Keeping your companion bird safe from toxins
- When you use products around your home that give off strong fumes, it's best to move your bird to a separate room and open windows to insure good ventilation, or run an air purifier. Also place a towel under the door of the room your bird is in to further reduce exposure to fumes.
For all painting projects inside your home, use VOC (volatile organic compound)-free paints.
Another and even safer alternative is to consider boarding your pet with a trusted friend or family member during home construction and remodeling projects, and intensive whole-house cleaning. Don't bring your bird back into your house until odors have dissipated, and consider running an air purifier for several months after renovations to reduce the presence of off-gassing fumes from new carpets, furniture, paint, and upholsteries.