Talon

I know that here is the US, they are pushing for all light bulbs sold in the future to be the low energy type, but are they aware how toxic they could be to our feathered friends? They DO contain a small amount of mercury in them, and there are strict regulations to be followed when a bulb breaks. Here is some info I have been collecting: Please feel free to add any more advice that you find. Make up your own minds if you want to use these birds in your home. Disposing of bulbs safely The Environment Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs. It says because the bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, more information about safe recycling is needed. It also wants health warnings printed on packaging and information on how to clear up smashed bulbs in the home. But a toxicologist has played down the risks, saying several bulbs would have to be smashed at once to pose a danger. Environmental scientist Dr David Spurgeon said: "Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury they could cause a problem if they are disposed of in a normal waste-bin. It is possible that the mercury they contain could be released either into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment. That's a concern, because mercury is a well known toxic substance." If you broke five bulbs in a small unventilated room then you might be in short term danger Dr David Ray, toxicologist: Official advice from the Department of the Environment states that if a low-energy bulb is smashed, the room needs to be vacated for at least 15 minutes. A vacuum cleaner should not be used to clear up the debris, and care should be taken not to inhale the dust. Instead, rubber gloves should be used, and the broken bulb put into a sealed plastic bag - which should be taken to the local council for disposal. Unbroken used bulbs can be taken back to the retailer if the owner is a member of the Distributor Takeback Scheme. Otherwise, many local waste disposal sites now have the facilities to safely collect and dispose of old bulbs. However, this advice is not printed on the packaging that low-energy bulbs are sold in. Toxicologist Dr David Ray, from the University of Nottingham, said about 6-8mg of mercury was present in a typical low-energy bulb, which he described as a "pretty small amount". "Mercury accumulates in the body - especially the brain," he said. "The biggest danger is repeated exposure - a one off exposure is not as potentially dangerous compared to working in a light bulb factory. "If you smash one bulb then that is not too much of a hazard. However, if you broke five bulbs in a small unventilated room then you might be in short term danger." Please chirp in with any facts you may find....<br><br>Post edited by: Talon, at: 2009/01/13 20:38

Dopple, I have had to give antibiotics in a syringe as well many times to my grey who I have had to chase all over the house because she saw it coming. I would bring her into the bathroom, close the door all the while making it sound like such a fun time in there. I would have to chase her a bit, towel her, tolerate a few bites, but I made sure the medicine was in her. Do IT NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY FIGHT, IT IS FOR THEIR OWN GOOD!. They will forgive you very quickly, and after a few days, willingly open their beak as they know they will loose the fight. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Talon was clipped 3 times in her life, she came to me clipped. Once she became fully flighted, her demeanor and entire personality changed. You could see the happiness in her. She was exhausted in the beginning trying to fly as she didn't have the stamina for it, but now she flies anywhere she chooses. I can leave her downstairs in my kitchen, and she will fly out of there, thru the hall, turn right and head up the stair case, make a sharp turn to the right, head down the hall into the master bedroom, take a sharp left into the bathroom and land on the shower curtain. She is an amazing flier!! Rikki came to me clipped, and never had the opportunity to learn to fly. But she will as her feathers grow. My personal opinion is this: Clipping wings is not for me...it's like cutting off someones legs! Just my opinion!

Where's the link? When I googled the name. I didn't find anything that you guys are talking about except a food for birds. I'm missing something......

I had a tag for 2 years before I adopted a cag afew months younger. They are both over 3 now and do very well together But my cag is the dominate one. I make sure my tag is still number 1 as she was here first. My cag even tries to preen my tag, but she is too afraid to enjoy it.

OMG Dan. What a lesson we have all learned here. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am happy that Dayo is fine, and that Kim is home now. But remember, you were the last person Dayo saw before the "attack". That is what he remembers...but he will come around, once time passes, and the scare is replaced once again with safety and trust. He will be fine with you.

You are absolutely correct Carolyn. There is so much mis-information on the internet. But the article I linked to was written by an avian vet. I have yet to find any more information as to why the lactose free products are toxic. Everything I find says a little is fine. Moderation is the key, and I think that has to be a personal decision based on the advice of YOUR avian vet. I do feel that we found the answer to the "peanut debate" here as Dave posted.

Very interesting.......this debate continues...

Personally, I do allow my birds cheese when ever we have it, which btw is many times a week. I allow them an occasional nibble of ice cream, which they LOVE! and also a drink from the cereal spoon occasionally as well. I haven't noticed any diarrhea or change at all in them.

This is just like the peanut debate....but the article I posted, was written by a vet. The thread you are referring to, was not. People can choose to believe whichever. But more research needs to be done, and tonight after work, I hope to continue researching this.

They are able to tolerate a small amount of lactose that is in cheeses and a small amount of milk such as in a spoon of cereal. African Greys can easily handle small amounts of dairy products. Cheese and yogurt, rich in calcium but low in lactose, is an excellent treat. Be creative… Give your birds an occasional slice of pizza, or a splash of milk over their favorite cereal in the morning. Just don’t overdue it!<br><br>Post edited by: Talon, at: 2009/01/09 18:39

Please click on this link below to read about feeding DAIRY & LACTOSE FREE products to your bird. Lactose free products for humans are not safe as some here seem to think according to this article. http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/dairy.html

NO on the baby wipes. Use a damp paper towel instead.

Toni, hope all goes well, and you will be back with us very soon. We'll miss you!

Dan and Kim, I am so sorry to hear how difficult of a time you are both having. I was heartbroken to hear how deeply Dayo misses you KIM. But it doesn't surprise me, I hear you are the favorite!! B) Please know that you both and Dayo, are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you get better and home very quickly. Thank you for the updates Dan. Tell Kim HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and I expect you will have an extra birthday celebration for her when she comes home. Luv ya both, Penny

THANK YOU DAVE!!! You have made so many birds happy!! :woohoo: :woohoo:

Has it stopped bleeding? If so, just watch him, he should be okay.

There is a special netting used for birds. One that keeps most mosquitoes and bugs out, and it is "chew" proof as well. I will see if I can find the company for you. Maybe others here would have other ideas.

Thank you Dan for the update. I hope she is feeling better and she is able to stay home and out of surgery. Please tell her she is in my thoughts and prayers. And keep us updated as you can.

Dan, I am so sorry for Kim and you. Please know she is in my prayers, and I hope all goes well, and she won't need surgery. Please keep us posted, and send her our well wishes.

Adhaincroi, Would you please share your story on the rescue of this beautiful and lucky bird? We could learn so much from your story, as it can be so hard to coax them out of a tree. :huh:

Dr. Flock........Where are you when we need you...............help us with this will you? :blink: :pinch: :unsure:

WOW! This is a great example for those of us who aren't clever...:blink:

MY vet says NO PEANUTS AT ALL!! Too much of a rick. Human Grade are not 100% safe for them.

OH MY GOD! I am in tears right now. How horrible!!!! I feel your pain, I know it is just the tip of what you are feeling. But I too am horrified!! How horrible, but it is know where your fault. You have done everything humanly possible for Shadow. Please don't let this witch get away with this...take her to court, call the animal cruelty organization in your area, list her name everywhere so no one will ever go thru the pain you are experiencing. The more you get her abuse out there, the better chances of saving the lives of any other birds she may still have. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please keep in touch with us. One day, the pain will subside somewhat, and you will get another bird. Don't give up, it will help you to focus on another bird. There are plenty needing homes, and cheap too I might add. Again, I am so sorry....