Many potential toxins may be lurking in a pet bird’s home, several of which often cause immediate, life-threatening danger.
Teflon™, or PTFE, lines certain nonstick pans and may also coat heating elements, ovens, irons and hair dryers. As it heats up, PTFE releases an odorless gas that’s extremely toxic to birds. Certain household cleaners — especially those containing phenol derivatives, like Lysol® or Pine-sol® — are equally hazardous to birds. Avian exposure to fumes from any of these products leads to severe respiratory distress that is often rapidly fatal.
On another sobering note, avocados are healthy for us, but they contain a chemical that can cause sudden death in our feathered friends.
Birds exposed to any of these compounds should be rushed to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.