Suggestions for keeping my space bird safe?

[GeezLouise]

Suggestions for keeping my space bird safe?

I’ve had my green cheek for about 4 years, and keeping her in this current house has never raised any concerns with smells/fumes I may have given off. She’s been far enough away from everything I didn’t have to worry. This August I’m moving into an apartment that’s much more confined. For those of you with birds closer to bathrooms or kitchens, what do you do to keep the air clean when cooking or cleaning? Doors will be shut, and a fancy air purifier is already on my list, but should I be doing more?

- Are there common appliances you stay away from due to toxic smells (teflon, etc), or safer products I could use instead? I've always been a nervous nelly about my bird. She's my world. Thanks

 

[MarimaChan]

1: I know this sucks but I would ditch non-stick pans because they have teflon in them, or anything with teflon in them
2: make sure your apartment has a carbon monoxide detector
3: no burning any candles or incense or air fresheners. i'm not sure If oil diffusers are bad for birds
4: for cleaning I use watered down white vinegar or some baking soda. You can buy a huge jug of white vinegar at walmart
5: when washing dishes try using a mild dish soap, I use the blue dawn dish soap with the baby duck on it
6: for laundry detergent I heard that Seventh Generation or Earth Friendly Ultra Eco is a good safe brand for birds
~ If anyone would like to add on to my list feel free too or have better recommendations!

 

[GeezLouise]

1: I know this sucks but I would ditch non-stick pans because they have teflon in them, or anything with teflon in them
2: make sure your apartment has a carbon monoxide detector
3: no burning any candles or incense or air fresheners. i'm not sure If oil diffusers are bad for birds
4: for cleaning I use watered down white vinegar or some baking soda. You can buy a huge jug of white vinegar at walmart
5: when washing dishes try using a mild dish soap, I use the blue dawn dish soap with the baby duck on it
6: for laundry detergent I heard that Seventh Generation or Earth Friendly Ultra Eco is a good safe brand for birds
~ If anyone would like to add on to my list feel free too or have better recommendations!

I'm sure to buy no teflon whatsoever. I'm looking at this ceramic pots & pans set... Do you think this would be safe? It says no toxic fumes so...
And thank you for the white vinegar idea! Is that in a spray bottle? I'm so scared of anything that gives off a smell so I wasn't sure. Thank you so much!

 

[MarimaChan]

I'm sure to buy no teflon whatsoever. I'm looking at this ceramic pots & pans set... Do you think this would be safe? It says no toxic fumes so...
And thank you for the white vinegar idea! Is that in a spray bottle? I'm so scared of anything that gives off a smell so I wasn't sure. Thank you so much!

The pan set should be fine, it doesn't have teflon in it and other dangerous chems, also yeah you can put it in a spray bottle! just make sure that you dilute the vinegar with water.

 

[Shezbug]

Toilet lid always down and preferably door kept closed, no open containers of any liquid (including soaking things in the sink), all power cords well hidden, batteries, medicines and dangerous foods (avocado, chocolate etc) always kept in a closed cupboard, sharps and breakables always kept in a closed drawer or cupboard, no cooking (not even toast) while bird is free roaming (hot surfaces can be enticing and extremely deadly), extra caution especially for the smaller birds regarding closing dishwashers, fridges and all other doors, if you only have one door between your kitchen or bathroom area and the outside then do take extra care to ensure your bird can't sneak out if someone else opens the front/back door (curtain or fly strips are helpful), make sure all windows you may open have strong flyscreens and none have holes or are easily dislodged by being bumped into.

Do not use in the same air space as your birds:- Candles, aerosols, teflon (PTFE/PFOA free is what you want for all cooking), fragrances and perfumes of all kinds (including oil diffusers, sprays and burning incenses), cleaning chemicals, paints, glues and other craft things that let off fumes or could be dangerous if it gets on your bird, beware of VOC's (from new all items such as carpets, beds and couches etc), pest control sprays gels, creams and traps of all kinds... this list could go on and on but basically you want to make sure the air is as pure as possible to keep your bird safe and also healthy- many things we do not even think about are deadly to our birds so if you are ever in doubt of a particular item hold off using it and post a question here to find out what others know.

