Improving Indoor Air Quality When You Live with Birds

As much as we love our birds, there’s no denying that having them in the house can reduce your indoor air quality (especially if you live with a “dusty” bird, like a cockatoo or African grey). However, poor air quality can lead to health problems for both humans and birds, which is why you should take steps to create a healthy environment and help everyone breathe a little easier. Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home.

Bathe Your Birds Regularly

In the wild, most birds bathe just about every day. This helps them keep their feathers clean and their skin moist. Besides that, it also dramatically reduces how much dander will be floating around in your home. Depending on the size of your bird and their individual preference, there are a few different ways for them to take a bath:

– In a shallow dish
– With a misting bottle
– In the shower on a safe perch

Some birds love taking baths — others don’t. Be patient and find which method your bird is most comfortable with.

Keep Cages Clean

Another major source of air pollution comes from your bird’s cage. Dust, dried droppings, and dander collect on the surfaces of the cage and can irritate the respiratory system. Keeping the cage clean helps to minimize these problems.

Purchase an Air Purifier

An air purifier will remove most of the airborne allergens from an area in your home. The best place to put it is in the room where you keep your birds, since that is the primary source of the contaminants in the air. Plus, it will help them to breathe better while they are in their cages. There is also evidence that houseplants can help remove impurities in the air — just make sure the plants you purchase are not toxic for birds.

Get Rid of Toxic Materials

There are a number of materials with toxic fumes that can be harmful — even deadly — for birds, who have very delicate respiratory systems. Some of the most common household offenders are:

– Nonstick cookware products (frying pans, griddles, waffle irons, etc.)
– Aerosol sprays (air fresheners, hairspray, cleaning products)
– Plug-in air fresheners, candles, and waxes
– New carpeting or fresh paint (keep birds out of your house for one week and ventilate thoroughly)

Fresh Air, Without Harmful Chemicals

If you want to fill your home with a fresh scent without lowering your indoor air quality, you can try using one of our parrot safe candles. Shop for your favorite scents online today!