Air purifiers for birds

As a companion bird owner, you must wear many hats to ensure that your pet's needs are provided for. You're his personal chef, groomer, housekeeper and event planner. And in one of your most important, often overlooked posts, you are in charge of air quality control. More so than companion animals of other species, your little guy is highly sensitive to airborne pathogens and toxins. Read on for top tips on how to maintain a pollutant-free environment for your pet – and for you, too!

Why are bird air purifiers necessary?

Did you know your bird is 70% more susceptible to airborne viruses and bacteria than you are? That's why diseases can be easily spread from bird to bird. And birds are also highly sensitive to inhalant fumes, which are rapidly absorbed by their bodies. The fumes from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon- or Silverstone-coated pans, if overheated, can be deadly to your pet. To be on the safe side, stick to non-Teflon pots and pans. It's also good scents to nix pine room sprays, potpourri, essential oil diffusers and spray-type room deodorizers. And please try at all costs to avoid exposing your feathered friend to:

• Automobile exhaust
• Tobacco smoke
• Glues
• Paints
• Insecticidal fumigants
• Perfume
• Hair spray

But accidents can happen, and there are some things you just can't avoid. That's why it's important to vacuum and wipe down your bird's area every day, and make sure that your pet is in a room with good ventilation (not near any drafts, please!). Take care to remove all seed husks, droppings and feathers that wind up on the floor by your bird's cage. Letting them sit too long can foster the growth of molds and bacteria that can make your bird sick.

Tips on selecting the right air purifier for your bird

Avian experts highly urge all families with birds to invest in a high-quality air purifier. It's wise to shop around and research the many products' features, but do look for a model that:

• Removes smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, dust mites, molds, bacteria and viruses
• Removes odors
• Does not change the humidity level in your home
• Does not create a draft
• Does not diffuse any scented fragrance or air "freshener"

In addition to removing the above-mentioned airborne toxins, an air purifier can readily remove the dander dust produced by many species of parrots. Inhaling this dust can result in breathing problems for birds, and for the human members of the household, too. If you suffer from allergies to birds, an air purifier may drastically cut down on your symptoms.

Here's to breathing easier – and healthier – for all species in your family!