We operate a parrot rescue in Ontario www.theparrotrescue.com and will be writing a series of articles in hopes of helping parrot owners and some of our prospective parrot rescue owners with information that is of great importance to parrots or birds in general.

Parrots are intelligent and beautfiul creatures that make wonderful pets. However there are some issues that owners and those thinking of becoming a parrot owner need to make themselves aware of.

Everyone has heard the saying Canary in a Coal mine. Well that is because Miners used to bring canaries into the coal mines with them. If there was any poisonous gas to be found the canary would keel over dead within minutes and this would warn the miners of impending danger.

Canaries and birds in general have very small lungs and can succumb to many things that other animals don't.

Anything with a fragrance should not be used around parrots. ie Candles, aerosols, cleaning products, bug sprays, air fresheners etc.

Although there is no fragrance the following items pose a very deadly threat to parrots.

Teflon

Not just pans but ANYTHING coated with Teflon can be deadly to birds. This would include irons, curling irons, frying pans and pots. There are many items that are coated with teflon which has recently been determined to be detrimental to humans and animals alike. There is some information recently published by DuPont on their website at www.dupont.com.

Scotch Guard

This is another product that is deadly to birds. Some birds have been known to die on the arrival of new furniture as it had recently had Scotch Guard applied to it.

The best we can offer our pets is to reques that it not be applied to our furniture, carpets or drapes at all. Otherwise the next best solution is to ask that it remain in the store AFTER it has been applied for no less than a week uncovered. Once it is fully dried it should be safe to bring into the home.

It is our responsibility to ask questions of manufacturers and not expect them to know how their products impact our lives. Research is the best thing we can do for our pets.

You will find more information posted on our website at www.theparrotrescue.com