STARKS: Demise of birds probed | Morning Sentinel Online

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STARKS -- Could nonstick coating material used on some kitchen cookware have caused the deaths of a dozen exotic...
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Laura of Houlton, ME

Dec 18, 2008 10:08 PM

The accidental deaths of the pet birds via the teflon pan is very sad! My sympathy to the owner and her family.

Teflon should never be used around birds - this includes bakewear, oven-top grills and pans - anything that has a teflon/non-stick coating should be avoided. This material is so common, it is really difficult to avoid - but it is possible to remove it from use.

Birds are extremely sensitive to any airborne toxins - anything with strong odors, including incense, (airfreshners: solids, candles, spray, "pine trees" and Febreeze), new paint and new carpeting that hasn't had a chance to "outgas", ALL pesticides, including those used outdoors and on farms (CLOSE the windows and doors if someone nearby is spraying), mothballs, ovencleaner, etc. Car air freshners. Tobacco, fireplace and "pot" smoke are also deadly.

If an item has a strong smell - there is a good chance it will be toxic to your pet bird. If you have to paint or re-carpet your house - keep your pet in a safe, ventilated area (maybe boarded out?) until all the "new" smell is gone.

Do your painting and carpeting in the summer when you can open all the windows and get things aired out.

Our pets depend entirely on us for their wellbeing - please be a well informed and caring companion - if you aren't sure about toxicity - please ask your vet.

thanks

redsox19 of Oakland, ME

Dec 18, 2008 10:39 AM

Since Maine is so tough on animal cruelty, will she be prosecuted? They're called exotic birds for a reason. Where's Peta when we need them? Oh that's right, they're over at KFC.

Me of Pownal, ME

Dec 18, 2008 9:25 AM

All bird owners NEED to know that you CANNOT use Tephlon or PAM, perfume, cleaning stuff, incense or candles around birds. Even Glade plug-ins are dangerous to birds. Birds are very sensitive. It sucks for the woman that lost her birds. That's a lot to get over, especially when your kid did it.
Tephlon effects all of us too. It just doesn't kill us as it does the smaller birds body.

reader of Boston, MA

Dec 18, 2008 9:25 AM

There are no Welfare*Marts in Boston. There was a Walmart Sams Club but they went bankrupt and closed about several years ago.

We have one Target,another two opening up soon, one replacing a thee old Jordan Marsh in downtown Boston.

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