Teflon is pretty fancy chemistry. Coat a regular old pan with the stuff and, just like that, eggs slide right onto plates. There's no stuck-on mess to clean up (I'm told humans hate stuck on messes). Unfortunately, the perfluorinated chemicals that make Teflon so miraculous are also toxic.

See, Teflon can't stand the heat. The same is true of other PFC-based nonstick coatings. It only takes a a couple of minutes for a pan to reach temperatures of over 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and Teflon particles have been measured coming from pans at temperatures as low as 464 degrees. At 680 degrees, several different toxic gasses start to be released.

Birds have very delicate respiratory systems, and when they inhale Teflon, it causes damage to their lungs. In the end, it causes them to suffocate. Vets and scientists call it Teflon toxicosis.

People who have bird companions should not cook with nonstick pans. No ifs, ands or buts -- keeping your birds out of the kitchen is not enough. Take it from me: Teflon toxicosis isn't something to mess around with! Instead of nonstick, use stainless steel cookware, or seasoned cast iron. Keep in mind that lots of appliances, like griddles, stoves, and even irons, sometimes have nonstick coatings. Double check before buying any new cookware! Sometimes even salespeople don't know is a product has a Teflon coating. We've talked to bird owners that were reassured that a product was Teflon-free, only to be devastated later when the truth came out.

PS: This one's for you, Feathers! And for Kneeka the parrot, who left me an awesome message.