Toxic List

secuono · 3/13/13

I read somewhere asparagus fern is safe foliage, true?

Mikniknar · 11/25/13

SAFE PLANTS FOR BIRDS
Common NameBotanical NameFamily Name
AcaciaAcacia (many species)Acaceae (Acacia)
African VioletsSaintpaulia SpeciesGesneriaceae (Gesneriad)
AloeAloespecies - Watch for spinesLiliaceae (Lily)
Areca, Butterfly CaneChrysalidocarpus LutescensPalmae (Palm)
Asparagus Fern
(See Ferns)

This is just a small part of a list that has Aspargus Fern as safe for birds ...

Dgirard · 1/28/15

I'm also curious about candles. Are unscented candles toxic too? Are there any types of candles that aren't toxic to birds?

Clueless · 1/28/15

I thought I read 100% bees wax was okay. It's hard for folks to not put scents in them though

quazy4quakers · 7/2/15

What about the mini kiwi fruit, also called "hardy kiwi" or "Actinidia arguta"? We have a HUGE tree growing in my yard.

Surluv · 1/9/16

Renovation warning... I just moved into a newly renovated rental home. Within the first 3 days I had 2 healthy parakeets die. Upon consulting my vet (and showing him pictures of the house to see if I was missing anything obvious). He noted the new carpet and padding does put off toxic fumes. Now I have found a manufacturing warning that says to not let babies or small animals around new carpet without first steam cleaning. I'm shocked and heartbroken. Has anybody else heard of this?

Greycloud · 1/9/16

@Surluv I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, carpet and padding does put off fumes when newly installed. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.

CherylColorado · 4/6/16

Does anyone know if a Ficus tree is toxic or safe for birds? I have a large Ficus tree and I might get rid of it if the birds can't be around it.

painesgrey · 4/6/16

CherylColorado said:
Does anyone know if a Ficus tree is toxic or safe for birds? I have a large Ficus tree and I might get rid of it if the birds can't be around it.

Several sites (this one, this one, and this one) list Ficus as being toxic.

Shinobi · 4/6/16

Banksia bush wasn't on ether list

Mygcgbaby · 4/19/16

we have a small deep fryer and I was wondering if it is safe to use? the
inside is aluminum, not coated. I don't deep fry often but on average 2 times no more than 4 times a month, the dishes do require frying , in deep oil... its an old fashioned family hand me down recipe.

lgrikki · 4/19/16

What about Hazelnut tree branches? It is not on either list...

Tami B · 7/2/16

atvchick95 said:
Safe Foliage (plants)

ACACIA

ALOE

AFRICAN VIOLET

BABY'S TEARS

BAMBOO

BEGONIA

BOSTON FERN

BOUGAINVILLEA

CHICKWEED

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

CISSUS (KANGAROO VINE)

COLEUS

CORN PLANT

CRABAPPLE

DANDELION

DOGWOOD

DONKEY TAIL

DRACAENA VARIETIES

FERNS: (BIRD'S NEST, BOSTON, MAIDENHAIR)

FIGS: (CREEPING, RUBBER, FIDDLE LEAF, LAUREL LEAF)

GARDENIA

GRAPE IVY

HEN AND CHICKENS

IMPATIENS

JADE PLANT

KALANCHOE

MAGNOLIA

MARIGOLDS

MONKEY PLANT

MOTHER-IN-LAW (Are we sure?)

NASTURTIUM

NATAL PLUM

NORFOLK ISLAND PINE

ORCHIDS

PALMS: (ARECA, DATE, FAN, LADY, PARLOUR, HOWEIA, KENTIA, PHOWNIX, SAGO)

PEPPEROMIA

PETUNIA

PITTOSPORUM

PRAYER PLANT

PURPLE PASSION

ROSE

RUBBER PLANT

SCHEFFLERA

SENSITIVE PLANT

SNAKE PLANT

SPIDER PLANT

SWEDISH IVY

THISTLE

VELVET NETTLE

WANDERING JEW

WAX PLANT

WHITE CLOVER

YUCCA

ZEBRA PLANT

ZINNIA

Toxic Plants

ARUM LILY

AMARYLLIS

ARALIA

ARROWHEAD VINE

AUTUMN CROCUS

AUSTRALIAN FLAMETREE

AUSTRALIAN UMBRELLA TREE

AVOCADO

AZALEA

BANEBERRY

BEANS: (CASTOR, HORSE, FAVA, BROAD, GLORY, SCARLET RUNNER, MESCAL, NAVY, PREGATORY

BIRD OF PARADISE

BISHOP'S WEED

BLACK LAUREL

BLACK LOCUST

BLEEDING HEART OR DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES

BLOODROOT

BLUEBONNET

BLUEGREEN ALGAE

BOXWOOD

BRACKEN FERN

BUCKTHORN

BULB FLOWERS (AMARYLLIS, DAFFODIL, NARCISSUS, HYACINTH & IRIS)

