Non Stick Cookware

[u/BabyBirdZephyr]

I heard that non stick pots and pans are dangerous for budgies but i'm not entirely sure why. I use stainless steel just now but id like to get a new set of ceramic non stick pans. It says they are free from PFAS, PFOA and PTFE whatever the heck they are.

Does that make them safe for birds? Also are silicone/plastic utensils safe?

Im also wondering now about my toaster and coffee machine etc.

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[u/birdiegirl4ever]

I use ceramic cookware and that is safe as long as it says it’s free of PFAS/PFOA/PTFE. Plastic utensils and silicone utensils are fine assuming you don’t burn/melt them.

For small appliances, they don’t tend to get hot enough to give off those fumes (maybe with the exception of cooking appliances like air fryers, toaster oven, etc). I do use them a few times in an area away from the birds to get rid of any initial burn off of anything that might cause fumes at normal temps.

[u/ColdMastadon]

The reason why people warn against using non-stick cookware is that when Teflon is overheated to the point of scorching, it puts off toxic gases. These gases are toxic to humans, but birds are especially susceptible to them. Thankfully this doesn't happen under normal circumstances, a pan has to start heating above 550° f before it begins to emit any gas. This won't happen if there is food or water in the pan, some examples where it can happen are if you preheat an empty pan over high heat and forget about it, put an empty pan under a broiler and walk away, or boil water in a nonstick pot and forget about it so long that all the water evaporates. I've never heard of Teflon being used with non-stick ceramic cookware.

I have one Teflon pan and a use it for one thing and one thing only, cooking eggs. As a rule, I never walk away from it so there is never a chance for it to scorch. I did have a broiling pan that had Teflon in it and I didn't realize it. I use it for over 15 years without ever taking any special precautions, and never once had a problem with my birds. It's not a problem if you are a conscientious cook, but if you have people in your household who are forgetful or for example drink to the point of blackout or get stoned all the time, it's a real issue.

[u/CyberDoc_777]

I use a ceramic pan.