Hi everyone, Hi Arty if you read this! I have been getting help from Arty with an injured pigeon and that is why I am on parrotchatter - however, NOW what I have done is rescued two lovebirds from a friend who was in over her head, and had 4 lovebirds in a very small cage, and her children were not very nice to the birds. ANYWAY - here I am now with 2 new lovebirds and a bit of a dilema: My dog wants to eat them, and so I have to keep them around me & in the (big) cage at all times (unless I put my dog in his room - which then is fine) BUT - the best place for them is on my kitchen counter in my great room, or on a tall stand near the counter. I have been reading up on care of the birds, and it says to never keep the birds in the kitchen. A friend who used to raise lovebirds says she kept hers right there and even cooked with non-stick cookware around them, & never had it on high temps, & her birds were always just fine. ?? Is this really a chance I want to take? My choices are so limited, it's either in the kitchen, or in a rarely visited room, which I think would be a bummer for the birds. I know that I can give them a much better life than where they were, I just need to make sure I am doing things right. I know not to burn scented candles, insence, etc. I have heard not to use non-stick cookware (which is what I have) - but I also have a gas stove, and gas oven. I know not to ever let them fly around in the kitchen, but I honestly don't know that much about the other hazards?? I can read myself silly online, but I need REAL PEOPLE ADVICE from people who actually have these birds. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated - I don't want to do the wrong thing and end up hurting them, and I don't want to be neurotic about it - I'm not sure where I draw the line between the two - Thanks a million for any help! Thank you too ARTY - for everything if you see this one!!

Can you move them when you are cooking? Non stick such as teflon can be toxic and I would not chance it around the birds. I would also not let them out of the cage when the dog is in the house. Gosh, there are so many hazards to birds when free flying in the house. There is no way you can absolutely bird proof the house. You can remove toxic plants, keep the toilet seat down, not leave water in the sink, cover bare light bulbs, peeling paint, cover electrical outlets...Birds are much like having a baby in the house. That is how I look at what can harm my birds. If it is unsafe for a baby, it is as well for a bird.

Yep, I can move them - but it's a BIG cage! haha! My dogs have a room they can go in if I were to let them out, & I know what you are saying. My dog can't be trusted for sure. But - everyone tells me I should let them fly about every day? What do you think? I could also try to bird-proof a room for them to fly around in and stay in there with them with the door shut? I'm thinking about taking them to my vet to clip their wings, do you do that to your birds?
I've been looking up the cookware I have, and it's called hard anodized cookware - what the heck is that? Is it the same as teflon? I've read where it says it's not the same and it's safe, and then where it said that it isn't safe, and I even read where it said that it MAY have polymers in it and it may not?!?!? Gosh - Too much information, huh? Thank you so very much for responding to me! I'm obviously in a panic, aren't I? XOXO

this is what i found for anodized cookware

When heated to approximately 500°F, PTFE-coated ("non stick") cookware emits a colorless, odorless gas which is deadly to birds in the area.

i just put in anodized cookware and bird safety in google search and this is one o f the bits of info i came up with

Thank you kindly for reaching out to help these 2 little Love Birds Jodee.
You shine girl!
I know the Pigeon brought us together but I feel its importent to say something to you, every member here on ParrotChatter can help you, there is so much knowledge here sometimes I am simply awed.
My wife and I have rescued several Lovies over the years but my knowledge of them is limited, I re-home any Lovies that come my way to a very good friend of mine whom adores these birds, her name is Kate and she knows all there is to know about these birds and she lives very close to me.
Maybe if you have time, Please visit the Health Forum, other members have posted much informations on hazards and health issues, you can always print out the information provided for future use.
Avian anatomy is basically the same concerning each breed-species, if medicines are used you will find these medications are basically the same for each bird however the weight of the bird determines the dosage.
Avian caregivers are a special breed of human Jodee, many sacrifices are made to adjust our homes to accomidate our little friends, such as air fresheners, Carpeting, Teflon pans, windows, window blinds, and the list goes on and on.
Other pets such as your dog and cats, I encourage you to visit other forums here on ParrotChatter and read about what other members have done concerning owning mutiple pets, we have a wonderful cat here, her name is Cracker, she never has shown any interests in any of our birds, but one must always expect the un-expected and keep a weary eye on things.
I want you to get the best help there is Jodee, My specialty is the Pigeon and Dove, however, There's very little I do not know about all birds, but if it comes to Lovies or Macaws, I will always ask other members that know more than me for help as this is there specialty, I hope you understand what I am saying.
A very sincere Thank You to everyone that has reached out to help Jodee, I appreciate everyones concern.
Jodee this thread maybe moved into the proper forum by one of the Moderators, just a heads up, each species belongs in the designated forums, I am sure one of our Moderators will state where the thread will be moved.
I pray all goes well with all your birds, You are a very kind person for all you are doing for animals, All ParrotChatter members are here to help you, this is what we do here, and we do it very well.
Take Care my friend.
Peace
Arty.

Well Arty - you KNOW this is all your fault! You have done this, and now I am in deep with birds! HAHA! <jk> Prissy seems to tolerate the lovebirds, even if they are a little loud for her liking. She's such a peaceful little sweetheart, and the lovebirds are naughty little children! Don't tell her I told you, but I think she's really enjoying being inside safe during the evening and night. <wink> I am looking for a better inside cage for her, but she is content for now. Hey, anyway - thanks so much for everything Arty, yes, everyone I have heard from has been so helpful and concerned - I have learned a lot already! Anyone else reading this too - I have an idea - what if I were to have another small cage to put the birds in at night, like a little bedroom, in a different room in the house? You know, so it's like bedtime...is that good enough to move them out of the kitchen when cooking, or do I need to do more? I don't know enough about it to decide for myself! But, do the pans really ever get to the high enough temp to be dangerous? I'm not looking for excuses, I really need to know. This sounds petty I know, but the cookware is new and expensive - I don't want to get rid of it if I don't have to...but at the same time, I would never want to put the birds in any danger whatsoever. So, I will get rid of it if I need to, but I need information. This is getting too long again - thanks everyone for your help and patience! Jodee

, You are to kind Jodee
I would love to take the blame, but it was you and your kind heart that helped the Pigeon, now that kind heart is reaching out to others in need.
Your intentions are greatly needed and appreciated, there are more little ones out there that will find there way to you.
Best wishes you way
Arty