Window strikes and falls from height are serious welfare risks for companion birds in home environments, requiring specific safety measures to prevent injury and death.
Window strikes and ceiling fan injuries cause entirely preventable deaths and serious injuries in companion birds. The welfare cost is severe - birds struck by ceiling fans often suffer fatal or catastrophic injuries instantaneously. Window strikes cause internal haemorrhage that may not be immediately apparent but results in death hours later. Creating a bird-safe environment before allowing free flight - closing windows, turning off ceiling fans, blocking mirrors - is a fundamental owner responsibility. The balance between allowing natural flight for exercise and welfare versus preventing flight to avoid injury is a genuine welfare tension, but can be managed with appropriate environmental modifications.