The kitchen is by far the most dangerous room in the house for your bird. Ideally, she should never be allowed in this room. From hot stoves to cooking oils, toxic fumes to open containers of water, there are a thousand ways she can be burned, contaminated, poisoned or drowned. If it is impossible to keep your bird out of the kitchen, there are some dangers of which you need to be aware and you must take steps to avoid.

Teflon or Polytetraflouethylene

Teflon and nearly all other types of non-stick cookware are made of a substance called polytetraflouethylene. When this substance is heated to as little as 285 degrees Fahrenheit, it emits fumes into the air. Your bird is vulnerable to all kinds of fumes. Teflon is one of the prevalent dangers, since non-stick cookware is common.

Almost all non-stick cookware is toxic to your bird. Closing the kitchen door does not help; the fumes can still permeate the house, and one whiff is enough to kill your bird. Although a reaction usually sets in within 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes a bird that has inhaled polytetraflouethylene will not be affected for up to 24 hours.

Small birds are in the worst danger, as their lungs can't handle the fumes. Even large birds can't withstand the toxic effects of this gas, and may succumb almost as easily as smaller birds. Your bird is so susceptible to the fumes that it is better to replace products coated with polytetraflouethylene. Alternatively, keep your bird outside for at least an hour after using an item containing polytetraflouethylene.

Self-Cleaning Ovens

The self-cleaning cycle in your oven contains deadly fumes that can kill your bird instantly. If you must use this feature, take your bird to a neighbor's home while you run the cycle, and give your house several hours to air out before bringing her back.

Hot Stoves

A hot stove is an obvious hazard, because your bird can't tell when it is hot. A stove may look like the ideal perching place, but that could change almost instantly. Even the act of flying over a hot stove can easily singe her wings - it only takes a second or two of exposure for feathers to burn.

The handles of pots and pans also make tempting but dangerous perches for your pet. A bird that lands on such a handle is exposed to scalding, steam burns and singed feathers, if the contents are hot. Even when the contents are cold, there is a danger of drowning or oil contamination. Always keep pots and pans covered, and keep your bird out of the kitchen when you have anything on the stove.

Your stove burner may also emit polytetraflouethylene. The heat will cause the fumes to rise into the air, posing a hazard for your bird. If your stove is relatively new, take your bird out of the house and turn the elements on high for half an hour. This should be long enough to burn off the coating of polytetraflouethylene. Even with this precaution, you should keep your bird away from the kitchen when the element is on.

Grease and Oil

Even something as seemingly innocuous as cooking oil can be highly hazardous to your pet, since grease or oil will contaminate her feathers and interfere with her ability to regulate her temperature. Be sure to wash any greasy items immediately, before your bird can come in contact with them, and keep any pots, pans, or foods containing concentrations of oil, margarine, or other fat safely covered or stored out of reach.

Glass

Glass always poses a hazard to your bird, because she does not understand why she can't fly through it. If there are windows in your kitchen, affix decorative stickers to the glass to alert her the glass is there. Otherwise, close the curtains anytime your bird is flying free.

Glass cleaner is toxic to your bird. If you have recently cleaned your glass, do not let your bird into the kitchen, because the fumes can linger.

Sharp Utensils

Your bird can graze or seriously cut herself on sharp utensils. Birds find bright, shiny objects like the blade of a knife very appealing. Always ensure sharp objects are put safely away and knives are sheathed in holders if your bird will be in the kitchen.

Open Dishwashers or Ovens

Your curious feathered friend will not miss an opportunity to explore an area with perches as interesting as those offered by your oven or dishwasher. If you close the door while your bird is inside investigating, the consequences will be disastrous. Never leave appliance doors open when your bird is in the kitchen, and always do a quick check for your bird's whereabouts before turning an appliance on.

Water

It sounds strange, but birds can drown inside a small glass of water. The flicker and gleam of the water's surface fascinates them, often to their own peril. Drain or cover any water sources to which your bird has access, including sinks, toilets and bathtubs.