Teflon Poisoning

[ChippysMama]

I'm a first time new mom of two little ducklings. I learned about teflon poisoning from deep diving a few forums and am now super worried. We cooked with some non-stick pans but not at high heat and we tend to keep windows open and the stove top vents on when cooking. Should I be worried? I'm planning on getting rid of my pans now that I know.
Also if anyone has any recommendations for non teflon cookware at a reasonable price and tip on how to keep these guys healthy that would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

 

[KaleIAm]

I believe cast iron is safe for birds. If you cure it correctly it has decent non stick properties.

I would never use teflon or other "non stick" coated pans in a home with birds. People have had their pet birds die.

 

[RebekahTN]

I'm a first time new mom of two little ducklings. I learned about teflon poisoning from deep diving a few forums and am now super worried. We cooked with some non-stick pans but not at high heat and we tend to keep windows open and the stove top vents on when cooking. Should I be worried? I'm planning on getting rid of my pans now that I know.
Also if anyone has any recommendations for non teflon cookware at a reasonable price and tip on how to keep these guys healthy that would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

Will the ducklings be going outside in a week or 2? If so maybe just use the microwave and/or oven a bit more during that time.
Ducks are NOT fun to raise in the house... I mean they ARE if you can figure out a way to keep things dry.... but I haven't had much luck. They also get big way faster than chicks.
I will never brood ducks in winter/very early spring again. They will need to wait until spring so they will only be in the house a week or 2.

 

[ChippysMama]

Will the ducklings be going outside in a week or 2? If so maybe just use the microwave and/or oven a bit more during that time.
Ducks are NOT fun to raise in the house... I mean they ARE if you can figure out a way to keep things dry.... but I haven't had much luck. They also get big way faster than chicks.
I will never brood ducks in winter/very early spring again. They will need to wait until spring so they will only be in the house a week or 2.

I am planning on putting them outside in a proper and safe duck house once they get big. For now the little guys seem to have separation anxiety and will follow me around/ cry super loud when left alone. I am just super worried about the teflon poisoning at this point They haven't been acting any different since and have really big appetites!

 

[ChippysMama]

I believe cast iron is safe for birds. If you cure it correctly it has decent non stick properties.

I would never use teflon or other "non stick" coated pans in a home with birds. People have had their pet birds die.

I'll look into picking up a few cast irons! Are all cast irons PTFE Teflon free?
Thanks for the response!

 

[Kiki]

I'll look into picking up a few cast irons! Are all cast irons PTFE Teflon free?
Thanks for the response!

As long as you aren't cooking with your ducklings sitting on the counter next to your pot I think you can calm down and stop worrying so much.

 

[ChippysMama]

As long as you aren't cooking with your ducklings sitting on the counter next to your pot I think you can calm down and stop worrying so much.

Ahh I know I'm a huge worry wart! Being a first time mom is so scary I just want to do everything right and raise em nice and healthy I definitely overthink every tiny sneeze. I appreciate the peace of mind, thank you for your reply!

 

[Tonyroo]

Teflon pan only leech when cooking on high heat with nothing in it. Your fine using the Teflon pan, just don't allow food to burn in the pan. Don't worry to much, if your still concerned you can always move them to another room or garage.

 

[ChippysMama]

Teflon pan only leech when cooking on high heat with nothing in it. Your fine using the Teflon pan, just don't allow food to burn in the pan. Don't worry to much, if your still concerned you can always move them to another room or garage.

Thank you! After finding out about Teflon I have moved the babies to a different room while I cook with the windows open and ventilation on. I keep it on for a while to air out the kitchen and the home before letting them roam again. I appreciate your response!

 

[KaleIAm]

I'll look into picking up a few cast irons! Are all cast irons PTFE Teflon free?
Thanks for the response!

I believe the solid black ones are, but I've seen some fancy styles that are colored and coated, and I'm not sure what that stuff is made of, so you'd have to check.

I'm not trying to be contradictory, but an owner shared their experience with me about their bird who passed away because of cooking with a Teflon pan. The owner was making french toast on medium heat. The parrot was in another room. The pan likely overheated on the edges where there was no food. Even on lower temperatures heat can build up.

It is perhaps unlikely, but any chance is too much for me. Which is why I would not risk it.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/teflon-polytetrafluoroethylene-poisoning-in-birds

"In the case of a non-stick surface becoming over-heated and therefore releasing its toxins, a common scenario involves a non-stick pan left on the stovetop. The person gets distracted, the pan over heats or burns, and toxic gases are released into the air. This can even happen at lower temperatures.
Why are birds in danger of “Teflon poisoning”?
Birds have unique, highly efficient respiratory systems and are therefore very sensitive to inhaled toxins or poisons, such as PTFE. Your bird doesn’t even need to be NEAR the offending appliance or item for poisoning to happen."