*Your bird’s health goes beyond feathers. The Bird Health & Wellness Education Hub offers guidance on signs of illness, grooming basics, avian vet visits, and environmental safety - so you can give your bird a long, happy, and healthy life.
Chewy editorial team reminds bird owners that sharing your home with a pet bird means taking extra precautions, especially in the kitchen.
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, and certain household items - particularly nonstick cookware - can pose serious risks.
Many nonstick surfaces contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a chemical that releases potentially deadly fumes when overheated.
Although commonly known by the brand name Teflon, PTFE is used in many products under different names, and manufacturers vary on the temperatures at which harmful emissions begin - some as low as the start of heating.
Even appliances like ovens and stovetops may emit dangerous fumes when first used, particularly if treated with protective chemicals.
To keep your birds safe, it is best to avoid nonstick products entirely and opt for alternatives like stainless steel, copper, glass, cast iron, Corningware, or aluminum.
When moving into a new space or using new appliances, preheat them while the birds are out of the home and ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using an exhaust hood that vents outside.
Always consult with manufacturers directly before purchasing cookware or kitchen appliances and ask for written confirmation about the absence of PTFE or similar chemicals.
Chewy editorial team encourages bird lovers to make informed, proactive choices to ensure a safe and healthy home environment for their feathered companions.
