What's Your Take on Incense?

**Jennabean2187** · 03-05-2012, 10:29 AM

Good day tailfeather's folk!

I know air fresheners and such are frowned upon due to chemicals etc., but does that go for incense as well?

**Marrie** · 03-05-2012, 10:35 AM

Yes incense as well. Actually, incense is probably even worse, because of all the smoke involved. I can't even be around them because they give me such an awful headache, I can't imagine what it would do to a bird.

In the general discussion section I posted a few natural air freshener recipes that you can make at home.

**Birdmanca** · 03-05-2012, 02:09 PM

I like the smell of many air fresheners. Also like the smell of some types of insense. Just to be careful with insense because it is lite. Would not use insence near where a bird stays though.

**Roscoe's Mom** · 03-05-2012, 03:21 PM

I have to admit once a week or so I would light a stick after they went to bed behind a closed door, figuring it would be gone by morning. But I know now that I'm pregnant even the smell of incense lit the night before makes me feel like I have lungs full of soot; so lately I have been reassessing what I consider safe. I figure if it bothers me it must be awful for a creature with lungs so much smaller and more efficient than mine.

**Tracy030989** · 03-05-2012, 06:05 PM

I agree with Marrie....they give me an awful headache so what does it do to our birds. I would say it is safer to stay away from them. That is I ly my opinion though

**Jennabean2187** · 03-05-2012, 09:50 PM

Good advice everyone! Thank you!

Would it be a bit more on the safer side if the incense was in front an open window so the smoke went out but the odor still was present? Or is that just redundant?

**maxollie** · 03-06-2012, 10:21 AM

Personally, I would not use incense at all, nor would I want any one smoking cigarettes and/or cigars, in my home, since I have a budgie and a tiel.

**Marrie** · 03-06-2012, 06:43 PM

I wouldn't really consider it safe to use personally, unless it was in maybe a well ventilated room away from the birds, but then it kind of defeats the point.

**leebee** · 03-08-2012, 08:51 AM

All air fresheners ( Scented candles, potpourri, incense, plug-ins etc.) are dangerous when used around parrots. Aside from the fact they all will act as an irritant they can also eventually be fatal to your bird.

Would it be a bit more on the safer side if the incense was in front an open window so the smoke went out but the odor still was present? Or is that just redundant?

As you have made the decision to bring a parrot into your home, you have also made the decision to consider what is in the bird's best interest - even using them in well ventilated areas could prove deadly. Simply don't use them. Things like cinnamon, which you could give to your bird as a treat, will release fragrance while they are being destroyed. Perhaps they would be an alternative that is both healthy and encouraging for your pet.

**Jennabean2187** · 03-12-2012, 08:56 PM

That's a great idea! I love cinnamon!
Now, are you talking cinnamon sticks or something else?
Something I can just find in the grocery store?

I definitely don't want to hurt the little lady, but I can't stand a stale room at the same time lol.
So this sounds like a good compromise.