Yes, birds can chew on plastic! Find out which ones are safe and the ones that are not
Birds, with their curious and exploratory nature, often engage in behaviors like chewing, making it crucial to identify plastic toys and accessories that are safe and durable.
So, in this post, let’s explore the types of plastics suitable for birds to chew on and those best avoided to ensure their well-being.
But first, what plastics are safe and ideal for your bird!❓❔
The answer
Any food-grade plastic safe enough to carry human food is considered safe for birds due to the stringent regulations enforced by the FDA. Additionally, rigid plastics such as PVC, PE, ABS, SAN, and Acrylic are safe because they are chemically inert under typical temperatures (below 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and are too sturdy for birds to break and ingest plastic pieces.
Conversely, soft or brittle plastics pose a hazard to birds. Painted plastics should also be avoided as some paints contain toxins harmful to avian health.
Nylon plastic and Propylene synthetic fiber ropes are unsafe due to their chewable nature. They gradually unravel, often injuring and (or) killing birds.
It’s also advised not to give large birds toys meant for smaller birds to prevent the potential ingestion of plastic pieces.
Toys with metal components embedded in plastic should be avoided, as birds can break them and chew on the metal, posing a risk of injury.
Read the rest of this post for more insight on the topic.
Is it OK (Safe) for Birds to Chew on Plastic
Yes, birds can chew on plastic!
And YES…most rigid (hard) plastics are chemically inert under typical temperature ranges, so it is safe for birds to chew on as long as they don’t ingest any pieces of plastic from the toy or accessory.
Always ensure the plastic you provide to your birds is not brittle and won’t break or splinter when they chew or beak on it, and avoid synthetic plastics like nylon and polypropylene, as they can unravel or splinter, potentially causing injury to your birds.
Tiny threads from these synthetic plastic ropes will also cause crop impaction or internal injuries if chewed and ingested by your bird.
Also, be cautious of your bird chewing on toys that contain beads or other small plastic pieces that could come undone and be ingested by your birds.
And…exercise care when using manipulated plastics in DIY projects, as they may contain tiny particulate plastics or plastic dust that could harm your birds if ingested or inhaled over time.
Regularly inspect your bird’s plastic toys and accessories for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed to ensure your birds’ safety.
What Plastic Items are Safe for Birds
When considering plastic items for your birds, opt for food-grade-plastic items, such as those used for packaging and consuming human food and beverages, like straws, kids’ plastic cups, and beverage bottle caps.
These items are generally safe unless they have sharp edges, like on plastic forks.
Food-grade plastics labeled with numbers 2, 4, and 5 are among the safest options. Additionally, many plastics used to make baby toys are safe and ideal for birds due to their non-toxic properties.
Toys made from rigid plastics like PVC, PE, acrylic, ABS, and SAN are also safe choices. However, avoid brittle plastic items that break easily and pose a choking hazard to your birds.
When selecting plastic toys and accessories for your birds, consider their size and species.
Large birds require tough and sturdy toys that are impossible to break apart, while smaller birds may enjoy plastic toys that are a little less sturdy, designed and labeled for their size and needs.
Remember to inspect plastic toys regularly for any signs of damage or wear and replace them as needed to ensure your birds’ safety.
Is PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) Safe for Birds
PVC is rigid and chemically inert, primarily used for making water supply pipes, so it is safe for avian companions, hence reputable among bird owners for crafting DIY toys and accessories without significant issues.
The inherent rigidity of PVC also makes it unlikely for birds to break and ingest plastic pieces, further enhancing its safety profile.
However, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks associated with PVC!
While PVC is generally robust, exposure to temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celcius) will cause it to disintegrate and release chemicals, like Hydrogen Chloride, toxic to you and your birds.
Additionally, caution is advised when handling or modifying PVC, as cutting or breaking it can generate dust that may be harmful if inhaled by birds.
So, avoid situations like bending, cutting, or screwing and using cut-PVC if your birds might be exposed.
Is Acrylic Plastic Safe for Birds
High-grade acrylic is a safe material for bird cages, toys, and accessories, offering safety, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Acrylic is considered safe for birds due to its high-grade plastic composition, which is inert and does not release toxic chemicals or fumes.
Acrylic’s rigid nature also makes it difficult for birds to beak, chew, or chip it, reducing the risk of your bird ingesting plastic pieces and making it a popular choice for bird cages, toys, and accessories.
Acrylic does not melt until it reaches 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius), which is lower than PVC but still safe for birds under typical temperature conditions.
Is Nylon Plastic Safe for Birds
Nylon plastic is a non-toxic fiber but should be applied with caution when considering for use as part of your bird’s entertainment, particularly parrots.
Unlike natural fibers such as cotton, nylon and other synthetic fibers like polypropylene often risk injury to birds due to their mechanical properties.
The ropes perch and toys are hard to break when unraveled and have a tendency to tangle up, forming loops and nooses that cause harm to birds, including cuts, strangulation, and even fatalities.
While nylon is generally chemically safe, variations in its composition depending on its application can also introduce potential hazards. For instance, surfaces that feel oily or sticky may indicate a chemical variation that may not be suitable for birds.
So, for the safety and well-being of your birds, avoid using nylon and other synthetic fibers in their accessories and toys.
100 percent cotton ropes are a safer alternative, as they are soft and easy for birds to manipulate without the risk of entanglement or harm.
What to Do if Your Bird Eats Small Pieces of Plastic
If you think your bird has ingested a tiny piece of plastic, you should start by removing all plastic toys and accessories from his cage because, one, clearly, he can break them…
…and two, he has somehow developed a liking or misplaced appetite for plastic.
Now.. considering the main issues for a that has ingested plastic are crop impaction or internal injuries, both of which are life-threatening, you should take the bird to an avian Vet immediately.
I reckon an X-ray (or a similar medical procedure) should unravel the ingested plastic piece, and the Vet will advise on the next steps.
However, if you only suspect but are not sure your bird has eaten pieces of plastic, I would advise you to start by looking at his poop. If you notice something odd, then take him to a Vet.
Your bird may also be unable to poop, which is also odd, considering they seem to go every other minute and poop everywhere.
You may have to smash pieces of poop between your fingers when investigating to ensure the pieces of plastic are not lounged inside poop lumps.
The reason I advise you to watch the poop first is because birds chew on plastic all the time. They even manipulate them with their tongue until the birds get bored and drop it.
Of course, if you missed seeing the part where they dropped the plastic, you might assume they ate it even if they didn’t.
Overall, if you can’t find the piece of plastic in or around your bird’s cage and it is not in the poop, perhaps the best solution is to take the bird to a vet, especially if your bird has odd eating and pooping behavior or schedule.
What Can You Give Your Bird to Chew Instead of Plastic
If you are looking for alternatives to plastic for your bird to chew on, there are several safe options to explore.
Wood is a fantastic natural choice that many birds enjoy. However, always select untreated, non-toxic woods to avoid potential harm to your bird. Safe options include pine, fir, or balsa wood, as they are soft and easy for birds to chew without splintering or causing injury.
You can provide your bird with wooden blocks, perches, or even untreated branches from non-toxic trees for your birds.
Cardboard items are another safe and readily available option for birds to chew on. The cardboard should be free from any adhesives, inks, or dyes.
Plain, untreated cardboard boxes or tubes make excellent options, providing mental stimulation and helping to satisfy your bird’s natural urge to chew.
You can also offer your bird a variety of other safe chew toys made from natural materials such as seagrass, vine balls, or even palm leaves.
Most of these are non-toxic and offer your birds engaging textures to explore and chew on.
That’s all for this post.
Happy birding🦜🐦!