[Snowbird]

I have a question about a problem that I hope I can find a solution for. I am starting to think of taking up the hobby of building models again. The one problem I have is that the models I build requires fast drying cement for plastic in order for parts to stay together. The problem is that this fast drying cement is toxic and gives off fumes. It does dry relatively fast however. My question is if anyone has any suggestions of how I can hopefully resume my hobby without putting my bird in danger of the fumes? I would most certainly use it in a well ventilated area. Is there a way that the glue may become no longer toxic to her after drying after a particular amount of time? I love my hobby but love my bird much, much more. Any advice would be very helpful and appreciated.

 

[Jaylach]

Any chance that you have a room that can be kept off limits from your friend such a garage, attic or basement?

There are also plastic glues are rated as non-toxic. The problem is, I'm sure, that the non-toxic rating is for humans. That does not guarantee that the product is safe for your tiel.

You can also try a silicone based glue such as is used for aquariums. I just don't know if they would dry quick enough for your models.

 

[Snowbird]

Thank you for your response. I have looked into non toxic cement glues. Unfortunately, none really work that well with those models. It’s near impossible to use them effectively. However, I will go ahead and buy the non toxic glue again though. It’s worth a shot.

To answer your question, the model would definitely would definitely be in a place in a part of the home away from where my cockatiel is allowed. It’ll pretty much be on a table on the other side of the house and in a box. The glue is supposed to be completely dry within 12 hrs; hopefully that would mean that toxic fumes would no longer be released by then. My Cockatiel also has a high quality Rabbit Air HEPA air purifier in mine and her room. I’m hoping these precautions seem adequate.

Thank you so much. If you have any more feedback, I’m all ears. Anything I can get advice on to keep my bird safe is always something I would be eager to hear and heed.

 

[tielbob]

Just a note - don't count on the HEPA filters to be of any help with the fumes - they are meant to reduces particulates in the air (hence the P in HEPA) such as dust, pollen, feather dander, etc. The glue fumes are in gaseous form and will pass through them. Other than the possibility of finding a suitable low-voc ('odorless') cement I don't see a safe way for your tiel to coexist with the model hobby. Perhaps the 'safer' glues are better than they were when you last checked, but you'd still want to be sure that you used something safe for birds (somehow) and not just humans, as mentioned before.

 

[Jaylach]

To answer your question, the model would definitely would definitely be in a place in a part of the home away from where my cockatiel is allowed. It’ll pretty much be on a table on the other side of the house and in a box.

Then I can't really see an issue but then I'm no pro. If the 'model room' is on the other side of the house I can't see how any glue fumes would reach your friend. Close the door to the model room and build away. If the room does not have a door hang a curtain in the doorway. Actually a cloth curtain could be even better than a door unless the door has good seals as the cloth would absorb fumes. For more safety put a fan in a window closest to your model build with the air going to the outside.

 

[Geartmar]

This can be toxic for your birds if you use them close to them but since you said you are working in a well-ventilated place then I think this is not dangerous for them. You are a responsible pet owner I can see.

 

[Snowbird]

Thank you all for your responses. It’s been a bit hectic over here. It slipped my mind to check back in on here.

I tested out the new non toxic cement recommendation. It seems to do better than the last time I tried them. I think it has been improved upon, or I just had bad luck years ago with it. Not much of a smell to it. I’m still planning on taking all the extra precautions I mentioned in previous posts though.

Other bit of good news is that many of these newer models don’t require much gluing from the looks of it. I’m also contacting the company that makes the it to find out a little more about the non toxic cement to determine how safe it is for animals and birds.

Thank you all for the responses!