Is non-stick cookware safe to use around my pet bird or canary?

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Buddy. Keeping good ventilation is important as bird's respiratory tracts are very sensitive to toxins (thats why canaries in coal mines). If breathing is impaired, a veterinary emergency visit is needed for oxygen support, anti-inflammatories, and possibly antibiotics. Teflon and other non-stick pans can release toxic substances when heated up to a high temperature, and can be fatal to birds. Monitor appetite and water consumption. Good luck.

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.

Hi and thank you for your question, From your question it is clear that you are aware of the risks of exposing birds to various fumes and aerosols. There is no way of giving you an accurate answer without doing all sorts of tests and measurements. However, the rule of the thumb is - if YOU can smell it - it is bad for the bird. Sometimes even if you can't.. Try finding a different place for Ringo while using these substances (outdoors, stairway, balcony etc.)

As Drano and other cleaning products can have chemicals and odors released that may bother your canary's respiratory system, it is best to move Ringo to another room or area of the house if possible. Ventilate the area you are using the Drano in very well, and move Ringo back after a few hours of use. If you notice Ringo having trouble breathing, acting listless, not wanting to eat, etc, he may be having irritation from the chemicals and should be moved to a well-ventilated room until he can be seen by a vet for care.

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.

I am sorry your friend is in this difficult situation. The kitchen is not a good place to house a bird because birds are very sensitive to cooking fumes and cooking with Teflon near a bird an be deadly for the bird. Cats and birds can potentially co-exist, though their presence can cause both of them to be more likely to act aggressively. It may be possible for your friend to keep the bird, but some planning, adjusting, and training may be needed. Here are a few good resources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/can-cats-and-birds-live-safely-together https://www.petcoach.co/article/bird-safety-bird-proof-your-home-to-eliminate-household-haz/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/teflon-toxicity-ptfe-toxicosis-in-birds-signs-and-preventio/