Who doesn't just love the smell of cinnamon and spice and everything nice that translates into the fall and holiday season. Those of us who share our homes with birds though can feel a little left out sometimes. Scented candles, air fresheners, and especially those plug-in fresheners, are totally off limits in our homes. Many if not all of these scented items, can be deadly to our birds.
A general rule of thumb when it comes to candles, potpourri, air sprays, is that the better it smells, the more toxic it probably is for our feathered friends. Our own avian veterinarian has warned us that plug-ins are not only dangerous to our birds but have also been linked to seizures and other health issues in some cats and dogs as well. Some essential oils used in many scented candles and potpourris can be toxic to birds.
So how do we join in the fall holiday spirit and spruce up our aromatic indoor smells?
It is actually very simple indeed. Gather up some cooking spices such as ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, ground and/or whole cloves, and some ground pumpkin pie spice. You can also add some sliced oranges or apples to the mixture as well.
Then find a warming pot such as one for potpourri, or a small size coffee pot that has a warm setting, maybe a small crockpot with low settings, or even just a small size sauce pot (no teflon please), add some water and sprinkle a little or a lot of the spices that you prefer, stir well, and keep warm.
Now you too can enjoy all the wondrous smells of the fall season and holidays without worrying if it is safe for your birds and other pets.
Caution Note: Do make sure the pot never dries out as it may damage your warming pot, or cause burned smells which would not be good for your birds. Unplug your unit when you are not at home to keep an eye on it.
