When Febreeze first came out, I read (I think it was in Bird Talk mag) that it was harmful to parrots? Still?

Question

Is that still the case?

I've never bought the product but my neighbor argued with me and tried to convince me it was safe now. I thought I would ask those 'in the know'. TIA for your responses.

Answer 1

You are correct about Febreeze. When it first came out that is was harmful to parrots. They have changed the formula so that it now safe for pets.
(In my experience I still am very weary about using it around my birds. But I do use the product, but NOT near my birds.)

Answer 2

In the original ingredients there was a substance called Zinc Oxide, which has been linked to many pet deaths in the past. However Febreeze has changed the ingredients to disclude the Zinc Oxide, and because of the ommission of that particular ingredient it is now considered safe for domestic animals.

I would still not spray it in the area where your bird is kept. Any substance that you get in your pets water or on your bird should be avoided at all costs.

I personally use it in the rest of the house, though and my birds don't care one way or the other.

Answer 3

Your neighbor sounds like an idiot, just my opinion, but most companies don't change their ingredients of their products once it hits the market only cause you change the product the customers notice, they get pissed.

The likeliness that Febreeze is "better now" than it used to be and pet safe, is SLIM TO NONE. And I doubt theres a new species of parrot being bred that is immune to these types of sprays...Once bad for your bird, always bad for your bird!

Answer 4

It is my understanding that it is still harmful. It may read pet safe on the bottle but that only applies to dogs and cats.

According to something I read on the net it's only toxic while it's wet once it's dried then it is safe. I've included some links.

I don't think I would spray the air in your home either. Since it could be inhaled.

Answer 5

Febreeze is harmful to anything organic, hense it's ability to rid you of scents. Your birds feathers are made of Carrotine (*Spelling) Which is why it is harmful to birds, for one, for Two your birds preen themselves, at that point you may as well put it in thier water dish.

Answer 6

No, it is not safe to use around any kind of bird. There are so many chemicals in it that are fatel to a bird.
Where do you think they get the scent from?

Answer 7

Anything that is a spray is harmful. except bird products