One of the best ways to get your house festive this winter season is by adding candles. Yet, in choosing the candles for our house we need to not only consider the festive spirit but also our feathered friends who will celebrate with us. In my article on ‘Winter Holidays With These Bird Safe Candles’ I will reveal the reasons why traditional candles are toxic for birds and will propose some alternatives. Let’s get into it.
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Disclaimer: I am not a parrot expert, therefore the information in this site represents my opinion based on my experience. Please do not make decisions based solely on my articles. It helps to do further research.
Why Are Traditional Candles Toxic For Birds
If you’re a bird lover, you might be wondering why traditional candles are toxic for birds. After all, candles are often used to create a relaxing ambiance, and what could be more relaxing than the gentle flicker of a candle?
Unfortunately, the truth is that traditional candles can release harmful chemicals into the air that can be deadly for birds.
Traditional candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining. When burned, paraffin candles release harmful chemicals into the air, including toluene and benzene. These chemicals have been linked to cancer in humans, and they can also be deadly for birds.
In addition to being toxic, the fumes from burning paraffin candles can also irritate a bird’s respiratory system.
The Effect Of Toxins On Birds
Birds are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals because they have a high respiratory rate.
This means that they take in more oxygen and breathe out more carbon dioxide than we do. This also means that they’re more likely to be affected by any toxins that are in the air. In fact, even low concentrations of benzene can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches in birds. At high concentrations, benzene can be fatal.
In addition to the toxins released by burning paraffin wax, many traditional candles also contain lead wicks.
When burned, these lead wicks release lead into the air, which can be harmful to both humans and animals. Studies have shown that exposure to lead can cause developmental problems in children and neurological problems in adults.
Birds are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because they absorb it more easily than we do. Just like with the fumes from burning paraffin wax, exposure to even low levels of lead can cause health problems in birds. At high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Related: GREEN CHEEK CONURE CARE
The Benefits of Switching to Led Candles
Luckily, there are now LED candles that are a much safer option. Here are some benefits of making the switch to led candles this winter holiday season:
- Most LED candles are made with real paraffin wax. While the wax gives the same look and feel as the traditional candles, led candles don’t actually ‘burn’ making them a safe choice for our birds.
- Unlike traditional candles, led candles don’t release any fumes or toxins into the air.
- Led candles come in a wide variety of colors and sizes to fit any holiday décor.
- They also flicker and look just like real candles, providing the same ambiance without the risk.
- Led candles are a great way to show your feathered friends that you care about their health and safety this holiday season.
Which Bird Safe Candles Are Trending?
Below is a selection of different LED candles for you to pick the right one for you and your feathered friend.
Homemory Flameless Tea Lights Candles
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Flickering bulb |
| Flameless candles |
| On/off switch |
| Batteries are included |
| 100+ hours of light-time |
| Con’s |
|---|
| Look fake from close-by |
| No remote control |
| No dimmer function |
The flickering bulb flameless candles will add a cool and romantic vibe to your night time. They’re perfect for using as mood lights at home, in restaurants or other places that need some extra romance!
These battery operated tea lights are great for kids, pets and seniors! They’re safe without having to worry about fire or burning risks.
Homemory 2PCS Flameless Taper Candles with Remote and Timer
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Gets warm and not too hot Warm spot for your bird to snuggle against at night or after a bath Warms up only a small area of the cage Thermostatically controlled Can be on 24/7 Easy to disconnect and move the cage around |
| Con’s |
|---|
| Plugs get damaged Do not warm up sufficiently Might take time for the birds to get used to it Needs to be plugged-in to function |
The battery-operated taper candles are made of real wax coat which is very substantial and won’t degrade over time, plus some actually melted wax added to the tops so they appear more drippy.
These candles are perfect for any occasion! These beautiful and creative designs will add that romantic or warm atmosphere you’re looking to create. Try them in your wedding venue, at Christmas time with family members around the dinner table – they can be used everyday of the year (and never go out of style).