BURDOCK

BUTTERCUP

CACAO

CAMEL BUSH

CASTOR BEAN

CALADIUM

CANA LILY

CARDINAL FLOWER

CHALICE (TRUMPET VINE)

CHERRY TREE

CHINA BERRY TREE

CHRISTMAS CANDLE

CLEMATIS (VIRGINIA BOWER)

CLIVIA

COCKLEBUR

COFFEE (SENNA)

COFFEE BEAN (RATTLEBUSH, RATTLE BOX & COFFEEWEED)

CORAL PLANT

CORIANDER

CORNCOCKLE

COYOTILLO

COWSLIP

CUTLEAF PHILODENDRON

DAFFODIL

DAPHNE

DATURA STRAMONIUM (ANGEL'S TRUMPET)

DEATH CAMUS

DELPHINIUM

DEVIL'S IVY

DIEFFENBACHIA (DUMB CANE)

EGGPLANT leaves

ELDERBERRY

ELEPHANT EAR (TARO)

ENGLISH IVY

ERGOT

EUCALYPTUS (DRIED, DYED OR TREATED IN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS)

EUONYMUS (SPINDLE TREE)

EUPHORBIA CACTUS

FALSE HELLEBORE

FLAME TREE

FELT PLANT (MATERNITY, AIR & PANDA PLANTS)

FIG (WEEPING)

FIRE THORN

FLAMINGO FLOWER

FOUR O'CLOCK

FOXGLOVE

GLOTTIDIUM

GOLDEN CHAIN

GRASS: (JOHNSON, SORGHUM, SUDAN & BROOM CORN)

GROUND CHERRY

HEATHS: (KALMIA, LEUCOTHO, PEIRES, RHODODENDRON, MTN. LAUREL, BLACK LAUREL, ANDROMEDA & AZALEA)

HELIOTROPE

HEMLOCK: (POISON & WATER)

HENBANE

HOLLY

HONEYSUCKLE

HORSE CHESTNUT

HORSE TAIL

HOYA

HYACINTH

HYDRANGEA

IRIS

IVY: (ENGLISH & OTHERS)

JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT

JASMINE (JESSAMINE)

JERUSALEM CHERRY

JIMSONWEED

JUNIPER

KY. COFFEE TREE

LANTANA (RED SAGE)

LARKSPUR

LILY OF THE VALLEY

LILY, ARUM

LOBELIA

LOCOWEED (MILK VETCH)

LOCUSTS, BLACK/HONEY

LORDS & LADIES (CUCKOOPINT)

LUPINE

MALANGA

MARIJUANA (HEMP)

MAYAPPLE(MANDRAKE)

MEXICAN BREADFRUIT

MEXICAN POPPY

MILKWEED, COTTON BUSH

MISTLETOE

MOCK ORANGE

MONKSHOOD

MOONSEED

MORNING GLORY

MTN. LAUREL

MUSHROOMS, AMANITA

MYRTLE

NARCISSUS

NETTLES

NIGHTSHADES: (DEADLY, BLACK, GARDEN, WOODY, BITTERSWEET, EGGPLANT leaves, TOMATO -stems, vines, and leaves,JERUSALEM CHERRY)

OAK

OLEANDER

OXALIS

PARSLEY

PEACE LILY

PERIWINKLE

PHILODENDRONS: (SPLIT LEAF, SWISS CHEESE, HEART-LEAF)

PIGWEED

POINCIANA

POINSETTIA

POISON IVY

POISON HEMLOCK

POISON OAK: (WESTERN & EASTERN)

POKEWEED

POTATO SHOOTS

POTHOS

PRIVET

PYRACANTHA

RAIN TREE

RANUNCULUS, BUTTERCUP

RAPE

RATTLEBOX, CROTALARIA

RED MAPLE

RED SAGE (LANTANA)

RHUBARB LEAVES

RHODODENDRONS

ROSARY PEA SEEDS

SAND BOX TREE

SKUNK CABBAGE

SORREL (DOCK)

SNOW DROP

SPURGES: (PENCIL TREE, SNOW-ON-MTN, CANDELABRA, CROWN OF THORNS)

