Hazards in the Bathroom

For our curious little birds, the bathroom poses unique hazards. Many bird owners, myself included, take their pets into the shower with them. I have a perch that is in the corner of my shower (adhered by suction cups) that Sam, my white cap pionus, sits on when I shower. However, when the water is turned off and our birds have access to the rest of the rooms, we need to pay close attention.

Probably the most obvious hazard in the bathroom is any basin filled with water -- including the toilet. Our pet birds do not know how to swim! They can easily fall into any water (cups and drinks as well) and drown. In addition, because the toilet has a pipe leading to the outside, the birds could literally go down the drain.

The chemicals found in our bathrooms also pose a danger. Fumes from hairspray or perfume may irritate the birds' respiratory track. In addition, an accidental bite of makeup may cause illness. Medicines and cleaning products also may be found in our bathrooms, all of which are poisonous to our birds.

In some bathrooms, my own included, other pets share the living space. Most notably, cat boxes may be found in the bathroom. Cat wastes can be toxic to birds if your bird lands in the litter box (on accident) and perhaps has some on its feet or feathers.

Bathrooms, however, are also some of the easiest rooms in which we can control our pet bird's behavior. For example, when Sam takes a shower, he knows to stay on his shower perch. If you have shower doors, as opposed to a curtain, these can be closed to keep your bird confined while you dry off and dress. If you do so, just be sure that there isn't anything within the shower area to harm the bird.

Since bathrooms, and other small rooms, are often recommended places in which to finger train a new bird, new bird owners may wish to "bird proof" this room first.

We're almost through looking at our homes. Next week, we'll check out the kitchen/dining area, followed by the living room.

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