You do not need fancy chemicals to keep your home clean and hygienic and you certainly want to steer clear of anything with a powerful scent as that is not ever necessary for keeping a clean home and it is really un-healthy for our birds.
Many of us here use simple household things like bi carb, vinegar and dish liquid for cleaning most things (new spray bottle, vinegar, water and a little squirt of dish liq makes a useful all purpose cleaner and bi carb mixed with vinegar or substituted for a half a lemon used as a scrubber can clean tougher things such as oven doors), F10 for disinfecting (vet grade bird safe disinfectant), vinegar, citrus peels, rose petals, cinnamon and other combinations of foods and spices are often boiled to make a nice fragrance for your home which you can put in a spray bottle once cooled if you like to use as a air freshener or 50/50 vinegar and water as a refresh spray for odours, battery operated candles are often used as a safe alternative.

You will find safe alternatives for nearly anything and everything you need or want for your home if you post a question here, it is hard to cover everything so if things have not been addressed then please feel free to post a new thread

 

[GeezLouise]

Toilet lid always down and preferably door kept closed, no open containers of any liquid (including soaking things in the sink), all power cords well hidden, batteries, medicines and dangerous foods (avocado, chocolate etc) always kept in a closed cupboard, sharps and breakables always kept in a closed drawer or cupboard, no cooking (not even toast) while bird is free roaming (hot surfaces can be enticing and extremely deadly), extra caution especially for the smaller birds regarding closing dishwashers, fridges and all other doors, if you only have one door between your kitchen or bathroom area and the outside then do take extra care to ensure your bird can't sneak out if someone else opens the front/back door (curtain or fly strips are helpful), make sure all windows you may open have strong flyscreens and none have holes or are easily dislodged by being bumped into.

Do not use in the same air space as your birds:- Candles, aerosols, teflon (PTFE/PFOA free is what you want for all cooking), fragrances and perfumes of all kinds (including oil diffusers, sprays and burning incenses), cleaning chemicals, paints, glues and other craft things that let off fumes or could be dangerous if it gets on your bird, beware of VOC's (from new all items such as carpets, beds and couches etc), pest control sprays gels, creams and traps of all kinds... this list could go on and on but basically you want to make sure the air is as pure as possible to keep your bird safe and also healthy- many things we do not even think about are deadly to our birds so if you are ever in doubt of a particular item hold off using it and post a question here to find out what others know.

You do not need fancy chemicals to keep your home clean and hygienic and you certainly want to steer clear of anything with a powerful scent as that is not ever necessary for keeping a clean home and it is really un-healthy for our birds.
Many of us here use simple household things like bi carb, vinegar and dish liquid for cleaning most things (new spray bottle, vinegar, water and a little squirt of dish liq makes a useful all purpose cleaner and bi carb mixed with vinegar can clean tougher things such as oven doors), F10 for disinfecting (vet grade bird safe disinfectant), vinegar, citrus peels, rose petals, cinnamon and other combinations of foods and spices are often boiled to make a nice fragrance for your home which you can put in a spray bottle once cooled if you like to use as a air freshener or 50/50 vinegar and water as a refresh spray for odours, battery operated candles are often used as a safe alternative.

You will find safe alternatives for nearly anything and everything you need or want for your home if you post a question here, it is hard to cover everything so if things have not been addressed then please feel free to post a new thread

Thanks so much!!!! The VOC’s really surprised me… I thought that was only a concern in house paint. If I’m to buy new furniture or anything, should I air it out or something to get rid of that smell?
And while you’re here, would you know about smells from a shower like fragrance from shampoo, conditioner or body wash? Is there need for concern there? Thanks soooo much

 

[Shezbug]

Thanks so much!!!! The VOC’s really surprised me… I thought that was only a concern in house paint. If I’m to buy new furniture or anything, should I air it out or something to get rid of that smell?
And while you’re here, would you know about smells from a shower like fragrance from shampoo, conditioner or body wash? Is there need for concern there? Thanks soooo much

We air things like new chairs or floor rugs (items stinking of VOC's) out in the garage, we also use new heaters or heating appliances for cooking for the first few hours in the garage too.