STAR OF BETHLEHEM

SWEET PEA

SWISS CHEESE PLANT (MONSTERA)

TANSY RAGWORT

TOBACCO

UMBRELLA PLANT

VETCH: HAIRY/COMMON

VIRGINIA CREEPER

WATTLE

WEEPING FIG

WHITE CEDAR, CHINA BERRY

WISTERIA

YEWS

YELLOW JASMINE

Safe Fruits/Veggies

Safe Fruits:

Apple

Apricot

Banana

Blackberry

Blackcurrant

Blood orange

Blueberry

Cantaloupe melon

Cherry

Cranberry

Dried dates

Figs (fresh)

Gooseberries

Grape

Guava

Honeydew melon

Kiwifruit

Lychee (Litchi)

Mandarin

Mango

Melon

Nectarine

Orange

Papaya

Peach

Pear

Pineapple

Plum

Pomegranate

Quince

Raspberry

Red Currants

Strawberry

Tangerine

Yellow Plum

Make sure that all apple, orange and other seeds are removed before letting your birds eat the fresh foods. And make sure you wash all fruits and vegetable thoroughly. It's always best to go organic for your parrots to stay away from pesticides.

Healthy and Safe Vegetables

Artichoke

Beans, cooked only

Bell Peppers

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery stalks

Chinese Cabbage

Corn (milky & soft)

Cucumber

Eggplant (fruit only)

Endive

Fennel

Green Beans

Hot Peppers

Kale

Lettuce

Parsley

Peas

Potato (cooked)

Pumpkin (and seeds)

Radish Red Beet (fresh)

Radicchio

Romain Lettuce

Spinach

Sprouts

Sweet Potato

Turnips

Watercress

Yams

Zucchini

Again, make sure vegetables are washed and preferably organic. The chemicals they feed the plants will harm you and your birds.

Toxic/Unhealthy Food

Avoid anything high is salt, sugar, and fat content.

Alcohol

Apple seeds

Apricot pits

Asparagus

Avocado (entire plant and fruit)

Beans - Kidney, Lima

Beans, any dried

Butter

Caffeine

Carbonated beverages

Cherry pits

Chocolate

Cigarette tobacco

Dried fruits (containing sulfides or sulphates)

Egg Plant

Gatorade

Milk/cream in large quantities

Nectarine pits

Olives

Onions (raw or cooked)

Peach pits

Pear pips

Plum pits

Raw Peanuts

Rhubarb

Tobacco

Tomato (entire plant and fruit)

Houseplants (most are toxic, not all)

Toxic Household Items

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

AMMONIA

ANTIFREEZE

ANT SYRUP or PASTE

ARSENIC

ASBESTOS

AUTO PRODUCTS

BATHROOM CLEANERS

BLEACH

BORIC ACID

CAMPHOPHENIQUE

CARBON MONOXIDE

CARPET CLEANERS

CARPET FRESHENERS

CHARCOAL FLUIDS

CHLORDANE

CHLORINE

CIGARETTE SMOKE

CLINITEST TABLETS

COPPER/BRASS CLEANER

CORN & WART REMOVER

DEODORANTS

DETERGENTS

DIAZINON

DISINFECTANTS

DRAIN CLEANERS

EPOXY GLUE

FELT TIP MARKERS

FLEA PRODUCTS

FLOOR POLISH

FORMALDEHYDE

FURNITURE POLISH

GARDEN SPRAYS

GASOLINE

GUN CLEANERS

HAIR DYES & SPRAYS

HERBICIDES

INSECTICIDES

IODINE

KEROSENE

LIGHTER FLUID

LYE

MATCHES

MELALEUCA OIL

MODEL CEMENT

MOTHBALLS

MURIATIC ACID

MUSHROOMS

NAILPOLISH/REMOVER

NITROGEN DIOXIDE

OVEN CLEANER

OVERHEATED NON-STICK

COOKWARE

PAINT & THINNER

PERFUME

PERMANENTS(HAIR)

