Common Plants That Are Actually Toxic To Birds

Welcoming a pet into our lives always means there needs to be some adjustments, but they’re worth it when we get the joy of having a new friend by our side. Still, we might need to think more about what is in our homes than ever before, especially when it comes to the kinds of greenery we keep around the home.

Birds are no exception. The common plants that are actually toxic to birds might seem like harmless additions, but they could have devastating effects on our feathered friends if we’re not careful. Instead, it’s best to make your house as bird-friendly as possible before bringing your new pet home.

Poinsettias can cause several serious health issues down the line

Taking center stage at several holiday celebrations is usually none other than the poinsettia. They are a great way to keep things traditional but might be best avoided if you have pet birds. Causing gastrointestinal issues, such as excessive salivation, is one thing. Causing blistering and skin irritation are another. These can all lead to serious health conditions down the line, with poinsettias also being classed as dangerous for several other pets.

Ivy can lead to several gastrointestinal issues

If you want to add some greenery to your house, then ivy can be a popular choice. You might want to hold off on the plant if you have a bird, though, as they can be dangerous for our feathered friends. Eating too much can lead to several gastrointestinal issues, such as pain and vomiting, as well as a high chance of developing hypersalivation.

Philodendrons can lead to difficulties breathing and even end a bird’s life

Plenty of people looking to add some green to their homes look to plants like a philodendron. They’re a common houseplant, but you should think twice if you have a pet bird. These are particularly toxic and can have dangerous consequences around a bird’s mouth. As well as causing irritation, philodendrons can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing. If too much is ingested, there’s the chance your bird could even fall into a coma or lose their life.

Lilies can be toxic to a host of pets

Although there are plenty of types of lilies and so many are beautiful houseplants, they can be dangerous for a host of pets. Bird owners should remove all of them from the home, especially peace lilies, or at least move them away from where they can be reached. Ingestion can lead to severe irritation in a bird’s mouth before creating gastrointestinal issues and excess salivation, potentially even ending a bird’s life.

Mistletoe comes with several health risks to pet birds

There’s a chance that most people only have mistletoe in their homes around the holidays. It’s a fun addition but is actually toxic to birds. Being pets that are so curious doesn’t help, with mistletoe potentially leading to moderate gastrointestinal issues. These can include vomiting and an upset stomach, but that’s not all. Mistletoe can even cause depression and weakness in birds before leading to anorexia if they eat too much.

Daffodils can end a bird’s life due to a specific chemical

While they might be a sign of spring for many, daffodils can actually pose quite a threat to pet birds. That’s because they contain a chemical known as lycorine, which is highly toxic and can even end a pet bird’s life if they ingest too much. Even just a little bit from daffodils can cause seizures and severe gastrointestinal issues in birds and several other common pets.

The common plants that are actually toxic for birds might look pretty, but they can be pretty dangerous for our feathered friends. Thankfully, there are still several ways we can brighten up the home and enjoy some houseplants without putting anyone in danger.