varnish - how toxic?

[freefall]

Hi finch fans,
Question: Just how sensitive are finches to varnish fume? A family member has informed me they plan on refinishing cabinets as soon as the weather warms up. The finches won't be in the same room, but varnish does have an odor that lingers for awhile.

[lainealex]

Most varnish fumes are toxic and potentially fatal to finches. I have seen an amazon parrot die after the house was painted with oil based paint and the room the bird was in was even sealed off. I have heard countless stories of solvents killing entire flocks - shoepolish, varnish, etc. Birds are not able to process the toxicity of the volatile compounds.

I use a product line called Safecoat, and have never had trouble, even when painting the actual aviary with the birds inside it (which probably is not a good idea).

Lainey

[Ursula]

Any paint fume is toxic to birds!!! I would be VERY careful and make sure that a lot of closed doors are between the newly painted furniture and the birds, and that they are not connected by some heating-aircondition vents either.

Frankly, varnish fumes aren't good for people either and I would never paint anything IN the house if I can help it, and not bring the furniture back inside until the smell is completely gone.

[cindy]

I suggest you move your birds to a friend's house until after the project and the varnish has cured some.Is there anyway to take the cabinets down and do the project in the garage or outside?

[finchmix22]

I agree with Cindy and Ursula. The fumes are bad for finches and people. The best choice is to varnish outside and wait til the smell is completely gone before moving the stuff back inside. Otherwise, moving the finches to another place entirely is the safest.

[freefall]

Hi,
Thanks for the input. The cabinets are built in, so they can't be taken outside. I'll have to think on it some more. Another family member might be able to take them temporarily. Again, thanks for the warning and advice. Freefall