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Post by ladybird on Mar 3, 2020 14:48:18 GMT
We have an open plan house, and before we got Charlie I used to light a perfumed candle when I had been cooking, also I had a plug in air freshener. Obvious these are both banned now, but it has got me wondering if there is anything I can do to freshen up my home without harming Charlie?
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Mar 3, 2020 17:46:40 GMT
I used cinnamon sticks in a little boiling water, also orange or lemon peel in a little boiling water. It seems to do the trick for me.
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Post by ladybird on Mar 3, 2020 18:52:31 GMT
Oh good idea ......guess what cake I made yesterday...and what did I do with the peel 🤬🤬
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Post by blue48 on Mar 3, 2020 19:33:23 GMT
I boil up herbal teabags. Blackcurrant smells wonderful, so does the orange, turmeric and star anise.
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Post by ladybird on Mar 3, 2020 20:01:01 GMT
Thank you blue48 for more good ideas...
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Post by samwiseg on Mar 4, 2020 9:21:32 GMT
We used to have a mandarine oil that went into an infuser as you say, banned when the birds came along but just LOVE the idea of boiling up some orange peel BRILLIANT! Thanks for posting about this ladybird
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Post by ladybird on Mar 4, 2020 19:39:43 GMT
Are the certain candles that are safe? Beeswax for instance, or have I got that wrong......
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Mar 5, 2020 1:55:43 GMT
I'd be interested in knowing what others have to say about this. We know scented candles are not good. A few years ago there was a big deal going around about cheaper candles that had lead in the wick. But what about pure beeswax candles from a reliable source? Would be nice to use those tapers on the dinner table. I have a gas cooktop that everyone says is safe for the birds. If that's safe why not beeswax?
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Post by Hezz on Mar 5, 2020 9:40:53 GMT
I have little knowledge about this sort of thing. My house is open all year round and have never used any sort of anything to freshen up the house - what is outside basically is what you smell inside. But I do know that there is a company, American I think, that makes essential oils or the like that are bird safe. Because it has not been of interest to me, I haven't taken much notice. It's just been something that I have seen mentioned on a different bird forum.
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Post by samwiseg on Mar 5, 2020 11:59:07 GMT
Are the certain candles that are safe? Beeswax for instance, or have I got that wrong...... In that instance I dont think it is the candle wax that is the problem, but the burning of the wick? That would be my thinking, but dont quote me on it!
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Post by Shirls on Mar 7, 2020 19:31:57 GMT
Lovely ideas suggested by everyone, very handy as I have more or less an open plan bungalow, and food smells are ok when you are cooking or just about to eat, but not favourable when they linger. Boiling up citrus peels and flavoured tea bags sounds brilliant to me! I shall definitely give it a go. Thanks everyone!
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Mar 7, 2020 19:57:31 GMT
I have done some additional on-line research just because this topic intrigues me. The one thing that everyone seems to agree upon is that the wick needs to be 100% cotton. After that the debate is on soy wax vs beeswax.The argument for beeswax is that it is pure, no petroleum products added so it burns clean. One source says that if your are really into candles and have birds, you should make your own. With added fragrance, be careful that you are using pure essential oils. Also check that they are bird safe like orange, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, rosemary. BTW, I found a source that said oregano was good if your bird is suffering from respiratory issues. Here's the link to reference I liked: birdtricksstore.com/blogs/parrot-care-blog/diy-parrot-safe-candlesEverything considered, I like boiling cinnamon sticks or orange/lemon peel and also the tea idea. Its just less trouble to do and the ingredients are readily available. I have boiled the cinnamon sticks myself when I have had guests come over. About three sticks in a pot of water works nicely for me and does give off a nice but not overwhelming fragrance. Enjoy!
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