Last Updated on by Catherine Tobsing
Hi Jo-Anne
Keep in mind there is not a lot of Teflon in humidifiers most are more metal and plastic but if you’re not sure check with the manufacturer.
While most studies indicate that PTFEs & PFOAs off-gas at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, there is information that some formulations will off-gas between 360 degrees and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. I don’t think Teflon is your problem with a humidifier.
The problem with humidifiers is allowing mold to grow on the filter and then mold gets spewed out with the moist air causing problems like Aspergillosis which is a disease of the lungs that birds get caused by a fungus that is found almost everywhere in the environment.
Humidifiers form the perfect storm for the production and transmission of Aspergillosis because it loves warm moist environments and we’re not talking about Jamaica.
Usually, it’s not harmful to birds unless the bird’s immune system is compromised by things like bacterial infections of the mouth from drinking poop water, brooding activities like egg-laying, and feather molting all three of which can occur simultaneously as we learned from our cockatiel Popcorn.
All three of those issues reduce the bird’s immune system which then puts the bird in harm’s way for fungal infection. Which begs the question how do you know if your bird has Aspergillosis?
Heavy breathing, a loss of appetite, and lots of drinking and pooping of a bluish coloration of mucus are signs of acute Aspergillosis which can and do lead to death
Chronic Aspergillosis is harder to detect because the symptoms might not manifest themselves too rapidly.
The fungal spores flow through the bird’s complete system via the bloodstream and then most of the major organs will get affected.
This is a disease it’s very hard to detect even for a veterinarian. It can be treated with surgery to remove easy-to-reach lesions and there are antifungal drugs available.
So getting back to your original question – Make sure your humidifier is sized proportionately for the room home or apartment it’s going in.
More importantly, use an additive to eliminate fungus and watch the filter for any discoloration – like fungal spores and replace the filter immediately if any are spotted.
Naturally pay attention to your cage birds keeper’s to-do list which is making sure food and water are clean the newspaper in the cage is changed regularly and all the toys, perches, and accessories are cleaned thoroughly once a month with an enzymatic cleaner like Poop off and a bird-safe sanitizer like a handheld steamer.
Best
MitchR
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Nora Neruda-Condland
24 Nov 2024Question. I had to install an whole house dehumidifier last spring because I was getting some light surface mold in my family room which is about four feet into the ground. Every morning we take a long shower and I also spray her with a hand held shower. Often when she plays with her toys on the floor of the shower she gets soaking wet. I call her bat girl because of the way she tucks her head and flaps her wings. Does this sound as though she is getting enough humidity?
I tried to copy and paste a short video but was not able to…
Mitch Rezman
24 Nov 2024Sounds like she’s luckier than most pet birds