Respiratory Sytems?

[jigglesmax]

Hey everyone! After reading a book about parrots, and several informational websites, I noticed that they all said parrots have a delicate respiratory system. They said that non-stick cooking ware should be avoided, along with scented candles, and aerasol sprays. Firstly, what exactly would be an example of non-stick cooking ware, and how would the fumes it creates hurt the bird? If I ever get a bird, does this mean that none of the above should ever be used in the house? If, let's say, the bird is in my room, and my mum is cooking with (for the sake of argument) non-stick cooking ware. Will it affect the bird? Thanks for helping me out, after all...I'm just a novice. x]

[Michael]

They mean Teflon and it will kill your bird. Throw it away cause it will kill your bird and poisons you in the long run.

[jigglesmax]

how can I tell if something is Teflon?

[pchela]

If a skillet or pan is non stick it is teflon or something similar. They are usually black or dark colored. Stainless steel is the kind of pots and pans you'd need to get.

[Michael]

The stainless steel pans really suck. I've tried practically everything and have come to the conclusion that cast iron is the best. Actually found that I like it better than teflon even! Food comes out better on cast iron.

I wrote an article about using cast iron pans here:

http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/alternat ... -cookware/

Basically, if you have "regular pans" or if all you have to do is wipe the pan with a sponge and everything comes off, it has a teflon "non-stick" coating and will kill your bird.

[pchela]

Oh yes. I forgot about cast iron. I need to get some of those.

[jigglesmax]

ahhh...yeah a lot of our pots and pans are teflon I think. They work so well though! Well, I'd get rid of them in a heartbeat if they're harmful to my birds though. And Micheal is so right...I have a stainless steal frying pan and it is awful.

[Kathleen]

Before teflon came out in recent years, cast iron pans were very common and they last a very long time. I've heard of grandmothers passing down their cast iron pans and they are treasured. They are a great investment if you just put in a little effort to maintain them.

They can be bought at a decent price at a department store like Target.

[jigglesmax]

Thanks Kathleen! =]

[Natacha]

The stainless steel pans really suck. I've tried practically everything and have come to the conclusion that cast iron is the best. Actually found that I like it better than teflon even! Food comes out better on cast iron.

Totally agree!
Love my cast iron stuff and never really liked Teflon to start with.

Cast Iron might seem expensive, but it's worth every penny.