My mom has a parakeet that she has on her all the time. She takes it to the kitchen while she cooks and we (my sister and I) often find little feathers (not the whole feather but like loose “hairs”). This is disgusting and it makes us sick. I’m very sensitive with this stuff and when I find something I always end up puking. She’s also losing her hair so that’s something we find in our food too... We tried telling her not to take her bird out while cooking and to wear a ponytail. I even told her that I’d cook from now on, even though I am really busy with college, but she insists. How can I change her ways? We all agree this is a very important issue.
You can also mention to Mom that cooking fumes and splatters might not be the healthiest for her parakeet, not to mention the heat from the stove. As for her hair, buy her a gift certificate for her favorite salon. Go with her and mention to the stylist that Mom has some issues with hair fallout.
As for the food at home, you and sis could perhaps pitch in and do the cooking a few days a week and then you would be assured at least some of your meals are up to your standards - btw, my father used to say we will all eat a bushel of dirt before we die.
If not, cleaning with clorox will surely kill it.
My new bird stays on the back porch, everything stays separate, and I clean the cage outdoors (after taking the bird out.). Everyone else in my family accuses me of being too particular. My son tried to pass off "the 5 second rule" if something falls on the floor, he said it is edible.
You can eat out a n y t i m e. Has your Mom always been this way, or is this a new behavior?
Everybody, wash your hands!