Some things like shower products are quite hard to find in no scent or low scent options unless you get the few limited options which may not suit your particular needs as they are likely either baby products or quite expensive and specialised, in my case I can only find baby shampoo with low scent but no conditioner so compromises must be reasonably made - if you can find the products you like to use in the low or no scent option then that is awesome but otherwise I just use the exhaust fan to properly clear any fragrances out and I would never wash my hair if the birds were in the bathroom at the time. I use only lower fragranced personal items and they seriously stink horrid to me anyhow lol, all chemical fragrances I find so overwhelming.

 

[Lucas2019]

f oil diffusers are bad for birds

Yes they are bad

 

[MarimaChan]

Yes they are bad

Okay thank you I wasn't completely sure. I never use anything like that around my birds, I make my own scented tea spray as an air freshener.

 

[SunTruth]

Toilet lid always down and preferably door kept closed, no open containers of any liquid (including soaking things in the sink), all power cords well hidden, batteries, medicines and dangerous foods (avocado, chocolate etc) always kept in a closed cupboard, sharps and breakables always kept in a closed drawer or cupboard, no cooking (not even toast) while bird is free roaming (hot surfaces can be enticing and extremely deadly), extra caution especially for the smaller birds regarding closing dishwashers, fridges and all other doors, if you only have one door between your kitchen or bathroom area and the outside then do take extra care to ensure your bird can't sneak out if someone else opens the front/back door (curtain or fly strips are helpful), make sure all windows you may open have strong flyscreens and none have holes or are easily dislodged by being bumped into.

Do not use in the same air space as your birds:- Candles, aerosols, teflon (PTFE/PFOA free is what you want for all cooking), fragrances and perfumes of all kinds (including oil diffusers, sprays and burning incenses), cleaning chemicals, paints, glues and other craft things that let off fumes or could be dangerous if it gets on your bird, beware of VOC's (from new all items such as carpets, beds and couches etc), pest control sprays gels, creams and traps of all kinds... this list could go on and on but basically you want to make sure the air is as pure as possible to keep your bird safe and also healthy- many things we do not even think about are deadly to our birds so if you are ever in doubt of a particular item hold off using it and post a question here to find out what others know.

You do not need fancy chemicals to keep your home clean and hygienic and you certainly want to steer clear of anything with a powerful scent as that is not ever necessary for keeping a clean home and it is really un-healthy for our birds.
Many of us here use simple household things like bi carb, vinegar and dish liquid for cleaning most things (new spray bottle, vinegar, water and a little squirt of dish liq makes a useful all purpose cleaner and bi carb mixed with vinegar or substituted for a half a lemon used as a scrubber can clean tougher things such as oven doors), F10 for disinfecting (vet grade bird safe disinfectant), vinegar, citrus peels, rose petals, cinnamon and other combinations of foods and spices are often boiled to make a nice fragrance for your home which you can put in a spray bottle once cooled if you like to use as a air freshener or 50/50 vinegar and water as a refresh spray for odours, battery operated candles are often used as a safe alternative.

You will find safe alternatives for nearly anything and everything you need or want for your home if you post a question here, it is hard to cover everything so if things have not been addressed then please feel free to post a new thread

This is a very very important note. You should pin it at the top of the forum

 

[GeezLouise]

This is a very very important note. You should pin it at the top of the forum

I agree. Gotcha!

 

[Lucas2019]

Awesome ! I have to change a lot of things in my household for my green cheek conure who I adore

 

[Chelsip]

Toilet lid always down and preferably door kept closed, no open containers of any liquid (including soaking things in the sink), all power cords well hidden, batteries, medicines and dangerous foods (avocado, chocolate etc) always kept in a closed cupboard, sharps and breakables always kept in a closed drawer or cupboard, no cooking (not even toast) while bird is free roaming (hot surfaces can be enticing and extremely deadly), extra caution especially for the smaller birds regarding closing dishwashers, fridges and all other doors, if you only have one door between your kitchen or bathroom area and the outside then do take extra care to ensure your bird can't sneak out if someone else opens the front/back door (curtain or fly strips are helpful), make sure all windows you may open have strong flyscreens and none have holes or are easily dislodged by being bumped into.

