PAINT- Most paint contains VOC; "volatile organic compounds". These are the fumes you smell which are emitted as paint dries. VOC are particularly dangerous to the small, but complex avian respiratory system. Several paint manufacturers now carry low, or no VOC paints because new environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human, pet, and environmental health.
To learn more about VOC, recommended levels, lists of companies who carry paints low in VOC, visit the RESOURCES page.
Paint manufactured before the 70's contains lead, which has harmful effects on health and development. Lead is only poisonous if ingested or inhaled.
When using any paint or using finsh, make every effort to remove your bird from the premises until all painting is completed and the area is properly aired and free of fumes.
Re-Painting A Bird Cage-Companion parrots can be hard on cages. Ingesting flakes of paint, or inhaling new paint fumes, can be harmful and possibly fatal. If you are planning on re-painting a cage, you should use only paints that do not contain lead, zinc or chromate, paints which are "high adhesion", formulated to bond with the metal surface, are hard-wearing, and fast drying. When purchasing paint to re-paint a cage, look on the back of the paint can and see if it is safe for a human baby. Often, there will be a picture of a mom holding a child's hand somewhere on the can. Do not use Rustoleum or similar paints.
The cage that is to be re-painted should be carefully scrubbed with a wire brush to remove any loose zinc flakes. It should then be sanded smooth by hand. Some non-toxic cage paints are now sold in some pet stores. Ask at your local pet store for their advice on paint choice.
Give a freshly painted cage a week or longer before using. Solvent-based paints take time after initial drying to release the solvent vapours.
LEAD and ZINC-
Quakers chew. They climb using their beaks as well as their claws and use their tongues to "investigate" objects. Quakers, as all birds, will preen to keep their feathers in good working order. Cages, paints, toys, particularly toys with chains or bells, anything your Quaker might chew on or injest, even by way of preening, must be free of lead and zinc, as these substances are extremely toxic to all birds in doses higher than the zinc they would normally need and receive in a proper diet.
Some zippers, old eye glass frames, and some metal buttons, which are certainly enticing to Quakers, can contain lead and zinc. Zinc toxicity can cause degeneration of the kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Choose a cage with non lead paint coating. Be aware that the metal in most cages will break down over time. Avoid using "twist ties", like the ones used to close garbage bags, for securing things in your Quaker's cage. Plastic or stainless steel Quick Links are a good alternative. Some food bells or sticks are hung with galvanized wire. Food and water bowls should not be made of galvanized metals. Again, stainless steel is a safe alternative. If you are renovating an older house which was originally painted with lead based paints, be very diligent when cleaning scraped paint and residue. In birds, the symptoms of lead and zinc poisioning may often be confused with other illness.
