1. Create a Clean Air Environment

• Invest in an Air Purifier: A high-quality HEPA air purifier is essential to remove fine particles and toxins from the air. Place it near your bird’s cage, but ensure the purifier does not emit ozone, which can harm birds.

• Ventilate with Clean Air: Once it’s safe to do so, open windows and use fans to bring in fresh air. If outdoor air quality is still poor, avoid this step and rely on indoor purification.

• Minimize Dust and Allergens: Regularly clean your bird’s living area. Vacuum with a HEPA filter and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove soot or ash.

2. Hydration Is Key

• Smoke exposure can dehydrate your bird, leading to respiratory discomfort.

• Provide Fresh, Filtered Water: Ensure your bird has constant access to clean water to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins.

• Offer Hydrating Foods: Foods with high water content, like cucumbers, melons, or citrus fruits (in moderation), can boost hydration.

3. Monitor Their Breathing

Birds affected by smoke or bad air may display respiratory distress, such as:

• Open-mouth breathing

• Tail bobbing (when the tail moves up and down with each breath)

• Wheezing or clicking sounds

• Lethargy or reduced vocalization

Action: If you observe these symptoms, take your bird to an avian veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can prevent long-term health issues.

4. Boost Their Immune System

After exposure to smoke, your bird’s body needs extra support.

• Offer Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Fresh berries, pomegranates, apples (without seeds), and other safe fruits high in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation caused by smoke inhalation.

5. Bathe Them Gently

• Mist or Provide a Bath: Lightly mist your bird with clean, lukewarm water or offer a shallow dish for bathing. This can soothe irritated skin and help clear smoke particles from their feathers.

• Avoid Overdoing It: Do not force a bath if your bird is stressed or breathing heavily.

6. Limit Activity

• Reduce your bird’s physical activity during recovery to prevent further strain on their respiratory system. Provide calm and quiet surroundings, as stress can exacerbate breathing difficulties.

7. Avoid Smoke Exposure in the Future

• Plan for Emergencies: During fire season, keep a "go bag" with essentials for your bird, including a small travel cage, food, water, and air-purifying masks designed for birds, if available.

• Use Sealed Rooms: If outdoor air quality worsens, seal windows and doors and run your air purifier to protect your bird.

8. Schedule a Vet Check-Up

Even if your bird appears to recover, smoke exposure can have long-term effects on their health. Schedule a visit to an avian vet for a thorough check-up to ensure no lingering respiratory damage or other issues.

Final Thoughts

Your bird relies on you for protection and care during environmental crises. By creating a safe, clean air environment and supporting their recovery, you can help your feathered companion breathe easy again. Remember, prevention and quick action are the best ways to protect your bird during fire season.

Other Articles about bird health

Surviving the California Fires

How to Evacuate with Parrots During Fires

The Flock

Debra’s avian family includes a 19-year-old Goffin’s cockatoo named Mabel, an 18-year-old Senegal parrot named Apollo, and two budgies, Chauncey (3) and Cirrus (1). Like many bird owners, Debra has a deep bond with her birds, especially Mabel, who has been a feather plucker since the age of two. “I’ve had her since she was a baby. I did everything I could to help her stop, but it became clear I just needed to love her the way she is,” Debra said.

The Chaos of Evacuation

When the evacuation order came in, panic set in immediately. “We didn’t get the notice until almost 7 PM, so I was in a complete panic—probably the worst of my life—trying to figure out where to go and how to get everyone out safely,” Debra recalled.

A major issue was retrieving travel cages, which were buried deep in the garage. In the rush, Debra and her husband struggled to assemble the collapsing cages for Mabel and Apollo. Ultimately, they opted to keep all the birds in their smaller carriers, a decision that worked out. “I think they felt safer that way,” she said.

Packing for the journey proved equally challenging. Debra managed to grab their chop, seed mixes, and refrigerated foods for both the birds and her dog, Dorothy, but critical items were left behind in the chaos. “I forgot the budgies’ broccoli and sprouts, as well as Apollo and the budgies’ Avi-Cakes. I’ve learned that I need to have an emergency kit with travel-sized food containers and treats like millet, which could help comfort the budgies,” she said.

Finding a Place to Stay

Perhaps the most stressful part of the ordeal was finding a place to stay. Hotels were charging exorbitant rates—up to $700 per night with multi-night minimums—and navigating lobbies with four birds and a dog seemed impossible.

“We realized an Airbnb was our best option,” Debra explained, but finding one that was affordable, available, and willing to accommodate pets late at night was a nightmare. “We finally found a place. The guy was really nice, but the house was a mess—like it hadn’t been cleaned in months. We had no choice but to take it, and it cost us $1,500 for two nights. It was far from ideal, but at least we and our babies were safe.”

Lessons Learned

Debra’s experience offered important takeaways for bird owners facing similar emergencies:

1. Have Travel Supplies Ready: Keep travel cages, food, and emergency kits easily accessible. “I’ve learned we need pre-packed containers of food and treats for each bird, including items like Avi-Cakes and millet for comfort,” Debra said.

2. Include Comfort Items: Travel cages should have perches and bowls, but Debra also realized the importance of packing toys. “There were no toys in their travel cages, and I think having some would have helped them feel more at ease.”

3. Plan for Shelter: The lack of pet-friendly emergency accommodations is a significant challenge. Debra advises researching Airbnb or other alternatives in advance and having a list of potential places to contact during an evacuation.

4. Stay Calm: Despite the panic, Debra discovered the importance of taking a moment to breathe and think. “I forgot so many things simply because I was in such a rush. Staying calm would have made all the difference.”

Reflecting on the Experience

The wildfire evacuation was one of the most stressful experiences of Debra’s life, but her determination to keep her flock safe never wavered. “Where can you go with your birds and a dog and stay together at a moment’s notice?” she asked. It’s a question that underscores the unique challenges bird owners face in emergencies.

For bird owners, Debra’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of preparedness. Wildfires and other emergencies can strike without warning, but with the right plans in place, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your feathered companions.

Debra’s final piece of advice? “Never underestimate how much you love your birds. In a crisis, you’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. Just make sure you’re ready.”