Question:
> I was thinking more along the lines of aromatherapy candles, rather than > room-freshening candles like Glade’s. I use scented candles in concert with > meditation, and have other aromatherapy devices in my house.
Patricia, I do this as well. Most aromatherapy is based on natural substances so I don’t worry about it much, other than trying not to bombard an area with scents. Of course, I wouldn’t surround the cages with candles – but sometimes common sense is the only real answer. One reason not to use scented candles for meditation in the same room with larger birds is that the birds’ screaming and chatter would interfere with the mood! I can see Coral going nuts bouncing off the side of her cage for my attention with her big old red crest up in the air and Shake over here saying, "Precious? Wanna take a bath? Where’s your toes? COME HERE!! COME ON!!" with me in the middle at my asana blissfully unaware. Yeah, right! — That Prematurely Eccentric Goddess, Kellie
Response:
> While reading about parrots online, I came across a bunch of information about > airborne toxics. I understand why cookware etc. can be a problem. But in the > article, it also mentioned that scented candles are deadly to parrots. Is this > true? If so, why? And would this still be true if the candle is burning in > the next room? How about scented bubble baths, perfume, etc. etc.?
To be honest, although I wouldn’t use Febreze (sorry for using the F word) in the same room with my birds, I do, on occassion burn scented candles. Not often, but the birds have indicated no stress from them. I was doing this before I was told it was bad, and I continue to do so, although rarely in the same room with them. > I hope this question isn’t too silly. I just don’t understand how a scent (as > opposed to a chemical substance) could kill a parrot.
Probably because it’s assumed the scent is caused by a chemical substance. Because birds’ lungs are indeed quite sensitive, there are lots of scary stories about everything included Teflon, Febreze, Carpet Fresh, scented candles, perfumes, fireplaces, probably even halotosis in the owner. Common sense seems to be the key.– That Prematurely Eccentric Goddess, Kellie
Response:
While reading about parrots online, I came across a bunch of information about airborne toxics. I understand why cookware etc. can be a problem. But in the article, it also mentioned that scented candles are deadly to parrots. Is this true? If so, why? And would this still be true if the candle is burning in the next room? How about scented bubble baths, perfume, etc. etc.? I hope this question isn’t too silly. I just don’t understand how a scent (as opposed to a chemical substance) could kill a parrot. Thanks for the info! — patricia
Response:
>I hope this question isn’t too silly. I just don’t understand how a scent >(as >opposed to a chemical substance) could kill a parrot.
It isn’t a silly question at all. Scents ARE chemical substances. That is what makes a potato smell differently than an apple. Did you know that the smell of peanuts and shellfish can cause illness and death in people who are very sensitive? The same goes for scented candles. The air is impregnated with a chemical (aroma) and because of the way birds breathe, that chemical is kept in their system 2x as long as ours. If you know anyone with asthma, they will tell you that candles are painful, scented or not. Jennifer …man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but usually manages to pick himself up, walk over or around it, and carry on. Winston S. Churchill
Response:
> article, it also mentioned that scented candles are deadly to parrots. Is this > true? If so, why? And would this still be true if the candle is burning in > the next room? How about scented bubble baths, perfume, etc. etc.?
You can check http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/ for some specific archives for discussion on scented candles. If I remember correctly, Glade brand scented candles are harmful — I don’t remember how or why, but check the discussion to be sure. The bottom line is, as deodorisers, scented candles either mask the offending odor with a stronger (and equally offensive) odor, or desensitise your sense of smell. Having your sense of smell desensitised can cause damage over time. This information was in a Vancouver-area newspaper a number of years ago. If there is no offending odor, then there’s no reason to use a deodoriser. Kevin — http://members.tripod.com/~super_kevin/
Response:
First of all, I want to thank everyone who answered my scented-candle question, either here or via e-mail. You are such helpful people! Second, regarding Kevin’s comment about fragrances and: <<If there is no offending odor, then there’s no reason to use a deodoriser.>> I was thinking more along the lines of aromatherapy candles, rather than room-freshening candles like Glade’s. I use scented candles in concert with meditation, and have other aromatherapy devices in my house. Fortunately, I’ve been using them in rooms far away from my budgies — but I’m still glad to have the information you provided. Without realizing the danger, I might easily have decided to burn one of my candles in my office, where my birds are. I wish this problem were more widely publicized. — patricia
Comments