Do not use in the same air space as your birds:- Candles, aerosols, teflon (PTFE/PFOA free is what you want for all cooking), fragrances and perfumes of all kinds (including oil diffusers, sprays and burning incenses), cleaning chemicals, paints, glues and other craft things that let off fumes or could be dangerous if it gets on your bird, beware of VOC's (from new all items such as carpets, beds and couches etc), pest control sprays gels, creams and traps of all kinds... this list could go on and on but basically you want to make sure the air is as pure as possible to keep your bird safe and also healthy- many things we do not even think about are deadly to our birds so if you are ever in doubt of a particular item hold off using it and post a question here to find out what others know.

You do not need fancy chemicals to keep your home clean and hygienic and you certainly want to steer clear of anything with a powerful scent as that is not ever necessary for keeping a clean home and it is really un-healthy for our birds.
Many of us here use simple household things like bi carb, vinegar and dish liquid for cleaning most things (new spray bottle, vinegar, water and a little squirt of dish liq makes a useful all purpose cleaner and bi carb mixed with vinegar or substituted for a half a lemon used as a scrubber can clean tougher things such as oven doors), F10 for disinfecting (vet grade bird safe disinfectant), vinegar, citrus peels, rose petals, cinnamon and other combinations of foods and spices are often boiled to make a nice fragrance for your home which you can put in a spray bottle once cooled if you like to use as a air freshener or 50/50 vinegar and water as a refresh spray for odours, battery operated candles are often used as a safe alternative.

You will find safe alternatives for nearly anything and everything you need or want for your home if you post a question here, it is hard to cover everything so if things have not been addressed then please feel free to post a new thread

@Shezbug is there a good quick reference resource or thread for safe and/or DIY home cleaning options?

 

[Shezbug]

@Shezbug is there a good quick reference resource or thread for safe and/or DIY home cleaning options?

I’m honestly not sure if there is one particular thread for home made cleaners, there are many different threads that have been posted in the time I’ve been here that have numerous options for bird safe cleaners (both home made and purchased) and safe fragrances/air freshener made at home.
You’d have to search specifically for what kind of cleaner you’re after but most home made ones are generally using items such as dish liquid, lemons, bi carb, white vinegar and water.
I tend to clean most of my surfaces with the above mentioned items as I can’t stand the smell of most chemicals and fragrances/air fresheners.

Many of us simply use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water with a little squirt of dish washing liquid in a spray bottle as a general cleaner- works pretty good and is safe for nearly all household items and most definitely safe to use around birds.

What in particular are you looking for? Like what items are you wanting to make cleaners for?

 

[Chelsip]

I’m honestly not sure if there is one particular thread for home made cleaners, there are many different threads that have been posted in the time I’ve been here that have numerous options for bird safe cleaners (both home made and purchased) and safe fragrances/air freshener made at home.
You’d have to search specifically for what kind of cleaner you’re after but most home made ones are generally using items such as dish liquid, lemons, bi carb, white vinegar and water.
I tend to clean most of my surfaces with the above mentioned items as I can’t stand the smell of most chemicals and fragrances/air fresheners.

Many of us simply use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water with a little squirt of dish washing liquid in a spray bottle as a general cleaner- works pretty good and is safe for nearly all household items and most definitely safe to use around birds.

What in particular are you looking for? Like what items are you wanting to make cleaners for?

Currently I'm looking for a good shower cleaner (we have a shower perch we use a lot), but I also just think a thread we could sticky with a list of many things could be really helpful for folks. I will try out that vinegar/dish washing liquid combo!

 

[GeezLouise]

Currently I'm looking for a good shower cleaner (we have a shower perch we use a lot), but I also just think a thread we could sticky with a list of many things could be really helpful for folks. I will try out that vinegar/dish washing liquid combo!

I’ve been wondering about a shower cleaner!!! Glad you mentioned it!

 

[Shezbug]

I find the mix I mentioned works fine for shower cleaning, sometimes I also just spray the walls down with water (or do this after a shower) and throw some bicarb on them then scrub/wipe over with a soft cloth and rinse off the bicarb with 50/50white vinegar/water or lemon juice/water then rinse with clean water- I find this helps to keep the drains nice and clean too.