ABAMERICA LED Flame Effect Lamp
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Suitable as a table lamp and flam light |
| Ultra-realistic flame look |
| Convertible between flame light ®ular white light |
| Timer and remote function |
| Comes in either grey or white cylinder |
| Con’s |
|---|
| Needs to be plugged in to work |
| LED bulb is not replaceable |
The thoughtful accent pieces like wooden seats or frosted cylinder bring an elegant feel while the remote control functions make this option perfect. This is a hands free use solution for your next event without having worry about batteries running out on them due before time ends- it even has a timer function so all those hours won’t go wasted either!
A Glass Battery Operated LED Flameless Candles with Remote and Timer
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Flameless, remote function |
| Candle mode will randomly change the brightness |
| Adjustable light modes (flicker/steady glow) and brightness level |
| Con’s |
|---|
| Batteries not included |
| No dimmer function |
What’s better than a nice, relaxing evening by the fire? With these flameless candles you can enjoy an amazing ambiance without having to worry about any pesky flames. No more worries or accidents because they’re completely safe for everyone in your family!
You will receive 3 impressive flickering candles and 1 remote control. It can be widely applied to Birthday, Christmas or other occasions where you want an engaging decoration that’s also energy saving!
Luminara Realistic Artificial Moving Flame Pillar Candle with Lavender & Rosemary Inclusion
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Real flame-effect candle |
| Flameless |
| Remote and timer functions |
| Look like traditional candles, made with 100% pure paraffin wax |
| Con’s |
|---|
| The remote is sold separately |
| No dimmer function |
| Batteries not included |
Flameless candles are a safe, eco-friendly alternative to their traditional counterparts. Since there’s no actual combustion or wax consumption involved in these flameless wonders of modern technology – just LED light–they don’t emit any soot into your home’s air quality while providing you with beautiful illumination for hours on end!
They’re great if small children and pets live here too. They make the perfect present for any occasion.
Luminara Realistic Artificial Flame Classic Pillar Candle
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Flickering effect similar to real wax candles |
| Timer and remote functions |
| Flameless |
| Made of paraffin wax |
| Con’s |
|---|
| The remote is not included |
| No dimmer function |
| Batteries not included |
They look just like real candles and they even emit a beautiful flame.
The shape of these fake lights is perfect to mimic that partially burnt-out feel, while the light moving across its surface gives off an otherworldly glow which makes them stand out amongst other objects on your fireplace mantle or bookcase!
Eldnacele Flameless Flickering Candles with Embedded String Light
| Pro’s |
|---|
| Flickering flame function |
| Timer and remote functions |
| Flameless |
| Made of real wax |
| Con’s |
|---|
| Batteries not included |
Each candle is wrapped with silver wire string lights that give off the perfect elegant and stunning lighting effect. The white wicks provide romantic warm light while giving off an ambiance similar to real candle wax, making them great additions when you want something special without any worries about fire or smoke hazards associated with traditional wax.
These flameless candles are a must-have for any room in your house!
Conclusion
As a bird lover, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that traditional candles pose to your feathered friends. Luckily, there are now many safe alternatives available, including LED candles.
With no risk of toxic fumes or toxins, you can enjoy the ambiance of real candles without worry. Plus, LED candles come in a range of colors and styles to perfectly match your holiday décor.
So if you want to create a relaxing ambiance without putting your birds at risk, choose one of the LED candles above instead of traditional paraffin candles. Show your bird-loving friends and family that you care about their safety by gifting them led candles this year! Your birds and your family’s birds will thank you!
Hi Tatiana,
Thanks for the recommendations for bird-safe candles. The Luminara candles caught my full attention since they are so realistic and fit my place. They are ambiance-creating and look nice, especially on cold days. I think they are my top pick if I need to purchase for my feathered friends or just myself.
Matt
Hi Matt and thank you for your thoughts.
There is certainly an LED candle that suits everybody, including bird owners 🙂
I am happy that one of my recommendations caught your eye. To be fair, I would also recommend these candles for people with breathing issues, elderly and children.
All the best,
Tatiana