Parrotlets are tiny so they have tiny lungs and cannot tolerate the
fumes from air fresheners, cleaning sprays, scented candles, incense, carpet
fresheners, etc. And Teflon can be a killer.
Lead poisoning can occur when birds pick up lead or lead-painted
objects, chew on them, swallow small fragments. Common sources of
lead include old (lead-based) paint, solder, putty, linoleum, costume
jewelry, curtain weights, wine bottle foil and shotgun shot. Lead
poisoning is one of the more common poisonings in birds. It causes
nervous system disorders, usually seizures. Veterinary care should
be sought immediately if you suspect lead poisoning in your bird.
New ovens - Never use a new oven unless your bird is removed
as far as possible, i.e. room at the other end of your home with
the door closed and towel placed under the door jam or a room on
another floor or take your bird to a family member/friends home until
the oven has cooled after at least two heating cycles. The chemicals
used on the interior surfaces of new ovens burns off the first couple
of times you use it and the fumes are toxic to birds. Never use the
self cleaning cycle of your oven if your bird is present.
Dangerous Hazards for Parrotlets
Ceiling fans - can cause serious injury
to flying birds. Hot cookware - hot food and hot range tops can burn
a bird. Keep birds out of the kitchen while cooking. Loud noises
- Gun shots, excessively loud music, etc. may produce stress in birds,
lowering their resistance to infection or creating emotional problems
such as feather picking. Open containers of water - such as sinks,
toilets, or pots of water, present the risk of drowning. These containers
should be covered.
Interaction with other Birds
and other Pets
Caution must be advised regarding interaction with other birds.
Very often a Parrotlet, especially a Pacific, will attack a much larger
bird with no regard for their own small size. Particularly when they become
mature enough to breed, they can become especially hostile toward other
birds. Do not allow your Parrotlet to be unsupervised around other birds.
This is not to say they can't bond and become good friends, but they should
not be left unsupervised.
Other pets in household - Dogs or cats can harm birds. Parrotlets
don't realize that they are small, so they can end up getting hurt
or actually taking a chunk out of your dog's nose. A jealous or aggressive
bird may severely damage another bird's toes and beak. Never leave
your bird alone with other animals. It's actually best to put your
other animals in a room with the door shut while your bird is out
playing with you. It only takes a second for something very serious
to happen. A few owners report that Parrotlets will get along with
other birds such as budgies or lovebirds in a neutral territory,
such as a playpen. But generally, "share" is not
a word in a Parrotlet's vocabulary, and it is best to keep them away
from other birds.
If putting toys in cage, examine the toys closely for places that
could allow their tiny beaks and nails to get caught. Toys should be appropriately
sized and made of safe materials.