Death Metals

Note: Be sure to read the warning about aluminum in the section about unsafe metals.

Stainless Steel (SS)

Stainless Steel is an alloy that is safe – even though stainless steel combines about 11% chromium with steel in the product (you will read that chromium contains zinc). Since chromium might only contain a small percentage of zinc, and stainless steel contains only a percentage of chromium, levels are lowered and overall, it is safe. In fact, stainless steel is the preferred metal to use with parrots. It is a hard surface that can stand up to a large beak and is easily cleaned (Bird Tricks).
Identifying Stainless Steel:
Stainless Steel should be non-magnetic. If the stainless still has magnetic properties, it is a low grade and you should consider choosing another stainless steel product.

Tin

Tin is not toxic to birds (Metals). Also, it does not rust but it does oxidize (WhiteHat, 2015).

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron is only safe if powder coated or covered with bird safe paint. Read the note about paints

Bird safe paint to cover metal

Unsafe

Aluminum

Aluminum is often found on “safe metal” lists but recent studies indicate the opposite. When aluminum enters the body, it is absorbed and can accumulate in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, and thyroid. Research indicates aluminum is a cause of degenerative problems such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Osteoporosis (Dr. Edward Group DC, Toxic Metals, 2013) (Dr. Edward Group DC, Aluminum Linked to Disease, 2014).
Many leaders in the bird and parrot community consider aluminum to be a safe metal (Bird Tricks), however through scientific research, aluminum is proving to be unsafe for parrots and other birds.

Brass

Brass is potentially toxic. It is an alloy of copper and zinc with are both potentially toxic to birds (Metals).

Chrome, Chromium, or Chrome-Plated

Chrome, chromium, or chrome-plated metals are alloys that are sometimes safe, but they sometimes incorporate zinc and there is not a practical way to know. Because of the possibility of zinc, the use of chrome is discouraged with birds – even though it is possibly safe (Bird Tricks).

Copper

Copper is potentially toxic to birds although avian toxicity from this metal is less common. Acidic foods stored in copper containers may leach out copper, and occasionally copper piping for water is a potential source of increased copper in the diet if the water is slightly acidic and has been allowed to remain in contact with the piping for some length of time. Allowing the water from the tap to run for a few minutes before filling the water dishes will prevent this problem (Metals).

Iron

Iron is not toxic to birds (Metals) but it will rust when introduced to water. Because water is common in the parrot environment if only for the purpose of cleaning, iron is not a good choice in the long run (Bird Tricks).

Lead – EXTREMELY TOXIC

Lead is extremely toxic to birds. Common sources of lead include lead paint, curtain weights, lead frames of stained glass windows, and Tiffany lamps, and weighted ashtrays and toys (Metals).

Nickel and Nickel-Plated

Nickel and nickel-plated metals are commonly found on “safe metal” lists for birds (Bird Tricks), however, new research indicates the opposite.
Nickel is one of many carcinogenic (cancer-causing) metals known to be an environmental and occupational pollutant. The New York University School of Medicine warns that chronic exposure has been connected with increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, neurological deficits, and developmental deficits in childhood.
Nickel exposure introduces free radicals, which lead to oxidative damage and may also affect the kidneys and
liver (Dr. Edward Group DC, Health Dangers of Nickel, 2013)
In addition, with nickel-plated metals, owners need to be aware of the metal under the plating. If a parrot wears down the plating, it may be exposed to a toxic metal.

Steel

Steel is not toxic to birds (Metals) but it will rust when introduced to water. Because water is common in the parrot environment if only for the purpose of cleaning, steel is not a good choice in the long run (Bird Tricks).

Zinc – EXTREMELY TOXIC

Zinc is extremely toxic to birds. Sources include galvanized cage wire, clips or staples, bird toy snaps, zippers, keys, nails, plumbing nuts, nuts on animal transport cages, hardware cloth, padlocks, chrome, and some antirust paints, shampoos and skin preparations (Metals).

Other Considerations

Anything treated with antirust paints because it may include zinc.
Anything galvanized – EXTREMELY TOXIC
Galvanized metals contain zinc. Because of this, it is important not to use any metal that is galvanized (Bird Tricks). Galvanizing is the process during which metals are plated with a thin coating of zinc to make them less corrosive. When intended for outdoor use, these metals are galvanized to make them weather resistant (Metals).

Alloys

An alloy is a combination of metal used together to increase the strength of the resistance to corrosion in the final product (Bird Tricks). Before determining if the Alloy is toxic or safe, find out what metals are used in the Alloy (Jones).

Rust and oxidation

Additional Tools

Poster/refrigerator reminder of Toxic Metals. Right-click the image to print it.

Where to get Safe Metals

The Parrot Mom

You can find our recommended Stainless Steel products on The Parrot Mom website. All of our items are compatible with the Xerch Perch and can also be used in cages and other places your parrot enjoys.

ABirdToy

ABirdToy has a great variety of Stainless Steel items for parrots.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr carries a great variety of Stainless Steel hardware. Because their products are intended for other uses than animal products, you may need to clean the parts before giving them to your parrot. There is often a thin layer of grease or shards from the manufacturing process.