You are here:

Birds--General/lovebirds and household cleaning

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/12/2008


Question
I would like to know about cleaning the house and what is safe and what is not - do we have to get all natural / pet safe cleaning supplies now that we have lovebirds as pets?
Thanx.

Answer
Hi, Pam,

Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems.  You need to avoid using anything that produces toxic fumes, releases toxic chemicals in the air, etc.  Things like carpet deodorizer that you sprinkle on the carpet, things you spray in the air, bleach, ammonia, furniture cleaner...all of these things.  Even things like perfume/cologne, hair spray, incense, overheated Teflon, even fumes from a fireplace....all of these things can be detrimental to a parrot's respiratory system.  And some birds are more sensitive than others.  You don't have to use chemicals in order to clean things properly.  Products like baking soda, white vinegar, club soda for stains, etc., are excellent substitutes.

There have been instances where entire rooms full of parrots died when the owner used carpet fresh in the room.  Do you watch "How Clean Is Your House" on cable TV?  This is a good show to watch for ideas of what products to use/hints for cleaning using natural products.  This information can also be found on the internet, in books, etc.  If it isn't safe for us, it definitely isn't good for a bird...and then some.

Chrys

Birds--General

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.