Parrot Proofing Your house

Article 1 of a series dedicated to parrot safety, happiness and health in human households.

You may be not used to birds, or you’ve had a feathered member of the family for many years, it is advisable that they are reminded of risky products and practices around the home. During this group of five articles, we’ll go into some detail on some common dangers to help you assess the amount of safety within your household. The first place we will look is in the kitchen; specifically at Teflon non-stick cookware.

Let’s not mince words. Your companion bird can die from contact with Teflon which has been overheated. Bird owners that are up to date are most likely already alert to this fact, but you might not understand the issues which make Teflon so deadly. Let’s look into exactly what Teflon is. Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is a scientific name for Teflon, which is a brand name. This synthetic or man-made fluoropolymer has some non-reactive characteristics that make it extremely helpful. Reactive and corrosive materials tend to be safely stored PTFE containers, for example. The use we’re probably most accustomed to is usually as a coating for cookware that keeps food from sticking to it.

Teflon pans heated on either electric or gas stoves can readily achieve temperatures more than 396 degrees fahrenheit in only a few minutes. It takes under five minutes on high heat to get to this temperature. In the event that temperature keeps rising, exceeding 680 degrees fahrenheit, then a more dangerous carcinogen could be released. PFOA, or perflurooctanoic acid, is dangerous to both birds and humans.

Why toxic fumes have such severe and adverse reactions on birds lies in their anatomy. To be able to fly, the muscle tissue of birds requires massive levels of oxygen. A very evolved air sac system enables oxygen to flow rapidly to those tissues. Toxins around us are thus transmitted to the birds’ tissues nearly as rapidly, which is why these fumes may cause death before there is even an opportunity to react.

Unfortunately, if the parrot does inhale Teflon fumes, time isn’t on your side. A bird that suddenly becomes lethargic and slumps off it parrot stand when a hot Teflon pan is present needs to be moved without delay to fresh air and rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic for therapy. The goal is to flush the tissue with clean air without delay to save the bird.

While we don’t have a Scarlet Macaw’s breathing structure, individuals are also at risk of the dangerous gasses that will be released from overheated Teflon. Sickness from Teflon fumes is known as Polymer Fume Flu and can be quite serious.

Is non-stick really worth it?

Cooking with Teflon certainly puts your parrot in peril as well as your loved ones’ long term health at risk. On a positive note, removing Teflon and other non-stick coated products in your house is pretty easy. Many safe, alternative kitchenware can be bought, including porcelain bakeware, stainless steel pots, and anodized aluminum pans. Safe kitchen tools must be at the top of all bird Stands lists.

Nowadays we have been inundated with details about all sorts of health hazards that threaten our family members, including our pet birds. Eliminating Teflon products will help you to breathe easier every time you switch on your oven or stove.