Art materials and finches

For concerns related to avian illness and wellbeing.
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Lee

Art materials and finches

Post by Lee » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:35 pm

Hello
I am thinking of getting finches (zebras or society) for my studio but after doing some research I am wondering if this is a bad idea? I work with watercolour, gesso, white glue, and acrylic gel mediums. Non of these materials have any smells that I am aware of except for my gold gesso. I would like to hear any suggestions anyone might have. Thanks in advance.

Lee
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Hilary
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Post by Hilary » Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:41 pm

If the materials don't have strong odors and you have good ventilation you could give it a try. You may have a problem with feathers, though.... :roll:
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beccafigs
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Post by beccafigs » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:14 pm

Hilary has a good point (as usual). My zebs are molting and I have to vacuum feathers EVERY DAY. I put a dust buster thing on the wall near the cage and I just go over it once a day or else there are feathers EVERYWHERE.
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Kathleen
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Post by Kathleen » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:59 pm

Lee....I too am an artist, and it has been my understanding that working in oil paints and pastels, and the chemicals that are used with these mediums, can be harmful. I have read that the air in ones studio should be exchanged with fresh air about every hour when working with oils. When working with pastels, some artists insist on wearing a mask. Depending on the size of your studio and the mediums you work with, I don't think you as a human need to worry. However, as Hilary pointed out, the feathers might be an issue, unless you have the room to place them far from your work area. And keep one thing in mind, just because we can't really smell a particular chemical, does not mean it is safe. A small amount of toxins could potentially harm a birds tiny lungs. My guess is the watercolors and the acrylic paints are pretty safe. Gold gesso? Humm....don't know what's in it, what does the label say? any hazard warnings? I am no expert so I can't really say for sure if it would be okay. I only know for sure that my birds will never be in my studio....it's amazing I'm still alive, lol. I'm sure with a bit of research you can land some concrete answers. Check out this site for some eye opening info.... http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/index.html
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