Heavy Metal Toxicity



Birds, rabbits and other small pets can be prone to poisonings by some types of 'heavy metal', paticularly lead and zinc. Below is a list of common (but by no means all) sources of lead and zinc identified in these posioning cases.

Lead



  • Weights-cutain weights especially but also fishing and diving equipment

  • Bells-check for lead clappers

  • Self righting toys

  • Batteries

  • Solder-check joints of metal articles, especially cage repairs.

  • Lead pellets from shotgun cartridges or air-rifles

  • Lead based paints, varnishes and lacquers (some lead free paints have leaded drying agents)

  • Foil from over champagne and wine corks

  • Electrician cable clips

  • Light bulb bases

  • Linoleum & Roofing Felt

  • Car exhaust fumes

  • Glazed ceramics and mirror backing

  • Costume jewellery

  • Plaster and Putty

  • Leaded or stained glass windows

  • Seeds for planting (coated with lead arsenate)


    • Zinc


  • Galvenised wire, nails,clips padlocks and feeding bowls especailly when new (brushing with a wire brush and vinegar reduces, but doesn't eliminate the risk)

  • "White rust" on older galvanised products

  • Metal monopoly game pieces or similar

  • Some coins

  • 'C-Clamps' used to attach toys to cages

  • Wires used as hangers for chew-sticks

  • Shiny 'silver' coating on cage bars