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Other Animals
Cats
and dogs are instinctively predatory animals. It is dangerous to
assume that your cat or dog would never do anything to harm your
bird, no matter how well behaved the animal is. They are larger and
stronger and can seriously injure or kill a bird in the blink of an
eye. Cats are especially dangerous due to a bacteria that is common
to them but deadly to birds. A small scratch or bite can lead to
infection and death if left untreated.
Beds and Butts
Never sleep with your bird. I personally know of birds that have
been crushed or suffocated when their owners either sat on them or
rolled on top of them during sleep. Whenever your bird is out of
it's cage, you need to be mindful of where it is at all times and
when it's time for bed, the bird should sleep in it's cage.
Ceiling Fans
It's
a good practice to make sure the fans are off when your bird is out
of it's cage. A clipped bird can molt in new feathers before you
realize it and fly right into the rotating blades of a ceiling fan
causing serious injury or death.
Drowning
Toilets, jacuzzis, pools, and
buckets of standing water can all pose potential drowning hazards. Even
drinking glasses pose a threat to some smaller species of birds.
Once a bird falls into a container, it may be unable to extricate
itself and drown. Keep toilet lids closed, remove standing
containers of liquids and keep a close eye on your bird around
pools and jacuzzis.
Electrical Cords
Aside from the possibility of being electrocuted, ingestion of the
cords or wiring can have deadly results. Be sure your bird's cage is
positioned so that the bird will not be able to chew any hazardous
materials through the bars.
Feet and Floors
Some
birds like to get down on the floor to roam and do a little
exploring. First and foremost, watch where you walk if your bird
likes to wander. Secondly, be mindful of the things a bird might get
into. From a bird's eye view, the chewing possibilities are endless,
coffee table legs, the carpet, upholstery, and so on.
Hot Surfaces
Stove tops, open oven doors,
toaster ovens, and pots of cooking food are all potentially
dangerous and a bird can be badly burned if it lands in or on any of
them.
Exposed light bulbs can also present a
burning danger. Halogen lamps are especially risky because the bulbs
are open and unprotected and get very, very hot.
Open Doors and Windows
Countless numbers of birds have flown out open windows and doors
never to be seen by their owners again. Care should be taken
whenever a bird is outside of it's cage and a door or window is
opened. Wing clippings need to be maintained.
Teflon and Toxic Fumes
A variety of products can emit
fumes that are dangerous or deadly to a bird's delicate respiratory
system.
Teflon can be found on a variety of
products from non-stick cookware to ironing board covers and once
heated to 500°, it will emit fumes that are deadly to birds. Other
products, including self-cleaning ovens, aerosol sprays, cleaners
and disinfectants can also be hazardous. These products should be
used with care in homes that include birds.
Toys
Many birds have been injured or
killed as a result of dangerous toys or from toys that were not
suitable for the size of the bird. For more information on choosing
an appropriate toy for your bird and what dangers to look out for,
click here.
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