Indirect contact with toxic things?

happycat

New member
Mar 9, 2012
488
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Virginia, U.S.
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Kakariki (Kirby) Cockatiel (Shiro) Jenday Conure (Jojo)
This is actually a question I've had for a really long time! I know if a parrot eats or smells poisonous things/cleaning products thats bad. But what if a parrot walks on a surface that has been bleached (and rinsed) or if a parrot eats something that has touched something toxic? Is that bad too?

Random question lol; the reason I'm asking is because I somehow got my lens cleaner spray (it smells kind of like hand sanitizer, pretty strong smelling) on my sleeve. And then I gave him a treat that I grabbed with my sleeve. Very indirect, but it may have slightly gotten on his food. Is that alright?
(ugh, birds and their sensitivities, right? :rolleyes:)
 

RavensGryf

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Jan 19, 2014
14,233
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College Station, Texas
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Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
No. I feel confident saying (from exactly how you described it anyway) that I wouldn't worry. It's not like he walked across a surface just sprayed with poison :eek:

Yes they're sensitive, but they won't drop dead for every little thing. Nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution though ;) Kirby will be fine.
 

Jaicee

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Jul 16, 2014
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Indian ringneck, yellow naped amazon
I clean my birds play area every morning with diluted floor cleaner. 1 part water, 3 parts cleaner and ive never had an issue with him walking on it, after ive wiped it up of course. I use fabuloso if that helps.
 
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happycat

happycat

New member
Mar 9, 2012
488
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Virginia, U.S.
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Kakariki (Kirby) Cockatiel (Shiro) Jenday Conure (Jojo)
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No. I feel confident saying (from exactly how you described it anyway) that I wouldn't worry. It's not like he walked across a surface just sprayed with poison :eek:

Yes they're sensitive, but they won't drop dead for every little thing. Nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution though ;) Kirby will be fine.

Ahhh, thats good to hear!! We don't bleach anything, even when Kirby isn't here and heck, I usually just wash his cage with water. Sometimes the internet makes it sound like they kind of will drop dead for every little thing. :D

Thanks for the reply!
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
190
College Station, Texas
Parrots
Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
My boy Robin has lived with me for nearly 20 years. During some of that time I admit I had not been nearly as careful as I am now about heeding warnings. He's been regularly exposed to scented candles, 'older' Teflon cookware (never overheated), cleaning fumes, can't remember what else :eek:?! He's still here :). I've heard too many times also, about older rehomed birds who've been exposed to cigarette smoke long term! That one always shocks me.

OF COURSE... All that is bad, and it is recommended we don't do the above. It is ALWAYS a good rule to err on the side of being overly cautious. :)
 

Phlox

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Jun 16, 2014
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If it helps you feel better, I got my first bird at 16 as a closet smoker and went through a phase of burning incense to cover the smell...no one died. I still have the bird I got in college when, well, it was college. I'm 39. :)

(oh and no, I don't do these things anymore, but I was young, what can I say?)
 
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happycat

happycat

New member
Mar 9, 2012
488
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Virginia, U.S.
Parrots
Kakariki (Kirby) Cockatiel (Shiro) Jenday Conure (Jojo)
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(oh and no, I don't do these things anymore, but I was young, what can I say?)

I totally understand! When I was younger I did plenty of stupid stuff with my pets. (and most of mine are still with me too!)
I remember when I was about seven I used to bring my 2 inch, extremely fast hamsters outside, completely free to run away, with our cats out. Somehow we always caught them before anything happened but I know I would never do that now! :09:


I guess even with all the pet horror stories out there, you shouldn't let that keep you from enjoying them!
 

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