Can hot peppers harm parrots if I handled them before feeding?

It is best not to let your pet bird interact with wild birds as they can easily spread illnesses and disease back and forth to each other. If you suspect the wild bird may be ill and he will let you handle him, it is best to try and catch him so that you can bring him in for medical care. If he will not allow handling, then speaking with a local wildlife rescue/rehab in your area that can safely capture and treat him is best.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am so sorry for your loss. Veterinarians have known for years that non-stick, & other coated pans, when over heated, can off gas & produce fumes. Birds have such rapid respirations that they are uniquely sensitive to these gases. This is the reason canaries were used in coal mines as early detectors of carbon monoxide. It may not have been carbon monoxide, but one of the pans probably did produce a gas that killed your birds. I am very sorry.

Thanks for reaching out about Buddy. Keeping good ventilation is important as bird's respiratory tracts are very sensitive to toxins (thats why canaries in coal mines). If breathing is impaired, a veterinary emergency visit is needed for oxygen support, anti-inflammatories, and possibly antibiotics. Teflon and other non-stick pans can release toxic substances when heated up to a high temperature, and can be fatal to birds. Monitor appetite and water consumption. Good luck.

I'm glad you enjoy Pet Coach! Budgies can get chill peppers, and some do like them, however I would recommend it as a treat only, and if Peko doesn't seem to like them or has any adverse reaction offer different treats he enjoys instead. All budgies are Australian in origin. As for budgie type, domestically bred budgies (English-type) tend to be much larger, fluffier and have more prominent markings/coloration to them. They may also more easily bond with people.

You don't mention what type of bird you have, I am going to assume a parrot? In birds it is best to avoid chocolate, caffeine, avocado, onion and garlic, comfrey, apple seeds, pits/stones from fruits, sugar free foods containing xylitol (this can cause issue in dogs and we don't know for sure about birds), foods high in fat or salt, mushrooms, dairy, grit, peanuts that have become moldy, and the plant portion of members of the nightshade family (i.e. tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant- the fruits aren't toxic but the leaves/plant parts are). More information can be found here http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-everyday-items-that-are-toxic-to-birds

My condolences on the loss of your bird. If you have concerns regarding Psittacosis, you can submit the body for PCR testing. Your other bird can be tested if necessary. An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian would be recommended anyway since birds are quite adept at concealing illness or injury until they are in serious condition.

I'm very sorry for your loss, He was of course very ill, if you bought him recently he was probably sick before you got him from the shop. it's difficult to know what illness it was but it's very likely that it was some type of infection.