Humans have been using essential oils for medicinal purposes for years.
But we must keep in mind that birds are very different from humans.
They have very sensitive respiratory systems that make even smelling essential oils quite toxic to your pet.
Although essential oils in diffusers could potentially be used safely around your bird if heavily diluted, it is not recommended.
We’ll get more into this in the article
Here’s what you’re going to discover
- Are birds sensitive to peppermint oil?
- Is the smell of peppermint oil safe for birds?
- What essential oils are safe around birds?
- Essential oils you should avoid around your bird
So if you want to make sure you’re using oil that is safe around your birds then you’re going to love this article
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Are Birds Sensitive To Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil can be used to benefit a lot of things.
It is an essential oil that is used for things like headaches, muscle aches, and itching.
In aromatherapy, it is also useful for treating coughs and colds and reducing stress.
Essential oils like peppermint oil have been particularly popular in recent years due to these natural benefits.
However, every bird owner knows that certain air toxins can be harmful to their little birds.
Birds have very delicate respiratory systems that are highly affected by the air around them.
This is why bird owners are careful with using air fresheners and scent-led candles around them.
Although they smell good, they can be quite toxic for your bird.
Similarly, peppermint oil could be a potential toxin to your pet bird.
Safe doses of peppermint oil have not been studied or established, so if you want to be on the safe side, it’s best not to use it at all.
But if you must use this essential oil, there are a couple guidelines that can be followed to lessen the impact on your bird.
Firstly, you want to make sure that the peppermint oil is all natural and not of poor quality or synthetic materials.
If you have a natural and high-quality peppermint oil that you are wanting to use around your bird, make sure you dilute it heavily.
I will emphasize it again due to its importance: If you use the essential oil, you must very heavily dilute it with water before use.
Due to birds’ sensitivity to toxins and particles in the air, make sure to never ever apply peppermint oil directly onto your bird.
It will likely die from respiratory failure.
Is The Smell Of Peppermint Oil Safe For Birds?
If you are using a diffuser to spread the calming smell around your room, it could be safe but is not recommended.
If you are using a diffuser with peppermint oil in a space your bird is in, it must be diluted with water as much as possible before you turn it on.
As birds are very sensitive, the slightest disturbance to the air can cause issues with their breathing.
So now that we know peppermint oil and essential oil in general can be dangerous to your birds
Are there any essential oils that’s safe to use around birds?
Or should we just avoid it altogether?
Carry on reading to find out..
What Essential Oils Are Safe Around Birds?
As a general consensus, it is said that essential oils are not safe to use around pets, especially pet birds.
There are no essential oils that are given the green light to use around pets, so it’s best not to do so.
However, there is no ignoring the positive effects essential oils have on humans.
They can have calming and healing effects.
So if you do need to use them, go natural.
Artificial scents of any kind should be completely avoided.
Many bird owners have used essential oils around their birds with no issues, so it can be done and it can be safe.
Some oils that are generally safe to use around your pet bird are:
- Floral oils: lavender and jasmine
- Citrus oils: orange and lemon
If you are planning to use any type of essential oil, make sure to discuss it with an avian vet.
They will be able to give you the best advice on how to safely use essential oils in the presence of your sensitive bird.
Which Essential Oils Should I Avoid Around My Bird?
All essential oils should be used with caution, but there are some essential oils that you should definitely avoid due to their toxic nature to birds
- Tea tree oil
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
These essential oils are one hundred percent toxic to your pet bird and may even be toxic to other pets such as dogs and cats.
So make sure to do your research before releasing something into the air that your pets breathe.
That is why it’s important to not let your bird sleep in your bedroom because that’s where you usually use all these oils
Wrapping Up
Even though peppermint oil and other essential oils come with the label “all-natural”, these oils can be toxic to our pet birds.
It’s best to completely avoid using essential oils like these near your bird.
If you must use them, try using them in a different room and make sure your bird is not exposed to the smell as they are sensitive to even the slightest change in the air.
Not much study has been done on the effects of essential oils on birds, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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