I have a quick question

the new bride and I started out family today with the addition of a new CumAG. We are still in search of a comprhensive answer concerning the teflon thinkg. Does Caphalon eliminate the hazard? cast iron ok? stainless steel the only option? any quick lessons on cooking don'ts (ie types of food, oils, etc)

we are new hear but expect alot of support/info

thanks

D

Calphalon cookware is fine around birds as is Cast Iron. Avoid the nonstick version of calphalon though. They have an Infused Anodized version that is also safe.

*Avoid cooking food with strong odors (like spicy food/peppers) with the parrot in the area.
*Avoid burning food, if you do remove the parrot from the area so it isn't inhaling the smoke and fumes.
*Oven bags can be deadly/hazardous
*Overheated oil has been known to cause problems is some birds

Basic rule of thumb is if you think it might cause a problem for your bird remove the bird from the area. It is better to be safe then sorry.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Zetar)

Calphalon cookware is fine around birds as is Cast Iron. Avoid the nonstick version of calphalon though. They have an Infused Anodized version that is also safe. *Avoid cooking food with strong odors (like spicy food/peppers) with the parrot in the area. *Avoid burning food, if you do remove the parrot from the area so it isn't inhaling the smoke and fumes. *Oven bags can be deadly/hazardous *Overheated oil has been known to cause problems is some birds Basic rule of thumb is if you think it might cause a problem for your bird remove the bird from the area. It is better to be safe then sorry.

thanks for your response, re-reading my post I'm suprised you understood! is there a spellcheck feature here? we are enjoying our CAG named goofball, he's 4 months old and quite the baby.

Also, new appliances such as ranges and oven, and woks have a coating that burns off during the first use or two. This is especially hazardous to birds. I knew somebody who got a new oven and unfortunately lost all 5 of her birds within ten minute of turning the oven on! And the birds where on the other side of the house.

what about new gas fires? im having one fitted on saturday

I honestly have no idea but this is an excerpt from an article about indoor hazards to birds:
"
HAZARDS TO BIRD HEALTH

Here are some of the greatest indoor pollution dangers to parrots, many of which can easily be prevented.

• Aspergillus mold which can cause the deadly disease, aspergillosis. Excessive moisture which promotes the growth of various molds in bathrooms and other areas of high moisture is an all too common problem.
• Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) gas released when various non-stick surfaces such as Teflon are overheated is a common respiratory toxin to birds. It can be avoided entirely by not purchasing the many products containing this non-stick treatment. With minimum exposure, the immediate removal of the bird to fresh air can save its life. With greater exposure, death usually follows quickly.
• Passive inhalation of tobacco smoke can cause chronic disease of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system of parrots. Birds that live in homes where people smoke are often plagued with coughing, sneezing, sinusitis, and conjunctivitis due to continuous irritation from smoke. Many birds with feather destruction problems resume normal preening behavior when removed from exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Disinfecting agents used to clean cages, aviaries, and food dishes should be used carefully and should be thoroughly rinsed before coming in contact with birds. Ammonia and chlorine vapors can irritate parrots' eyes, nares and respiratory tract, predisposing them to secondary bacterial and fungal infections.
• Aerosol products such as perfumes, deodorants, and cleaning agents may cause respiratory problems due to irritation of the respiratory tract by the fluorocarbons and particulates in the aerosol.
• Formaldehyde fumes have been associated with death in smaller birds. Frequently used in the seventies and eighties in particleboard, fiberboard, cabinets, countertops, paneling, and some furniture, it is no longer used in much of the newer building materials, but strong outgassing is thought to be possible for up to five years. Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen, so solid wood or steel cabinets should be substituted even though they may be more expensive.
• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas produced by furnaces and other heaters. Birds in poorly ventilated, heated areas are at high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It robs the blood of oxygen and can be particularly harmful to animals and humans with heart ailments when inhaled at levels often found indoors.
• Combustion by-products are released whenever something burns. Indoors, this usually includes wood, natural gas, propane, oil, coal, and kerosene. When the smoke and fumes do not go up the chimney or flue as like they should, the hazardous by-products add to indoor pollution.
• Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or "perc" ), which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals is brought into homes on freshly dry-cleaned clothing.
• Paradichlorobenzene found in moth-repellent cakes or crystals, toilet disinfectants, and deodorizers is another chemical that causes cancer in animals. Studies have consistently indicated that almost all exposure to paradichlorobenzene comes from sources inside homes, not from industrial emissions or hazardous waste sites."

Source

Like I said before if you think it might pose a problem remove the bird from the area. I do have a wood burning fireplace upstairs that I use but my birds cages are downstairs. Only their upstairs play gym is there for when I'm up they're cleaning or entertaining.

(yep I said birds, the budgie has arrived and Karree thinks she is his mother, he however isn't quite as taken with her but tolerates her doting on him to an extent.)