omgwtf1980 asked:
My bird looks horrible today and I;m wondering if it’s my radiator. It’s one of those portable oil-filled ones. My parakeet’s eyes are watery, he’s all ruffled, he keeps jerking his head, and he just looks horrible. He wasn’t like this yesterday. The thing is, I’ve been using my space heater almost every day sice it’s been cold out- for weeks already. If it were harmful, wouldn’t something have happened earlier? And how would I know if the heater has teflon or something…it doesn’t say on the heater. Some might have that, right? Please help, I’m not sure if I can use my space heater or not…
Please only answer if you have advice…I know I can go to a vet but I’m posting here for your answers.
No incense or fumes of any kind. His environment is the same as always besides for the heater, which has been in use for a while now with no problem.
My bird looks horrible today and I;m wondering if it’s my radiator. It’s one of those portable oil-filled ones. My parakeet’s eyes are watery, he’s all ruffled, he keeps jerking his head, and he just looks horrible. He wasn’t like this yesterday. The thing is, I’ve been using my space heater almost every day sice it’s been cold out- for weeks already. If it were harmful, wouldn’t something have happened earlier? And how would I know if the heater has teflon or something…it doesn’t say on the heater. Some might have that, right? Please help, I’m not sure if I can use my space heater or not…
Please only answer if you have advice…I know I can go to a vet but I’m posting here for your answers.
No incense or fumes of any kind. His environment is the same as always besides for the heater, which has been in use for a while now with no problem.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I’m not sure it’s your space heater but it could be…..I’d take the bird in for a check-up just in case and ask a professional.
March 13th, 2010 at 5:19 am
the oil field ones will , ther make me sick,but as long as you are ok with heat ,they live to your standuars
March 15th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Those types of heaters are normally safe to use around birds — I’ve seen postings on bird-related forums about people using them in their bird rooms when they don’t have central heating. It could be the humidity or lack thereof. Most electric space heaters tend the make the air very dry. It could be the low humidity. Are you using anything else in the vicinity, like scented candles or incense? Those ARE bad.
You may need a humidifier.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
One thing to remember: birds show illness usually very late in the course of it. In other words, you probably won’t notice a bird is ill until it has been ill for some time. This is a protective survival behavior in the wild. So actually, the best thing to do is to take your pet to a vet specializing in birds. I wish you the best.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Is this a new heater, or has it been used in past years?
New electric heaters, such as the oil filled radiators can cause some slight fumes when they are used the first few times. This is because excess lubricants and paints will get burned off. You may not be able to smell these slight fumes, but birds have very delicate respiratory systems.
Of course its also possible that your bird is sick from a totally different cause. Since we are not with you, and are not Vets, you NEED to take it to an Avian Vet. Getting cross with us for suggesting this does not mean that it is not the needed course of action! Your bird needs to have tests done so that it can be treated.
Good luck.