Last updated on October 15th, 2022 at 03:08 pm
Few people think about their perfume’s effect on those around them, and that’s especially true of its impact on wildlife. But did you know that birds have one of the most sensitive respiratory systems in the world? Because of this, certain chemicals can be highly damaging to their health and may even result in their death.
Perfume and other fumes are highly toxic to a bird’s respiratory system. This is mainly due to their natural ability to exchange gasses into oxygen for flying. As a result, toxins can travel down their airpipes and absorb into their bodies, causing them to fall ill or die.
What You Need To Know About Birds and Perfume
Perfume itself isn’t harmful to birds, but the chemicals used to make perfume are. So, if you’re wearing perfume around your bird, you might want to take heed.
Many birds can suffer respiratory damages if exposed to synthetic scents only once.
Let’s take a look at a few things you should know about birds and perfume.
1. Bird Respiratory Systems Are Very Different Than Ours
A bird’s respiratory system works in a very different way to a mammal’s. It’s so different, in fact, that air quality can really impact their health.
To start, bird lungs aren’t built the same way human lungs are.
The main difference is that, instead of lungs, birds have air sacs located throughout their body.
They have seven breathing systems, and each of these ‘lungs’ is highly efficient at allowing them to take in more oxygen per breath.
This is vital for them to be able to fly long distances. More oxygen means more energy which they use to stay afloat in the air.
It also means they can fly further without exerting too much strength.
Because their sacs are designed to metabolize oxygen more efficiently, birds are more sensitive to certain chemicals, including smoke, chemicals, and fragrances.
2. Toxins Can Cause Bird Lungs to Hemorrhage
If a bird inhales a significant amount of toxins, such as perfume, then its lungs will likely begin to hemorrhage.
Hemorrhaging refers to excessive bleeding. This extra blood can then cause a bird’s lungs to fill with fluid, leading to suffocation.
It only takes one exposure for a bird to become ill, and it can suffocate in minutes. So, if you have a pet bird, it’s essential to keep them away from any toxins.
Even if it’s only a tiny amount, repeated exposure could also result in their death.
To avoid this, keep any fumes, fragrances, or cleaners away from the bird’s primary living area.
When putting perfume on at home, try to do so in a closed room, away from your pet. Alternatively, put it on outside on your way out.
When cleaning, move your pet bird to a different room and be sure to open windows to let any fumes out faster.
3. Birds React to Chemicals, NOT Smells
One major worry from bird owners is that the smell of their perfume, cologne, or aftershave may cause their bird harm.
But the truth is, it’s not the smell that causes damage; it’s the chemicals.
However, you can use the scent to help determine if there are toxins in the perfume.
For example, perfumes with strong smells and that spray mist particles will be much more intense than others. The stronger the scent, the heavier the toxins.
So, keep a nose out for anything that lingers in the area.
Don’t be alarmed, though, as most birds won’t die from someone walking by with a fragrance. Just try to be careful about what you spray around the bird.
Even air fresheners can be an issue, especially if they spray into the air.
Of course, it’s almost impossible to avoid airborne toxins altogether.
But one way to try and reduce the number of toxins in the air is to get an air purifier, like this LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home from Amazon.com.
It boasts 360° air intake and will be effective in any room up to 219 ft².
Though it won’t get rid of everything in the air, it will help to reduce the number of chemicals your bird could potentially inhale.
Other Chemicals Harmful to a Bird’s Respiratory System
Besides perfume, many other harmful chemicals can be dangerous for a bird to inhale.
If you want to avoid any risk of getting your bird sick, then we highly recommend memorizing this list.
These are the most harmful chemicals a bird can inhale:
Aerosols
Aerosols can include:
- Air fresheners
- Bug spray
- Polish
- Deodorant
- Hairspray
The list of aerosols goes on and on, but you just need to keep in mind that anything sprayed from a can will float into the air and get in your lungs.
So, if you think it’s strong for you, it’s definitely too strong for a bird.
Smoke
Smoke is also very damaging to a bird’s respiratory system, but that doesn’t just include smoke from a fire.
Smoke refers to any smoke, including but not limited to:
- Fires
- Cigarettes
- Fireplaces
- BBQ grills
- Burnt food
If a bird breathes in any smoke, it can have a severe reaction that permanently damages its health.
So keep in mind that if you’re a smoker, nicotine will get into your bird’s respiratory system, and it can end up getting sick.
Cookware
Teflon is a common cookware material that is surprisingly toxic to birds.
Teflon itself isn’t harmful, but the non-stick cookware releases six toxins when it’s heated up. If a bird is constantly smelling these chemicals, it could be prone to illness.
Birds who undergo symptoms from this are known for having Teflon Toxicosis. Teflon poisoning mainly occurs when the Teflon pan is left on to stop dry burning.
So, if you keep your bird anywhere near the kitchen, always be careful with the cookware you buy.
Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene heaters are designed to remove oxygen from the air. But, aside from that, the heaters emit contaminants that are toxic to your bird.
To avoid this, keep any kerosene heaters away from where your bird is located.