Hello to all,
I've spoken to two members of your forum (Nikki and Saroj) in regards to the issue of zinc in bird toy components over the past few days. They were both kind enough to invite me to make a post relative to this topic as well as to clarify specifics on the nature of the hardware used in the Super Bird Creations line of toys.
The zinc issue is one that is not without a lot of controversy within the avian vet as well as the bird owner communities. There is unfortunately a lot of misinformation on the web regarding this topic and I can't blame bird owners for feeling concerned, I was too when I first heard of it several years ago. By making this post I hope to present my perspective which has been developed through discussions with other avian professionals.
Specifically, I have discussed the topic with Dr. Greg Burkett, DVM Diplomate ABVP, on multiple occasions. Dr. Burkett has been selling my entire line of toys for over 15 years through both his bird store, Birdie Boutique, as well as his distributorship, Diamond Avian Distributors. I have also informally discussed the issue with both Dr. Larry Nemetz, DVM and Dr. Tom Roudybush (Avian Nutritionist) when I had the fortunate opportunity to encounter them at a Pet Industry Trade Show 4 to 5 years ago. Based on these discussions, I made a decision to make sure that Super Bird Creations always used non-galvanized hardware wherever that hardware could pose a risk of accidental ingestion of a small component (ie., bell clapper,link, etc.)
The following is an extract from our toy safety article which can be read in it's entirety at
www.superbirdtoys.com/articles/safety.htm
"A lot has been mentioned recently about zinc toxicity in birds. Many bird toys are made with zinc coated (galvanized) metal components. Zinc is also commonly found in cage powder coatings. Some avian health specialists have stated that in order for zinc related health problems to result that the parrot must actually swallow the metal components and that “beaking” the parts is insufficient for toxicity to develop unless the galvanized coating is extremely brittle and flaky. If a bird spends a lot of time chewing on toy hardware (i.e., washers, quick links, wire) then it is possible they will ingest enough zinc to build up toxic levels in their systems over time. Owners who are worried about the possible health effects can often find stainless steel replacement components at their local hardware store. This option is also often much more cost effective to the consumer than buying toys constructed with stainless steel parts."
All of the Super Bird Creations hardware is "zinc free" with the
exception of our wire, hanger bolts and washers which are
electro-galvanized.
Galvanization is the name of the method used to treat steel to prevent rusting. Not all methods of galvanization are "equal" when it comes to posing a risk of zinc ingestion. The two main methods of galvanization are hot dip galvanization and electro-galvanization:
* Hot dip galvanization is where the metal is dipped in essentially a bath of molten zinc. Metal treated in this fashion has a dull, rough and flaky surface of zinc which
does pose a risk of zinc ingestion to birds if chewed.
* Electro-galvanizing is process where a thinner, tighter-bonding coat of zinc is applied to a metal via electroplating. The surface of materials treated by this method are smooth and shiny in comparison to those treated by the hot dip method. In other words, there are no loose and flaky zinc components available for birds to swallow. Metals treated by this procedure
do not pose a risk of zinc ingestion as long as the metal object can not be swallowed in it's entirety.
In closing, I would like to say that birds have been an integral part of my life for close to 50 years and I'm blessed with a wonderful, happy and healthy feathered family some of whom have been playing with my toys for up to 18 years now. Based on my research and consultations, I do not have the slightest reservation giving any of the Super Bird Creations toys to my birds.
I appreciate having had the invitation to make this post and look forward to participating on the forum in the future.
Best Regards,
Deb White
Super Bird Creations
www.superbirdtoys.com