Dangerous Household Hazards for your Cockatiel

Cockatiels are curious birds by nature, so be wary of various dangerous household hazards that can cause your cockatiel to get injured.  This is all part of how to care for your cockatiel.

Because cockatiels are so inquisitive, they can get themselves into trouble rather quickly. Try not to let them out unsupervised.  Keep track of where they are at all times.

Just as you childproof your home, you may also need to cockatiel proof your home.  Shall we go room by room and list some of the potential dangers for your cockatiel?

How To Care For Your Cockatiel By Eliminating Dangerous Household Hazards

Let’s start off in the bathroom.

Here you will need to watch that your cockatiel doesn’t drown in your basin or even your toilet.  Once a bird gets wet, it cannot fly, so if he falls into your toilet, or a basin full of water, he will not be able to get himself out.

He could also breathe in fumes that could harm him such as cleaning products, air freshener or perfume.

Your cockatiel could also become ill if he nibbles on any prescription drugs. Cockatiels are also known to fly into mirrors, so make sure his wings are clipped.

In the kitchen, your unsupervised bird could fall into the trash can, onto a hot stove plate, get left in the fridge or eat something that he shouldn’t.

Once again he could potentially drown in the dishwashing water of a full sink.

Toxic fumes in the home can come from several different sources, and not just from inside the kitchen. Heating non-stick fry pans or Teflon-coated fry pans to high temperatures releases a gas called polytetrafluoroethylene, which is highly toxic to pet birds.

The same Teflon-type non-stick surface is also found on the inside of some ovens, on irons and ironing board covers. If you own non-stick cookware, be sure not to overheat it. Even better, remove your feathered friend from the room.

Don’t leave the iron on or in contact with a Teflon-coated surface. Never leave the kitchen while cooking if your cockatiel is out and about.

Taking these precautions will keep your pet safe while you continue to use convenient household items.

Fumes from household cleaners, perfumes, room fresheners, and “plug ins,” as well as any aerosol sprays are also potentially toxic to your pet bird. Gas leaks can also be fatal. I recommend installing carbon monoxide and radon detectors in homes with birds.

In the lounge, be careful, as your cockatiel may decide to crawl under a pillow or cushion, and he could get smothered, or accidentally sat on.

He could also get tangled up in your drapery cords, or eat poisonous substances like cigarette butts.  If you have an uncovered fish tank, it is another potential drowning hazard.

In your home office, beware of your bird eating glue sticks or impaling himself on a drawing pin.  He could also get into trouble by chewing electrical cords and wires.

If your cockatiel is out and about, make sure all the fans in the room are turned off.  Before turning on the washing machine or tumble drier, make sure you know exactly where your cockatiel is.

Remember the dangers don’t stop with the furniture. Fumes including cigarette smoke and household detergents could also overpower your cockatiel. Keep your pet away from anything that has a strong odor, and be sure to apply perfumes and hairsprays well away from your little friend.

If you are having your home painted or refurbished, consider moving your cockatiel out for the duration of the renovations.  Exterminators also recommend that you remove your pets before they commence a job.  Make sure your house is completely aired out before bringing your bird home again.

Other pets can also be household hazards for your cockatiel. A cat could claw him or try to eat him and a dog could step on him or bite him and a bigger parrot could attack and injure him.

There are many things you need to remember when it comes to how to care for your cockatiel, but making sure he is safe when he is out of his cage is one of the most important.

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