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, keeping their feathers clean and their skin moist. Besides that, these regular cleanings also dramatically reduce 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 is your bird’s cage. Dust, dried droppings, and dander collect on the cage’s surfaces 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)

Clean Your Bedding Regularly

Have you ever thought about your feathered friend’s sleeping quarters? Just like you love crawling into fresh sheets, your bird craves clean bedding, too! Imagine never changing your own bed. Now, picture how amazing it feels when you finally do and settle into your clean and comfortable sheets. That’s the joy you’re giving your birdie with clean bedding. Regularly swapping out your bird’s bedding helps keep indoor air pollution at bay, as less pet dander and fewer air pollutants will exist once you clean out that bedding.

Avoid Burning Things in Your Home

When you’ve got feathered roommates, it’s super important to watch what you’re putting into the air. Burning stuff might smell nice, but it can be tough on your birdie’s sensitive respiratory system and indoor air quality. Think candles, incense, or even that dinner you accidentally charred. These all add extra indoor pollutants to the mix. Your birds are already contributing their fair share of dander, so why not cut them (and you) some slack? Opt for bird-safe ways to freshen up your space and avoid burning things in your home as much as possible.

Keep Plenty of Houseplants

Did you know that houseplants are nature’s air purifiers? They’re especially awesome when you’ve got feathered friends fluttering about. Plants work overtime to improve air quality, swallowing up indoor pollutants and pumping out fresh oxygen. Plus, they add a splash of color that’ll make your bird feel right at home. Just be sure to pick pet-safe varieties – no need for any accidental snacking mishaps. With a few well-placed plants, you’ll be on your way to cleaner air and a happier, healthier bird and home!

Are Some Birds Rougher for Indoor Air Quality Than Others?

Ever wondered if your feathered friend is responsible for your indoor air quality difficulties? You’re not alone! Many bird parents ask, “Do some birds create more indoor air pollution than others?” or “Is my parrot secretly a dust factory?” Well, you might be surprised to learn that some of our avian pals can be a bit rougher on indoor air quality. Here’s a quick peek at some of the feathered culprits that might be giving your air purifier a run for its money:

African Grey Parrots
Cockatoos
Cockatiels
Amazons
Macaws

These beautiful birds tend to produce more pet dander and feather dust. But don’t worry! With the right cleaning routine and some smart air quality tricks, you and your birdie can breathe easily and keep the good air quality flowing.

Fresh Air, Without Harmful Chemicals

If you want to fill your home with a fresh scent without lowering your indoor air quality, try using one of our parrot-safe candles. Shop for your favorite scents online today! You can also check out our membership for exclusive discounts and insights on our additional scents!