PESTICIDES

PHOTO SOLUTIONS

PINE OIL

RX DRUGS

RODENTICIDES

RUBBING ALCOHOL

SCENTED CANDLES

SHAVING LOTION

SHELLAC

SHOE POLISH

SNAIL BAIT

SPOT REMOVERS

SPRAY STARCH

STRYCHNINE

SULFURIC ACID

SUPER GLUE

SUNTAN LOTIONS/OILS

SURGICAL ACRYLICS

TEA TREE OIL

TURPENTINE

WAX

WEED KILLERS

WINDOW CLEANERS

WOOD PRESERVATIVES

** NOTES **

Toxic Foods

Foods toxic for birds: 1) Chocolate
Chocolate poisoning first affects a bird's digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. As the condition progresses, the bird's central nervous system is affected, first causing seizures and eventually death.
2) Apple Seeds
Believe it or not, apples - along with other members of the rose family including cherries, peaches, apricots, and pears - contain trace amounts of Cyanide within their seeds. While the fruit of the apple is fine for your bird, be aware that in addition to the poisonous seeds, there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse and core any apple pieces that you share with your bird to avoid exposure to these toxins.
3) Avocado
The skin and pit of this popular fruit had been known to cause cardiac distress and eventual heart failure in pet bird species. Although there is some debate to the degree of toxicity of avocados, it is generally advised to adopt a "better safe than sorry" attitude toward them and keep guacamole and other avocado products as far away from pet birds as possible.
4) Onions
While the use of limited amounts of onion or garlic powders as flavorings is generally regarded as acceptable, excessive consumption of onions causes vomiting, diarrhea, and a host of other digestive problems. It has been found that prolonged exposure can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, which is followed by respiratory distress and eventual death.
5) Alcohol Although responsible bird owners would never dream of offering their pet an alcoholic drink, there have been instances in which free roaming birds have attained alcohol poisoning through helping themselves to unattended cocktails. Alcohol depresses the organ systems of birds and can be fatal. Make sure that your bird stays safe by securing him in his cage whenever alcohol is served in your home.
6) Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and have been known to cause digestive upset in companion birds. Caps and stems of some varieties can induce liver failure.
7) Tomato Leaves
Tomatoes, like potatoes and other nightshades, have a tasty fruit that is fine when used as a treat for your bird. The stems, vines, and leaves, however, are highly toxic to your pet. Make sure that any time you offer your bird a tomato treat it has been properly cleaned and sliced, with the green parts removed, so that your bird will avoid exposure to any toxins.
8) Salt
While all living beings need regulated amounts of sodium in their systems, too much salt can lead to a host of health problems in birds, including excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and death. Be sure to keep watch over the amount of salty foods your bird consumes.
9) Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee, and tea are popular among people - but allowing your bird to indulge in these drinks can be extremely hazardous. Caffeine causes cardiac malfunction in birds, and is associated with increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyper activity, and cardiac arrest. Share a healthy drink of pure fruit or vegetable juice with your bird instead - this will satisfy both your bird's taste buds and nutritional requirements.
10) Dried Beans
Cooked beans are a favorite treat of many birds, but raw, dry bean mixes can be extremely harmful to your pet. Uncooked beans contain a poison called hemaglutin which is very toxic to birds. To avoid exposure, make sure to thoroughly cook any beans that you choose to share with your bird.

Other Foods To Avoid

Fatty foods High fat in the diet leads to obesity and may result in lipomas (fatty tumors), lipemia (fat in the blood), and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Any greasy, oily or otherwise fatty food should be avoided. Commonly overfed fatty foods include nuts, French fries, crackers, marbled meat, peanut butter, butter, fried chicken, fried anything etc. Sugar foods Obviously, frosting is high in sugar and an undesirable foodstuff. Similarly, soda pop, candy and these types of foods are not recommended.
Dairy Birds lack the digestive enzymes needed to break down milk sugar and milk proteins. Uncultured milk products such as milk, cream and butter should not be fed but yogurt, cheeses and dried milk can be supplemented in the diet in moderation (they are also high in fat).
Lettuce A typical filler food, lettuce is low in everything except water. It is not recommended as a food supplement since it offers little, if anything, for the bird. If leafy foods are desired by your bird, try feeding spinach, collard greens, tops of bok choy, carrot tops or kale.

Avocado Although higher in fat than other veggies and used in other countries to condition birds for breeding, avocado has been shown to be toxic in some birds and its feeding is no longer recommended, as mentioned above in the Toxic Foods list.

The above list is from:
Non-toxic for birds list and a list of things that are toxic for birds.

Aeh I'm confused:
Parsley
It's on both lists, toxic and safe/healthy, but doesn't mention if a certain type, or part ... ?

Rhoadsette · 7/15/16

Can any of you provide a link or something of the sorts about the candles and what in them is toxic? I've been worried about scented candles from the start because I know that they are bad but my mom always uses them in our living room and I have tried telling her that they are deadly to birds and she doesn't listen. I need a good source that I can show her so she will listen to me and stop using them. I know it sounds terrible, she just passes a lot of my worries off because I am a worry wart ( I quite literally worry about every little thing). I mean no disrespect to her at all, I am just really worried about Randy's health and I want him to be the best he can. She tried giving him chocolate the other day and I blew up at her. I feel bad about it but chocolate is a huge no-no.

