Ask Lafeber

Can radon kill a budgie?

We lost two parakeets very quickly. The first one lived only a few weeks. We thought it was a fluke so we got another and it died in a few days. We had the vet do a necropsy but she couldn’t find any disease or heavy metals. We tested everything we could think of. (formaldehyde, CO2, mold, water toxicity, volatile organic compounds, and radon). Our radon levels were in the 4-5 range and we installed a radon mitigation system. Nothing else showed up in the testing. We were very careful to ensure the last bird wasn’t exposed to any cleaning solutions or ate anything toxic to birds.
Is that level of radon lethal for budgies or could it be something else? My son wants another bird but I want to make certain we are bringing it into a safe environment.
Thank you

Hi Aimee,

I am so sorry to hear about your little budgies. From what I have found, that level of Radon is not acceptable for humans, so yes, it is possible that this was the cause.  I would have an expert test the house and make sure everything is safe for your family first. Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems and actually used to be taken into mines as a first alert to any toxic fumes. So while you may not have felt any effects, losing these birds did alert you to a problem. Once you can determine that the radon levels are well within the safe levels for humans, then you can think about getting another bird. Meanwhile, you should also research common household hazards just to be certain it wasn’t another issue. It sounds like you have done this to some extent, but specifically research radon and pet birds as well as other airborne toxins. While PTFE & PFOA is being phased out of teflon and other non-stick products, it is still around. Some products with these coating can be toxic with normal use such as non-stick range top drip pans and shatterproof heat lightbulbs. I hope you are able to get this sorted and can add a new feathered friend to your family.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda