I'll probably get reamed for this post but it needs to be said.

While I do sympathize with your situation, the fact is as long as you live in your mother's house you're stuck with your situation not getting a bird because of the risk.

You mother is an adult and nurse or not, it's her decision if she wants to smoke or not. As long as it's legal it's her right to do so, and being a nurse she does full well know the risks.

As to how to 'make' her quit, I think that's her decision not yours. While many people here have suggested giving her a 'guilt trip', taping notes around the house, and basically begging her every day, I don't believe any of those are a good idea. Sit down with her just ONCE and explain why you want her to quit, and accept whatever answer she gives you and go on with your life. When you move out of her house you can get a bird and live in a smoke-free home.

Think of it this way...We ALL have our bad habits, whether it's smoking, eating too many candy bars or ice cream, not eating enough fruits/vegetables, or not excersizing enough. How would you feel if everyday someone taped notes up for you, gave you a guilt trip over it, and basically gave you grief everytime you had a candy bar, drank a soda, or sat inside on the sofa on a beautiful summer day?? No one is perfect, but people don't need to be badgered for every thing they do that isn't healthy.