My bird was exposed to toxic fumes from a hot pan. What should I do?

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am so sorry for your loss. Veterinarians have known for years that non-stick, & other coated pans, when over heated, can off gas & produce fumes. Birds have such rapid respirations that they are uniquely sensitive to these gases. This is the reason canaries were used in coal mines as early detectors of carbon monoxide. It may not have been carbon monoxide, but one of the pans probably did produce a gas that killed your birds. I am very sorry.

You and containing Teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene are toxic to birds when used at home in the same room. If you will be using cookware with Teflon, then it would be best to separate Ringo to another room with a shut door so as to avoid the smoke. Even then, Ringo would be at risk of having toxicity from the Teflon. Look at the link below for more information. Hope this helps and best of luck. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/teflon-polytetrafluoroethylene-poisoning-in-birds

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While smoke and the fumes from certain nonstick pans are toxic to birds, if there is enough ventilation, it is usually not an issue. You should keep your vent fan on and try to open windows in your kitchen to provide more ventilation.

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Most of the time if we're going to see a bird get sick from exposure to fumes, those symptoms show up pretty quickly. Often we'll see respiratory distress within the first hour. So, if he's still acting completely fine, you're probably in the clear. However, I'd recommend making sure he's in a well-ventilated non-stressful environment and keep a close eye on him for the rest of the day. Hope this helps!

Sorry to hear about Prittybird. Any chance of an inhaled toxin, such as near the kitchen and your cook with Teflon? Scented candles, air fresheners and other inhaled products can cause acute death. Other than that, a post mortem examination might give you better answers.

As long as the pans are in good condition (no scratches, etc) and your birds are not kept in the kitchen, it should be OK to use. Keeping your birds in a well-ventilated area away from the kitchen when cooking or using the pans can help keep them safe.

I'm sorry that your bird is so ill. This is a definite respiratory emergency. Could be an inhaled toxin like from Teflon or smoke oor a serious infection. Your bird needs heat, oxygen and ER care. Keep warm and upright until you can get to the vet. Do not try to give the bird anymore to eat or drink. Good luck with your sweet baby.