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Hazards in the Kitchen and Dining Areas

© Mary Wilson

Our beloved appliances, from the stove and refrigerator to the microwave and other innocent looking items, can all pose problems for our birds. For obvious reasons, the stove is not a safe place for a bird to stand. Birds do not understand the concept of hot burners. They do not understand that it isn't fun to fly into the refrigerator or freezer, should they be open in the bird's immediate vicinity.

A sink filled with water for dishes can be dangerous to a bird who tries to land on the dish bubbles or on the surface of the water itself. Birds have also drowned in cups or bowls of water.

However, the kitchen holds more innocent looking dangers. All bird owners should take stock of their cookware. Teflon pans, self-cleaning ovens, and baking bags have all caused death. These items, when heated to high temperatures, emit fumes that are deadly to our small avian friends.

Sprays, air fresheners, and other chemicals, which could be dangerous to our birds, also reside in our kitchen.

In the dining room, the same worry about cups of water and hot dishes exists. Also, depending on your home's floor plan, the front door may open into the dining area. Although your bird should have clipped wings, someone opening the door could allow your pet access to the outside.

It may seem that by reading this, the kitchen and dining areas are the most dangerous for your bird -- and you're right. These rooms deserve special scrutiny for dangers.

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