(The reason she's so insistent on the candles is because my dad is a truck driver and he leaves his things all over the living room and it smells bad and so she wants to use the candles. I got her to stop using hairspray and stuff but I really need her to listen to me and for people in my house to have more respect for my fid. Luckily, Rand's cage is in my bedroom, and I keep it scent free and clean in there for him. I always have the window open all day every day to let fresh air in as well.)

Tami B · 7/17/16

Do you take Randy to the living room?
If he stays in your room, you keep the room free off scented candles, ect., and keep the room aired out, ...
I don't think it will hurt Randy.
Off course, it would be better to have the whole house bird safe, especially if you take him to different rooms, but sometimes we have to compromise, and improvise, and make the best out off our situation.

Rhoadsette · 7/18/16

Tami B said:
Do you take Randy to the living room?
If he stays in your room, you keep the room free off scented candles, ect., and keep the room aired out, ...
I don't think it will hurt Randy.
Off course, it would be better to have the whole house bird safe, especially if you take him to different rooms, but sometimes we have to compromise, and improvise, and make the best out off our situation.

Yeah I try to limit his exposure to the rest of the house as much as I can.. I don't want him getting sick. or anything. I am just very vigilant about keeping my room clean and aired out so that he nor I get sick.

Thanks for the advice

Tim · 7/18/16

Tami B said:
Aeh I'm confused:
Parsley
It's on both lists, toxic and safe/healthy, but doesn't mention if a certain type, or part ... ?

Parsley was once considered to be toxic, but it is now known to not be toxic. Cilantro is surprising, too. I know lots of people who use and reccommend Cilantro.

Patty Girl · 12/7/16

Thank you so much for putting this information out. I don't even have my bird yet but want the best for him. It's a Lennie. he will be weaned and ready to come home around Christmas, or after, when ever he's ready. My beloved Maple tree in my neighbors yard (huge old tree) was trimmed, a third of it was taken down as they felt it was too big. I love that old tree and wanted a natural perch for my baby so I've been reading. One website said scrub with vinegar. I scrubbed til it shines, I'm a little scared to use bleach...and not sure what temp the oven should be. Can you help me. This is the "newbie' Pattygirl

CrazyBirdChick · 12/7/16

Patty Girl said:
Thank you so much for putting this information out. I don't even have my bird yet but want the best for him. It's a Lennie. he will be weaned and ready to come home around Christmas, or after, when ever he's ready. My beloved Maple tree in my neighbors yard (huge old tree) was trimmed, a third of it was taken down as they felt it was too big. I love that old tree and wanted a natural perch for my baby so I've been reading. One website said scrub with vinegar. I scrubbed til it shines, I'm a little scared to use bleach...and not sure what temp the oven should be. Can you help me. This is the "newbie' Pattygirl

Hi Pattygirl, congrats on your new soon to be Linnie! How exciting!

It's admirable that you're learning all you can now before s/he gets home , and so awesome that you are even using forums and social media - even though that's not something you've done before (I saw your other thread you started on the Avian Avenue

I just wanted to say you are doing great so far! :tup:

But I thought I'd also mention to you that you're very welcome to start your own brand new topics here on the boards too!

That way people would most likely notice your questions sooner , and focus more on only your questions, concerns, pictures etc.

I'm not sure what temperature to set the oven to but hopefully someone else can come along soon to give you some imput...

:anyone:

Arbie · 1/2/17

...and not sure what temp the oven should be. Can you help me. This is the "newbie' Pattygirl

I will try to help on this one. The temp is to kill the microbes, bugs, lichens...etc. on the wood BUT you don't want the wood to combust! Most of these possible pests should be annihilated at 220- 250F which above the boiling water temps that are used to sterilize canning jars/lids/etc. I suppose 30 minutes to an hour would do it at the full temp so let the wood warm up and begin timing...(and an hour is "probably" overkill but hey, it's our best fuds* we're talking about here)...

*feathered buds

Toxic List

Walking the driveway

Meeting neighbors

Meeting neighbors

Joyriding the Neighborhood

Jogging around the block

Checking out the neighborhood

Joyriding the Neighborhood

Checking out the neighborhood

Rollerblading along the road

Jogging around the block

Meeting neighbors

Strolling the yard

Walking the driveway

Moving in

Walking the driveway

Moving in

Rollerblading along the road

Walking the driveway

Biking along the boulevard

Checking out the neighborhood