior when any of those items are in use.

We all know birds use their beaks to explore and to play. Like puppies and kittens, electrical cords can pose dangers to chewing birds. Never leave a bird unattended in an area where it can chew on cords. Power still runs through electrical cords when the item in question is turned off, so don't think any plugged in cord is safe.

Getting a birds eye view of your home and taking precaution when your feathered friend is out with you is the best way to make home sweet home a bird safe home.

Jill Richards is the owner of Have Leash, Will Travel, an Aurora, CO pet sitting service, and The Pet Sitter's Pit Stop, a supply company for pet sitters.