Birds are curious by nature and dangerous objects may be attractive to them. Poisonings are more common in birds that have free household access than those that are caged, or have limited activity outside their cages. Common chemical hazards Chemical hazards can be ingested, inhaled or applied topically. Zinc Zinc is a common toxin in birds. Sources of zinc include hardware such as wire, bolts, nuts and US pennies, especially those minted after 1983. Galvanized wire is often used to make cages, and the process of galvanization coats the wire with zinc to prevent rusting. Food and water dishes may also be galvanized, and zinc may leach into the food or water. Zinc poisoning may cause damage to the liver, kidneys and red blood cells. Signs of zinc poisoning in birds include increased urination, increased thirst, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, anemia and seizures. Lead Like zinc, lead exposure can be unexpected. Sources of lead include paint, toys, drapery weights, linoleum, batteries, plumbing materials, galvanized wire, solder, stained glass, fishing sinkers, lead shot, foil from champagne bottles and improperly glazed bowls. Lead is one of the most commonly reported bird poisonings. Lead affects many tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and nervous system. Signs are often vague and may include lethargy, weakness, poor appetite, regurgitation, increased urination, incoordination, circling and seizures. In some species, especially Amazon parrots, bloody urine may be seen. Nicotine Tobacco products contain varying amounts of nicotine. Butts of cigars and cigarettes contain about 25% of the total nicotine content. Signs of poisoning develop quickly, usually within 15-45 minutes and include excitation, panting, salivation, and vomiting. Muscle weakness, twitching, depression, increased heart rate, breathing difficulty, collapse, coma and cardiac arrest may occur. Death from nicotine intoxication may occur secondary to respiratory paralysis. Contact dermatitis and feather destructive behaviors could also result from cigarette smoke deposits on perches, skin and feathers. Parasite Control products for dogs and cats
Care should be taken applying these products, and hands should be washed after application. Inhalation hazards A bird’s respiratory tract is extremely sensitive to inhalants. Any strong odor or smoke could be potentially toxic. Polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) coated cookware or cooking utensils can emit toxic fumes if over heated (> 280 degrees F). Clinical signs can include sudden death, breathing difficulty, incoordination, depression and restless behavior. Bleeding and congestion of the lungs leads to respiratory failure and death. Potentially hazardous inhalants include:
The leaves, fruit, bark and seeds of the avocado have a toxin called persin that is reported to be toxic to birds and many other species. Not all types of avocado appear to be equally toxic. In birds, avocado toxicity can cause respiratory distress, generalized congestion and death. Onset of signs occurs about 12 hours after ingestion, with death occurring within 1-2 days of exposure. Small birds (canaries and budgies) appear to be more susceptible. Plants There are many plants that are reported to cause intoxications in dogs and cats. The severity of these signs or toxicity of these plants have not been studied in birds. This is a partial list. Plants that cause heart damage
Plants that cause kidney damage
Clinical signs of these intoxications usually include regurgitation, oral pain, difficulty swallowing, and lack of appetite. Signs are rarely severe and usually respond to supportive care.
Psychotropic plants These plants can cause hallucinations in some species. (Note: catnip only affects cats!) Anecdotal evidence suggests that inhalation or ingestion of cannabis has a hallucinogenic effect in birds, characterized by head bobbing, lethargy and sedation.
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