Parrots Beware!

For those of us who live in temperate climates, snow and ice are things we have to live with during the winter months. We also have to live with the dreaded calcium in the streets, sidewalks and on our balconies and steps. Which means we need to protect our shoes and boots against its ravages.

Waterproofing compounds and leather treatments are toxic to birds!

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts  to consider when using waterproofing treatments:

• DON’T: Apply these type of products inside your home.
• DON’T: Let your bird and/or other pets play with these products or with the objects you have treated.
• DON’T: Use cleaning products without looking carefully at the labels and list of ingredients.
• DON’T: Let your pet stay in the room when you are using dangerous or very smelly products.
• DO: Go outside to do it, it’s also toxic for humans.
  If all that melting snow and slush on your floors is putting you in a frenzy to clean beware of the toxicity of certain cleaning products.
• DO: Read carefully all the labels and smell the products yourself.
• DO: Use environmentally friendly products, it’s better for you, your animals and the planet. The plight of parrots in their natural habitat relies on our ability to protect and preserve their natural sanctuaries.
• DO: Air out the room when you are using cleaning products.
• DO: Use vinegar to clean out those nasty stains of calcium. It’s natural and very safe, and it’s inexpensive.

ALERT: There is an ongoing controversy about the cleaning product that comes with the Swiffer (a device to clean floors that resemble a vacuum). It is rumoured that some dogs and cats have died of renal failure due to an ingredient in that product; ethylene glycol. However, there has been a contradictory release about that information on both the websites of the ASPCA and the APCC. The ingredients are rather safe when used according to label directions and would not cause liver or kidney damage at product concentration. The list of ingredients is: Water (90-100%), propylene glycol (and not ethylene glycol) n-propyl ether and isopropyl alcohol (1-4%). For more information: www.apcc.aspca

For more information on toxic hazards for your parrot found in the home we invite you to read Hazardous Products for Birds.