Discount toys and cages are poisoning pet birds

PET birds are being poisoned by heavy metals in cheap imported toys and cages sold in discount dollar stores, with a number of birds falling ill.

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PET birds are being poisoned by heavy metals in cheap imported toys and cages sold in discount dollar stores.

Vets across NSW are concerned by an increase in the number of birds such as cockatiels that are falling ill from ingesting lead, zinc and other heavy metals.

Homebush’s Animal Referral Hospital has seen a rise in birds suffering from depression, seizures and neurological problems.

Avian specialist vet Jayne Weller said the birds found the lead in some of the toys sweet, and shiny objects were attractive to them.

“The main toxic culprits are bird cages and toys made of consumable heavy metals, such as lead,” Dr Weller told The Daily Telegraph.

“A lot of bird toys tend to have cheap metallic paint.

Species most affected included Alexandrine birds, eclectus parrots and cockatiels.

“The message to owners is don’t buy your pet toys from dollar shops; buy good-quality stainless steel, plastic or biodegradable toys that can be chewed up.”

After cats and dogs, birds are the most common companion pet among Australians.

Dr Weller said poisoned birds at first appeared lethargic and then the usually social creatures became ­depressed and refuse to eat, or have diarrhoea and vomiting.

“They use their tongues to inspect objects and lick things,” she said. “If you give your bird shiny toys, replace them regularly and look at non-toxic branches and sticks as natural perches.”

The Daily Telegraph found new bird cages for sale in dollar shops priced as low as $21.

In 2010, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sent out safety warnings mandating children’s toys must be free of lead and other heavy metals in paintwork, but the regulation doesn’t apply to animal toys.

Species most affected included Alexandrine birds, eclectus parrots and cockatiels.

Dr Weller said poisoned birds at first appeared lethargic and then the usually social creatures became ­depressed and refuse to eat, or have diarrhoea and vomiting / Picture: David Swift