Holiday Hazards

INTRODUCTION: During the festive season when there are so many more interesting things to tempt the curiosity of our feathered friends we need to be aware of items that are of potential danger.

PLANTS: Christmas trees are usually firs and pines. There have been no reports of toxicity from ingestion of firs. Pines are not usually considered toxic to the avian species, however there is a risk of physical trauma from the sharp pine needles.

Mistletoe berries are toxic and should be kept out of reach of birds. Holly berries can cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Poinsettia, although not considered a highly toxic plant, can exude a milky sap which can cause GI irritation as well as marked eye irritation.

DECORATIONS: Angel hair and tinsel are made of plastic. The metallic colouring of tinsel is nontoxic, but there is concern for possible airway or GI tract obstruction if ingested. Snow spray particles are also plastic and nontoxic. The propellant of the aerosol sprays may be freon so these products should not be sprayed around birds. Christmas tree bubbling light fluid contains methylene chloride which is a very toxic solvent and which can cause marked irritation to eyes and mucous membranes. Christmas tree flocking is usually made from wax or plastic and not expected to cause toxicity. Fireplace colours and yule logs contain salts of heavy metals such as lead, copper, arsenic, barium and selenium. Chewing on these logs could cause heavy metal poisoning.

FOOD: Avoid allowing your birds to share your alcoholic beverages, coffee (decaffeinated coffee is safe), chocolate and salted foods (nuts, potato chips etc.). Have some unsalted nuts available as treats for your birds. Give only human grade roasted, unsalted peanuts (risk of aflatoxin poisoning from raw peanuts).

FUMES: Birds very susceptible to the toxic effects of fumes. Teflon-coated cookware should NEVER be used in homes where there are birds. The fumes generated by self-cleaning ovens have caused death in birds. Cigarette smoke can cause respiratory tract irritation and allergic skin disorders in birds as well as potential nicotine poisoning. Cigarette butts are highly toxic if ingested. Marihuana smoke can cause marked sedation in birds. Avoid room odorizers and air fresheners. Boil up herbs such as cloves and cinnamon instead of using commercial products.

OTHER: Coloured metallic gift wrap may contain toxic substances, the main danger, however, is possible GI tract obstruction. Provide your birds with their own gift packages wrapped in plain paper to open. Silica gel packages are found in boxes containing new shoes, electronic and camera equipment. The crystals of silica gel are nontoxic but GI tract obstruction is a remote possibility if the package was ingested by a large bird.

FIRST AID:
Inhalation: Take bird into bathroom and run shower (steam often helps to minimize upper airway irritation and to help breathing). Eye exposures: Flush with water or artificial tears.
Ingestion: Give an antacid preparation (eg Milk of Magnesia) or activated charcoal suspension (if part of your first aid kit).

After first aid measures have been carried out, place bird in a hospital cage, keep warm and contact your avian veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Centre immediately for further advice.

Prepared by:

Gillian Willis
Vancouver, B.C.
December, 1996.

Photo courtesy of Willow Creek Aviaries