self-cleaning oven issues (hows THIS for wierd)

[h0mersimps0n]

Hey guys and GALS...

I'm only 23 and this is my first apartment so I'm new to a lot of this stuff such as self-cleaning ovens and such. Well I moved into this place last august and felt it was time to self-clean the oven finally. I did as my mom told me and removed all the big chunks but there was a lot of other burnt in stuff I didn't bother scraping off.

OK long story short, my apt stinks like crap and I was reading these articles online about how the fumes from self-cleaning ovens has been know to kill birds. My snakes are located on the second floor and the smell has even made it up here (though not quite as strong). All windows to the apt are open for ventilation but I'm very concerned about my animals.

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

 

[Drizzt80]

All I can do is confirm, since I own several birds as well as my snakes, that self cleaning ovens, and non-stick cookware overheating are bad for birds. As to their potential affects on snakes . . . I don't know. I know the biggest cause for concerns with birds is that their respiratory systems are very delicate. Hence they get colds etc. relatively easy as well.

On the other hand, I still use non-stick cookware, and have never had a bird become ill from it. I(we, wife) are very careful to not let the pan warm up without something being in it. (It supposedly only affects them when the pan overheats/burns, when nothing is in the pan to cook.)

I suppose the question could/should be asked as to how delicate is the cornsnakes respiratory system. That would probably lead to a clue as to the affects of self cleaning ovens and teflon cookware, etc. Or has anyone had an unexplained death that could possibly be linked to either of the above?

D80

 

[Quigs]

We have birds also and I am aware of this. In fact that is also why we use cast aluminum and cast iron cookware!

I believe the concern on self cleaning ovens stems from the same thing. The oven is coated on the inside with the T-Fal like substance. And when you "self clean" it heats up to ridiculious temps. Could be wrong, I'll have to check some of my notes on bird stuff.

As for snakes or any reptiles for that matter, if they are at risk? I would think so...surely even the largest snakes have very delicate respitory systems. I mean if you base it on size...there are some pretty large parrots out there that they say are all at risk! Reptile and bird internal anatomy is very very similiar!

The fact of the matter is the risk is minimal but definately well known! I would just becareful about it and when it is done makes sure you have more than enough ventilation.

Other things also effect birds and could in fact pose a risk to our retiles as well! Anything that comes in an aerisol can. In fact 'FeBreze' from Procter and Gamble was under fire for a long time after it first came out. Many people claiming deaths to birds caused by this product and it is in fact NOT an aerisol substance! They have since changed the chemical make up of the product and changed the label to say "PET SAFE". I now choose to not use any harse chemicals or anything with a real strong oder around any of my animals! (cleaners, sprays even some candles or incense)

Don't know if I helped you out too much. But yes, I think it is a concern and more people should be aware of it. I don't wanna make people paranoid but educate them and teach a little caution!

On a similiar note, I have been wondering the same thing about something a little different. I have noticed over the years at reptile shows and herp society meetings that there are a very large number of smokers in our hobby! Not too unusual...but again back to birds...to some birds this is dangerous! It will literally make some specimens nuerotic to the point of self mutilation! I have witnessed this first hand and it's not pretty!

So my question to add to this thread is....

How many of you all smoke? (ie. cigarettes, pipes, cigars or whatever else...hehe)

Does anyone know of any adverse effect from this?

I will admit that I am a smoker and I do take extra precautions to protect my animals...reptiles and birds. I don't go outside to smoke but I don't smoke in any rooms of our house that have cages in them. I also try to remember to wash my hands before I handle anything. Even before I touch a cage to make a simple water change.

Sorry to be so long winded, it was just a simple observation even as recently as the last show I was at this weekend, that there are a ton of smokers amongst us in the reptile industry as a whole! Should we be concerned? I'd be interested in hearing others view point on this as well as the above mentioned self cleaning ovens and teflon discussion.

This could lead to interesting and possibly very important discussion.

Sorry again for being wordy,
Quigs

 

[leia]

Very interesting discussion.

The over cleaning stinks really badly. I did buy this foam stuff that you spray, and leave on for 2 hours, then wipe off. The fumes were minimal. Maybe try something like that.

I also wanted to add that I don't allow anyone to smoke near my snake. If I'm holding him in the living room, and one of my smoking roommates (most of them smoke) are ready to light up, me and Snoogins leave the room. My brother always bugs joking that he wants to get my snake high on weed. He gets yelled at sooooo much! Just cuz he wants to get high doesn't mean my little snake does. But I'm very overproctetive of the little cutie.