Parrot-Safe Pans: What's Safe?

Parrots have extremely efficient lungs, which makes them very sensitive to toxins in the air. Non-stick cookware, when heated, releases fumes that can be deadly to parrots. The chemicals that cause this toxicity are called PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PTFE (Teflon), PFOA, and PFOS fall under the PFAS umbrella.

To keep parrots safe, use pots and pans without coatings, like cast iron, ceramic, or aluminum. Bird-safe cookware brands don't use chemicals like PFAS. Some examples of bird-safe cookware brands include Gotham Steel (Ti-Cerama), Le Creuset (ceramic-coated cast iron range only), DeBuyer (carbon steel and stainless steel ranges only), and All-Clad (stainless steel range only).

Safe plants for parrots

Keeping birds can be a tricky business when it comes to plants. Many plants are toxic to birds, and even those that are not can be harmful if eaten in excess. It is important to always do your research and consult a veterinarian if you are unsure about a particular plant.

• Ferns: Asparagus, Bird's Nest, Boston, Maidenhair, Staghorn (Elk's Horn), and Squirrel's Foot.
• Figs: Creeping, Rubber, Fiddle Leaf, Laurel Leaf, and Weeping.
• Areca, Butterfly Cane: Also known as the Betel Nut Palm, this plant is safe for birds, but all other parts of the Betel Nut Palm are toxic.
• Aloe Vera: This plant is safe and non-toxic for parrots and has medicinal qualities.
• African Violets: These small flowers are known to bloom several times a year and are completely safe for parrots.
• Orchids: While these flowers are safe for parrots, they are notoriously hard to grow.
• Roses: Freshly cut roses are safe for birds, as long as they have not been treated with chemical sprays.
• Bamboo: This striking and hardy plant is safe for birds and can be incorporated into beautiful arrangements.
• Jade Plants: Also known as money plants, this succulent variety is safe for birds and easy to care for.
• Spider Plants: These exotic-looking plants are easy to grow and can be hung in a basket for an attractive decoration.
• Hen and Chickens Fern: This unique succulent thrives in direct sunlight.
• California Pitcher Plant: This plant has been reported to have no adverse effects on animals.
• Pine: Pine is safe for birds, but do not use wood with stick sap.
• Acacia: Many species of Acacia are safe for parrots, but be cautious of spines.
• Coffee Plant: While the Coffee Tree is toxic, the Coffee Plant is safe for parrots, but coffee is toxic.
• Eucalyptus: This plant is safe for parrots, but do not use any parts that have been used in flower arrangements.

Remember to always do your research and consult a veterinarian if you are unsure about a particular plant. The safety of a plant may also depend on the size of the bird and how much of it they ingest.

Safe trees for parrot perches

Parrots love chewing on different types of wood, and there are many bird-safe options available. When choosing a perch, it's important to consider the size of your bird and the hardness of the wood. Smaller birds will need softer wood, while larger birds can handle denser options.

Some safe wood options for perches include:

• Balsa
• Yucca
• Cork bark
• Pine
• Mountain ash (rowan)
• Manzanita
• Apple

If you're making your own perches, it's crucial to ensure the wood is clean and free of any harmful chemicals or treatments. Here are some general steps to follow:

• Boil the wood to remove any pests.
• Bake the wood in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for a few hours to ensure it's dry and free of mold or bacteria.
• Use stainless steel hardware to assemble the perch.

Remember to avoid woods that might be toxic, such as cedar, oak, redwood, and some treated woods.

