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Household Hazards: Bedrooms and Dens

© Mary Wilson

Most of us have them, those bedrooms that we've converted into dens, studies or bird rooms. For some of us, our birds are housed in such a room, where we can close them way from the dangers of the rest of the house. However, have we stopped to think about the dangers that lurk there?

When thinking about bird dangers remember that birds are mentally and emotionally two year old. That means your bird will have the "terrible twos" for the rest of it's natural life, which can last from 8 to 12 years for a parakeet and to 70 or more for a large bird.

Some hazards are common to all rooms of the house -- ceiling fans, lacy curtains, uncovered windows, closing doors, and people's feet all rank high on the list of dangers. Some of these items sound pretty benign to the average person. However, lace curtains can trap birds beaks and toes, causing them to tangle themselves, get trapped, and possibly strangle. Birds can fly into uncovered windows, and people can close the doors on their poor, unsuspecting bird.

In a den or bedroom, you need to think about tiny spaces. Under a bed, behind a dresser or shelf, or between a shelf and the wall are all tiny places for an exploring bird. I remember letting my rabbits run in my bedroom, only to find that they'd stopped underneath my king size bed -- in the middle. Too far away for hands to reach, instead of using tools like a yard stick or broom to shoo them away, I waited for them to emerge, then herd them back into the living room and their cages. This was a lesson learned and not a desirable position for a bird owner. Closets are also on this list. A bird may venture into the closet, only to be closed in by its owner. There, the bird can snag on clothes, the stuff we all have in our closet, or other dangers that are not fit for our tiny feathered friends.

Electrical cords pose a hazard to our birds. Although they are found in all rooms, a den or study, with its associated computer, may have more cords than most rooms. You want your bird to light up your life, but only with it's personality.

Also beware of many common office supplies. Ink pens, paper, computer disks and cleaner, stamps, envelopes, and other items, are not for bird consumption. It may be cute to have your parrot "kiss" the letter to your mother by biting it, but the card is not a healthy chew toy.