How To Make Your Home a Safe Place for Your Pet Bird

Consider your bird's natural instincts. Just as cats scratch, birds display natural behaviors. The most common is searching for materials that can be used to build a nest. In search of nest-building material, birds will chew on anything.

• Cover all electrical cords. You can buy plastic tubing that covers the cords (great for other pets, too) or you can simply hide the cords. This is very important, because damaged cords are a fire hazard.
• When your bird establishes his favorite piece of furniture, then it's a good idea to cover it with a thick blanket. Otherwise, your bird will start pecking away.

Think about where your bird will be. Your bird can fly anywhere in the house. He can be on the ground or near the ceiling.

• Purchase thick sheets of plastic to cover the tops of your cabinets and tall furniture. Your bird will spend a lot of time perched on top of these items, and you need to protect them from chewing and droppings. The plastic should be easy to remove and cleaned often.
• Your bird may be curious about your houseplants. Make sure that none of your indoor plants are toxic to your bird.
• Birds also have a tendency to hide in small, concealed areas. You should cover all air ducts or holes where your bird can enter.

Windows and mirrors. We laugh about the idea of birds flying into windows, but sadly it is true.

• Keep your bird's wings clipped. He will still be able to fly, but with less speed and vigor.
• Try to use window coverings such as blinds and curtains as much as possible.
• In areas where the blinds will always be pulled up or window coverings aren't possible, place decals on your windows. Decals will help the bird identify that the window is not an outdoor access.
• Mirrors can pose the same hazards as windows. In the bathrooms, try using decals.

Proofing your kitchen. Birds are more sensitive to fumes and chemicals than we are. Your kitchen can pose many bird hazards.

• Teflon pans should not be used around birds. When heated, these pans release fumes that are toxic to birds
• Never let oils burn on the stove. They also release fumes that can harm pets.
• Make sure you always put away food, knives and burners. Coffee, onions, avocados and chocolate are all harmful to birds. Knives present a cutting hazard, while hot burners can scorch your bird.

Proofing your bathroom. A bird with clipped wings can sometimes get himself into danger around water.

• Never leave water sitting in your sink or tub.
• Close the lid on the toilet after use.
• Keep all medicine and cleaning supplies stored in cabinets.
• If you are using a flat iron or curling iron, then do not allow your bird access to the bathroom while the items are turned on or still heated.

No types of smoke, whatsoever. Birds' lungs react differently to smoke than humans and other animals. Even the smallest amount of smoke or fumes can be a hazard to your pet.

• Do not smoke cigarettes or cigars inside your home.
• Do not burn candles or use potpourri or air fresheners.
• If you are using cleaning supplies, then do not allow your bird access to the area. Make sure that air has circulated in the room that was cleaned before you allow your bird back in.