Toxic plants for parrots

Parrots are curious creatures that like to explore their environment with their beaks, often putting things in their mouths. This can be dangerous if they are allowed to roam freely and come into contact with toxic plants. Here are some plants that are toxic to parrots:

• Firethorn/Pyracantha: All parts of the plant are toxic.
• Oak (acorns, foliage): Avoid oaks as their acorns and foliage can be harmful.
• Fly Agaric Mushroom/Deadly Amanita: All parts of this mushroom are toxic to parrots.
• Peach (leaves, twigs, pits): The leaves, twigs, and pits of peaches are toxic.
• Foxglove (leaves, seeds): All parts of foxglove are fatal to parrots. Ingestion can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and changes in heart rate.
• Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron: The bulbs of autumn crocuses are toxic.
• Golden Chain/Laburnum: The seeds and pods may be fatal.
• Peony (flowers, leaves): The flowers and leaves of peonies are toxic.
• Balsam Pear (seeds, outer rind of fruit): Avoid the seeds and outer rind of this fruit.
• Hemlock (including water the plant is in): All parts of hemlock are toxic, even the water it is placed in.
• Baneberry (berries, root): The red and white berries, as well as the roots, are poisonous.
• Beans (all types if uncooked): Only feed your parrot cooked beans.
• Holly (berries, leaves): The leaves and berries of holly are toxic. Opt for synthetic holly during holiday decorations.
• Pine needles (berries): The needles and berries of pine trees are toxic to parrots.
• Bird of Paradise (seeds, flowers): The seeds and flowers are harmful.
• Plum (leaves, seeds): The leaves and seeds of plums should be avoided.
• Horse Chestnut/Buckeye (nuts, twigs): The nuts and twigs are toxic.
• Bittersweet Nightshade: All parts of this plant are toxic.
• Black Locust (bark, sprouts, foliage): The bark, sprouts, and foliage are harmful.
• Bleeding Heart/Dutchman’s Breeches: The foliage and roots are toxic.
• Hydrangea (flower bud): The flower buds of hydrangeas are dangerous.
• Indian Licorice Bean: All parts of this plant are toxic.
• Pokeweed/Inkberry (leaves, roots, berries): The leaves, roots, and berries are harmful.
• Blue-green algae (some forms toxic): Some forms of blue-green algae can be toxic to parrots.
• Indian Turnip/Jack-in-the-Pulpit: The root is toxic.
• Boxwood (leaves, stems): The leaves and stems are harmful.
• Iris/Blue Flag (bulbs): The bulbs of this plant are toxic.
• Potato (eyes, new shoots, stems, leaves, green skin): The eyes, new shoots, stems, leaves, and green skin of potatoes should be avoided.
• Buckthorn (fruit, bark): The fruit and bark are toxic.
• Japanese Yew (needles, seeds): The needles and seeds are harmful and can cause abnormal heart rhythms and changes in heart rate.
• Java Bean (lima bean - uncooked): Only feed parrots cooked Java beans.
• Buttercup (sap, bulbs): The sap and bulbs are toxic.
• Ranunculus/Buttercup: All parts of this plant are toxic.
• Castor Bean (also castor oil, leaves): The seeds are fatal.
• Juniper (needles, stems, berries): The needles, stems, and berries are harmful.
• Jerusalem Cherry (berries, leaves): The berries and leaves are toxic.
• Chalice Vine/Trumpet vine: All parts of this vine are toxic.
• Kentucky Coffee Tree: All parts of this tree are harmful.
• Rosary Peas/Indian Licorice (seeds): The seeds are toxic.
• Cherry Tree (bark, twigs, leaves, pits): The bark, twigs, leaves, and pits are harmful.
• Lantana (immature berries): The immature berries of lantana are toxic.
• Christmas Candle (sap): The sap is harmful.

It is important to prevent access to these plants and always supervise your parrot when it is out of its cage. If you suspect your parrot has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or a poison helpline immediately.

