I used Windex near the cage! Please help!

[Maddie]

I just cleaned two sliding glass doors that were next to my finch cage and then discovered that Windex is poisonous to birds! They are outside and there was a slight breeze, so I'm concerned that some of it might have blown into their cage. Do you think they'll be alright? I'm so worried. Have any of you had finches die from exposure to Windex?

[finchmix22]

If they were outside, they had enough ventilation. All you can do is watch them because if they inhaled the fumes, they would die fast. I would think being outside was alright and protected them from the fumes.

[cindy]

Maddie, they should be fine since the cage is outdoors in the fresh air like Deborah said. Keep a close eye on them. To be safe remove the food and water and replace with clean cups and contents. Wipe the cage down if any got on it with a wet cloth. If you are more comfortable, remove the birds to a hospital cage and rinse and dry the cage down.

As long as they did not have it sprayed directly on them or ingest any and have plenty of fresh air they should be ok.

How are they acting, any breathing issues. Was the spray the one with ammonia or White vinegar?

[Maddie]

It was the one with the ammonia. They all look fine and are flitting about, eating, and chirping still. I'm going to go change out their water and food. I'll report back tomorrow!

[cindy]

Glad they seem alright, hope they continue to do well.

[DanteD716]

I hope they continue to do well

[Perfex]

Two of my cages are in my breakfast room and I use windex a few times a day on my glass table. So I don't think it can be dangerous unless they are directly misted or the fumes overwhelming. Also, my glass cage gets wiped on the inside every month or two with a damp rag, then I lightly mist the rag with windex and go over it again. I've not had a problem at all.

[cindy]

I would switch to using white vinegar and eliminate Windex, it contains ammonia. I would not recommend using it inside a glass contained cage.

articles on what is toxic to your birds...Windex can be.


http://www.takoda-aviary.com/dangerous_fumes.htm

http://www.parrotchronicles.com/feature ... ansers.htm
"Potentially dangerous: Windex contains butyl cellosolve, which quickly penetrates exposed skin and can damage the nervous system."

[Perfex]

Thanks Cindy, the article was an eye opener. I'll be more cautious, and not clean the glass cage with it.

[Maddie]

Just an update: Everybody looks happy and healthy!

[finchmix22]

Glad they're alright.

[debbie276]

Yay!! That is wonderful news!