Harmful Dyes & Food Coloring for Birds

Birds love bright and bold colored items; the problem is that many colors and dyes are unsafe for birds. Caution is to be exercised when selecting toys, food items or housing for a bird. It is essential to avoid chemical-based colors, such as those found in spray paint and wood stains. Although FDA-approved food colorings are not toxic to birds, they are not healthy. Vegetable dyes and organic colors are safer alternatives.

  1. Artificial Food Colors

    • Birds are drawn to bright, synthetically made colors. Typically safe for human consumption, FDA-approved food colors are not the safest choice for birds. Although not fatal if consumed, research trials have shown the products sometimes cause cancer in animals and birds. Additionally, the chemicals used are derived from toxic sources like petroleum, specifically Yellow #2 and red dyes.

    Wood Stains or Dyes

    • Most wood stains and dyes are composed of petrochemicals. These chemicals are not only combustible, but toxic to humans, animals and birds. Avoiding these stains is essential. Wood stains are sometimes used to treat wood for birdhouses, toys or perches. Many companies are now switching out harmful VOC chemicals with newer non-toxic chemicals. Though not as colorful and attractive, it is safest to leave wood surfaces untreated.

    Spray Paint Dyes or Colors

    • Spray paint ingestion is particularly dangerous. Studies linking it with brain damage are abundant. Spray painting anything that a bird is going to be touching is not advisable. Besides breathing in potentially toxic fumes, birds are able to chip the paint with their beaks. If ingested, spray paint chips cause an array of problems for a bird. No colors of spray paint are safe.

    Safe Alternatives

    • Vegetables dyes and organic food coloring are two safer alternatives for coloring bird toys, snacks or a home environment. Vegetable dyes are not as vivid as artificial food coloring, but are safe for birds. Making vegetable dye at home is easy and inexpensive. Toys, houses and snacks of a variety of colors are available using vegetable dyes. Organic food coloring comes in an assortment of bright colors and is found in most health food stores. Any color of vegetable or organic dye is acceptable and safe for birds.