Toxic trees for parrot perches

When choosing a tree branch for your parrot's perch, it is important to select a tree species that is safe for parrots. Some trees are toxic to parrots and can cause serious health problems. Here is a list of trees that should be avoided when creating perches for your parrot:

• Andromeda (Pieris, Lily of the Valley Shrub)
• Australian Flame Tree
• Australian Umbrella Tree
• Azalea (Related to Rhododendron)
• Beans (Castor, Horse, Fava, Broad, Glory, Scarlet Runner)
• Black Locust (Robinia)
• Camel Bush (Trichodesma)
• Canary Bird Bush (Crotalaria)
• Cedar (Thuja, Chamaecyparis, Cupressus)
• Chalice (Trumpet Vine)
• Cherry
• China Berry Tree (Melia/Texas Umbrella Tree)
• Chinese Popcorn/Tallow
• Chinese Snake Tree (Laquer Plant)
• Coriander (Cilantro)
• Daphne (berries are fatal)
• Datura (Brugmansia - Angel's Trumpet)
• Felt Plant (Kalanchoe beharensis)
• Firethorn (Pyracantha)
• Flame Tree (Brachychiton/Sterculia)
• Foxglove (Digitalis)
• Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum)
• Honey Locust (Gleditsia)
• Horse Chestnut (Aesculus)
• Huckleberry (Leaves Bad: Evergreen & Deciduous)
• Kalmia (Mountain Laurel)
• Kentucky Coffee Tree
• Mango (Fruit Okay: Not Wood or Leaves)
• Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia Latifolia)
• Myrtle (Not Crape Myrtle)
• Oak (Quercus - All Parts/Tannins)
• Peach
• Plum
• Redwood (Sequoiadendron, Metasequoia, Sequoia)
• Sophora (Includes Japanese Pagoda Tree)
• Walnut
• Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
• Yew

It is also important to ensure that the tree branches have not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides, as these can be harmful to parrots. Additionally, avoid using driftwood found on beaches, as it can be difficult to identify the tree species and it may have been exposed to toxic substances.

Other toxic substances for parrots

While non-stick pans are the most well-known toxic substance for parrots, there are several other everyday items that can be harmful to parrots. Here are some other toxic substances that parrot owners should be aware of:

Heavy metals

Heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and copper are common in the environment and can be found in paint, linoleum, wire, zippers, and other objects that birds may chew on. Ingesting large amounts of these metals can damage nerves and cause vomiting, maldigestion, neurological issues, and even seizures.

Avocado

Several parts of the avocado plant, especially the leaves, contain persin, a fatty acid derivative that has been linked to heart failure, respiratory distress, and sudden death in various bird species. While some varieties of avocado may be safe for certain bird species, it is best to avoid offering avocado to parrots altogether.

Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can be dangerous to parrots, even in small amounts. Caffeine can cause increased heart rate, arrhythmias, hyperactivity, and cardiac arrest in birds.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can increase heart rate, cause hyperactivity, induce tremors and seizures, and potentially lead to death in birds. The darker the chocolate, the higher the toxicity.

Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that can cause the rupture of red blood cells, leading to anemia. Onions can also irritate a bird's mouth, esophagus, and crop and may lead to ulcers. Garlic contains allicin, which has been linked to rare cases of anemia in birds.

Salt

Excessive salt intake can upset a bird's electrolyte balance, leading to dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and even death.

Fatty foods

Large amounts of fatty foods, such as butter, nuts, and fatty meat, can lead to the buildup of fat deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke in some bird species.

Fruit pits and apple seeds

While most fruits are safe for birds, the seeds and pits of certain fruits, such as apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums, contain small amounts of cardio-toxic cyanide. These should be avoided, while the seeds and pits of other fruits like grapes, citrus fruits, and berries are safe.

Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, found in sugarless gum and diet foods, have been linked to severe hypoglycemia, liver damage, and potential death in dogs. Birds have a higher metabolism than mammals, so it is best to avoid these substances around them.

Smoke and aerosols

Smoke and other aerosols, such as spray cleaners, hair spray, perfumes, incense, and candle fumes, can irritate birds' lungs and air sacs. These products should never be used around birds, and birds should be moved to well-ventilated areas if accidentally exposed.

Frequently asked questions