A reminder - non stick cookware and parrots.

Eleytheria · Nov 9, 2012

Hello all,

While I have long been a lurker here I did not register until today. I never thought I had anything of worth to say before.

About three months ago my partner bought me a gift of a new set of pots. While I had read before about Teflon and parrots years ago when I bought my little guy, I had since forgotten over the years why I never had non stick cookware.

Yesterday I got a phone call and had to rush somewhere in a hurry. While I was loading up the truck I boiled the water in a pot I had put on dry.

Today my constant companion of five years and dearest friend Pixel the pearly conure, is dead.

I do not live close to any avian vets and when I called around the soonest someone could see me was today. He passed away last night in my arms.

If, like me, you were stupid and have somehow let Teflon into your house, throw it away and save yourself the devastation I'm going through right now.

Agapornis · Nov 9, 2012

I"m so sorry about your baby Pixel. I can't even imagine what you are going thru. Please know that your post will no doubt save other birds! I don't have my bird yet, but I plan on getting either a lovebird or a green cheek conure, and I am already getting rid of my teflon pans, just in case I forget.

Thank you for taking the time to help other bird owners.

Lorinda

Echo · Nov 9, 2012

One VERY important thing to remember is to ban ALL non-stick cookware, but ALSO to let everyone around you ALSO KNOW that it is deadly to your birds!! Everyone you know should be aware of it. Family, friends, coworkers etc.....I tell everyone I know.

That said, I am very sorry for your loss

Riio · Nov 9, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. It makes me mad that these pans are still being made. I know they are very bad for our birds, but Im sure those fumes are not good for us or kids either! They should ne outlawed!! Again I am so sorry for your loss. And I hope someone new reads your post and saves the life of their bird. Thank you for the reminder!

kc_y0 · Nov 9, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

MollyGreenCheeks · Nov 9, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Just remember accidents do happen! The best you can do now is continue to use this experience to inform others of the forum about the dangers of Teflon and other items containing PTFE. There are many members in this forum that continue to use these items and say things like "I keep the bird away from the kitchen" or "I never let the cookware get hot enough to put of the dangerous fumes"! Please continue to share your experience even though it may be difficult. Again, I am very sorry for your loss!

mrgoogls · Nov 11, 2012

so sorry to hear about that. its never a goood idea to have it in a house with a bird. i made my mom get rid of all her non-stick and buy SS pots/pans

Remy · Nov 11, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss. <3

Catherine_ · Nov 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear about the death or your parrot. I didn't know that teflon could kill parrots. I guess I have been lucky not to have hurt my parrot as he often sits on my shoulder while I cook. Will not use teflon in the kitchen anymore

ann · Nov 11, 2012

i am so sorry for your loss, it is clear he was loved and well cared for <3
this web site is visited hundreds of times a day, thousands of people see this, so you are saving many lives by sharing this, thank you!

plax · Nov 11, 2012

Eleytheria, I'm terribly sorry for your loss of Pixel

.

It's critically important that anyone reading this thread who has one or more pet birds, discard any cookware they might possess that's coated with Teflon or other surface material containing Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)! If you own non-stick cookware and you are unsure whether its surface coating contains PTFE, simply get rid of it! You should replace it with un-coated stainless steel cookware. Please play it safe by not risking the lives of your precious companion birds.

Blue · Nov 11, 2012

So Sorry for your loss!

As soon as I told my husband about teflon, said dont use it, we aren't taking any chances and he started looking for new pans, so we have cast iron and stainless steel now

MollyGreenCheeks · Nov 12, 2012

I always feel the need to reiterate that it is not only Teflon. 99% of non-stick cookware contains PTFE. It's not so much the Teflon but the PTFE. Teflon is just associated more with PTFE. If it is "non-stick" then you need to be aware of this. If it has a Teflon like surface then it needs to be trashed!!!!!!!!!

Eleytheria · Nov 15, 2012

Thank-you everyone for your kind words. I just hope that more loved birdies will be with us longer in the future.

meandmybirds · Nov 15, 2012

so sorry for your loss!!

Abigal7 · Dec 4, 2012

While it would be more expensive a stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic skillet would be a better choice. I have PTFE and PFOA free ceramic nonstick skillet. Telfon is annoying. The cheaper the skillet the faster it loses it nonstick quality and easier that it scratches. I would never go back to a regular nonstick skillet.

goalerjones · Dec 26, 2012

After learning of the dangers I sort of became the "teflon nazi" around our house and made everyone get rid of the teflon and non-stick stuff. The only thing left is the George Forman and I make them use it out in the garage.

crimson · Dec 27, 2012

I am so sorry to hear such a tragic story. My heart goes out to you. there are many people who are unaware of the toxic dangers of teflon and owning birds, hopefully this will make other people change their ways of doing things, and keeping their birds safe.

ruffledfeathers · Dec 27, 2012

I am so sorry!!! Thank you for sharing this experience. It is good for all of us to remain aware and diligent.
RIP to your little angel. I hope when the time is right, just the right new bird comes along to share life with you.

A reminder - non stick cookware and parrots.

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