Pictures Rubber from perches can cause poisoning?

[focadan]

Hello guys! I have a question for you: Do any of you know if the rubber from the perches can cause poisoning? I’ve read on the internet that some rubber may contain lead in its composition… My bird just got off from the vet with a diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning (X-ray attached) and I was wondering what could have caused it… I’ve taken every precaution to prevent this from happening, but somehow my bird managed to outsmart me and got herself in a bit of a pickle… now it’s on a chelation treatment with antibiotics and the vet thinks her chances are very good ‘cause we caught it early. So I was wondering how she did it…and the only thing I didn’t think about was seeing her chew at the rubber from the perches. I didn’t stop her because I taught it was harmless, but as I was surfing the web today, I just happened to search if rubber can contain lead, and apparently it can… so I’m wondering if any of you know if those kind of perches (attached picture) are safe for cockatiels? Please help me figure out this one because I don’t know how to prevent this from happening to my bird again. Thanks a lot!

 

[Shezbug]

I have never seen or heard of a perch containing rubber. Many birds are given certain toys made of some type of rubber but I do not think I have ever heard of it being ingested. @Mizzely have you ever heard of this issue with rubber?

I hope your therapy goes smoothly and your bird is better in no time! Natural perches might be a good thing to get to replace all plastic/rubber perches you have

 

[Mizzely]

I've never seen perches like that either.

But yes, rubber can contain lead unfortunately.

 

[Shezbug]

I've never seen perches like that either.

But yes, rubber can contain lead unfortunately.

I am hoping the kong toys and other rubber bird toys people regularly offer are free of it- do you know?

 

[Mizzely]

I am hoping the kong toys and other rubber bird toys people regularly offer are free of it- do you know?

I don't know to be honest. I remember there was some issues a while ago with rubber being found in kids playground equipment.

 

[Shezbug]

I don't know to be honest. I remember there was some issues a while ago with rubber being found in kids playground equipment.

Right, thank you, this convinces me to toss the dogs rubber kong and the rubber nobby knot ball Burt likes to toss at my head when I am not looking. I never heard of there being horrid things in rubber before- how scary.

 

[Mizzely]

Right, thank you, this convinces me to toss the dogs rubber kong and the rubber nobby knot ball Burt likes to toss at my head when I am not looking. I never heard of there being horrid things in rubber before- how scary.

I definitely think there are safe rubbers. Playground equipment is often made from recycled materials which I don't think Kongs are. Kong brand i would imagine is safe, especially if he's not ingesting it.

 

[Shezbug]

I definitely think there are safe rubbers. Playground equipment is often made from recycled materials which I don't think Kongs are. Kong brand i would imagine is safe, especially if he's not ingesting it.

Good she likes to throw it about the yard so I will let her keep it but I am no longer comfortable with the cheap rubber knot ball so that can go.

 

[focadan]

Thank you for all for your anwers and help. I've decided to replace all of the perches with wood ones just to be on the super safe side. Thanks I hope nothing like this ever happens to anyone else