Medications, pesticides continue to poison birds

URBANA, ILL.—Open medications and household pesticides remain the most-common reasons for pet bird poisonings, according to a report from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Close to 880 cases of pet birds being exposed to common household items have been reported to the center since January 2003.

Of the cases reported to ASPCA, 29 percent involved medications, 22 percent involved pesticides (including rat bait and insecticides), 18 percent involved plants, 15 percent involved cleaning agents, and 14 percent involved miscellaneous toxicants, the center reports.

Poisonings for pet birds is not common because the majority of pet birds have limited activity outside their cages. However, when birds are allowed access through the house, they are at greater risk.

"Never give your bird medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be potentially deadly for birds even in small amounts. This includes painkillers, cold medicines, anti-cancer medications, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills," ASPCA cautions.

To help bird owners, ASPCA also provided tips for bird owners, including:

Ingestion of azalea, oleander, yew or rhododendron can produce life-threatening clinical problems.

Store all cleaners, pesticides, prescription and over-the-counter medications out of the bird's reach.

Some cleaning agents can cause mild stomach upset; others can cause severe burns of tongue, mouth and crop.

Most pesticide baits contain ingredients, such as grains or sugars, which can attract the bird. When using baits, make them inaccessible to the bird.

Food and beverage items that could be dangerous to birds include: onions, garlic, chocolate (bakers, semi-sweet, milk, dark), coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans), tea, yeast dough, salt, tomato leaves and stems (green parts), potato leaves and stems (green parts), rhubarb leaves, avocados, cigarettes and other tobacco products, moldy or spoiled foods and alcoholic beverages.

Mothballs, potpourri oils, pennies (minted after 1983), homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, automatic dishwashing detergent and batteries could cause problems if ingested by birds.

Make sure your bird does not enter areas where insecticidal foggers or house sprays have been applied for the period of time indicated on the label. Birds are sensitive to inhalants, and they typically require longer periods of time away from treated areas. (Contact the manufacturer if information is unclear.)

Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes. Some common sources for fumes include aerosol products—such as hairsprays, perfumes and air fresheners—insecticidal fumigants, overheated Teflon or Silverstone coated pans, automobile exhausts, tobacco or other forms of smoke, glues and paints.