If your bird is out and your ceiling fan is on, you are rolling dice you can’t afford to roll. This is one of those zero-gray-area safety rules for parrot homes.
Start here: open-window escape checklist and flight safety basics at home. Then lock down fan risk with the checklist below.
Rule #1: Fan off before cage doors open
Not “low speed.” Off. Habit beats intention, so put this in your routine: fan switch off, verify blades stop, then open cage. If multiple people share the home, make it a spoken check.
Birds can launch unexpectedly, especially during excited greetings. Even calm birds can spook. Ceiling fan injuries happen in seconds.
Safer airflow options that still keep you comfortable
Use airflow that does not create overhead strike risk: a tower fan with covered blades aimed away from the bird zone, cross-ventilation from screened windows, or AC with indirect vents.
Place perches and stands away from direct drafts. Comfort matters, but consistency matters more: same safe layout every day means fewer surprises for your bird.
Quick room checklist (save this)
- Ceiling fan switch confirmed OFF
- Windows screened and doors latched
- No stovetop, candles, or aerosol use nearby
- Landing zones clear of sharp edges
- Recall cue practiced before free-flight time
If your bird has already had a close call, tighten the routine for two weeks straight. Safety is a systems problem, not a luck problem.