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It's that time of year again
and Christmas will be here before you know it. How time
flies! Here is your friendly reminder to help keep your
parrots safe as we enter another holiday season. Don't
forget to share this with your friends!
A little planning, some
supervision, and a few things to watch out for can go a
long way toward both you and your bird having a happy
holiday. If I have forgotten anything, please let me know
and I will build on this article for next year!
Stress
We all know Christmas can be a stressful time for us
humans. Our parrots must think we have lost our minds. New
people around, strange decorations, etc. Stick to your
bird's regular schedule as much as possible, don't forget
the lovin' and playtime. Oh, and make sure there is plenty
of time for a good night's sleep for both you and your
bird.
Decorations
Be careful of Angel Hair, it's spun glass and that just
can't be good for anyone that eats it. Tinsel and garland
are another big concern, it can cause intestinal
obstructions if ingested. I don't know what kinds of
decorations you have at your house, but just be aware that
they are unfamiliar to your bird and they may or may not
panic at the sight of some of them. Many decorations are
made of toxic or potentially toxic materials like
different plastics, scented pinecones, hidden wires made
of who knows what, stuff that is sprayed on so decorations
look "fresh" longer. And don't forget the common
everyday things lying around that could cause problems
such as rubber bands, string, ribbon, tape, tacks, little
nails, glue, etc.
Candles and Smelly
Stuff aka Fragrances
Candles with lead wicks can be toxic, usually you will
find them in cheap imported candles. Burning candles with
fragrances is very irritating to your bird's sensitive
respiratory system. Those candles with "essential
oils" in them that smell great to you are HIGHLY
TOXIC WHEN BURNED. Try 100% beeswax candles instead. They
are more expensive, but burn five to seven times longer,
are not scented and burn cleaner. One other word of
caution - burns and wax spills have been known to happen
when a wayward bird collides with a candle so ALWAYS watch
your candles and your bird, don't leave either one of them
without supervision. I have a rule, IF I light a candle
it's 100% beeswax and the parrot gang has to be in their
cages.
Potpourri, air fresheners,
and a host of other smelly spraying things irritate the
daylights out of your bird in so many ways. (They also
irritate me, so it is not a problem for my birds because I
don't use them in my home.) Try and go for something more
natural if you feel the need to "scent" your
house. Heat up some water in a pan on the stove and throw
in a few organic cinnamon sticks, that smells yummy. Oh
yes, can't forget this one NO SMOKING AROUND THE BIRDS -
PERIOD!
Lights and
Electrical Cords
Make sure these are concealed as well as possible so
little birdie brains don't get any smart ideas and want to
play with them. They could get shocked (as in probably
killed) or burned by chewing on them. If they are loose,
they could get tangled in them.
Plants
I think most people with parrots know by now that
Poinsettias and Holly are dangerous if eaten, but did you
know that Philodendron, Ivy and Mistletoe are also. In
case you didn't there's is no excuse now. These plants
have the potential to cause life threatening problems for
your parrot if eaten!
Dressing up Birdie
Not that you would do it, but watch those little ones.
They seem to think it's a good idea to stick bows on
(ouch) or drape ribbon over and around birds. Talk about a
strangulation hazard. Ribbon or string may cause
intestinal obstructions if they eat it.
Food and Drink
Alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, and the
ever-present eggnog are popular drinks at Christmas time.
If your place is anything like mine, there are yummy
fattening human goodies everywhere like cookies, candy,
cakes and deserts. Watch that your birdie doesn’t get
into the holiday spirit this way! I like to put some water
in a dark coffee mug (a duplicate of mine) and give the
fids sips out of that. I don’t know what they think it
is, but it’s in a coffee mug like mine and they are
happy to drink it. Keep some nice fresh treats on hand for
your birdies to munch on. I like pea pods, birdie bread,
almonds and a little fruit. That way they won’t feel
left out and I have to keep Zeke (African Grey) from
saying "Mmmm, want some?" all night long.
Non-Stick Coated
Surfaces
Be extra careful not to overheat any non-stick cookware or
anything with a non-stick surface! Those toxic fumes can
kill birds in no time flat. I know this warning has been
around for a long time, but with extra cooking going on, I
thought I would remind you all again.
People
Having guests over? I know you would never feed your bird
anything it’s not supposed to have or subject it to
extra stress, but watch your guests. Make sure they
don’t give your bird anything to eat or drink that could
cause a problem. Of course, for us bird lovers, it almost
goes without saying to make sure they are not causing the
bird any undue stress like poking their fingers in the
cage or just generally annoying your bird. Show them where
the acceptable bird treats and give them a rule run down
about being nice to parrots.
Fire
Want a nice warm fire in the fireplace? Is your fireplace
in good shape or is this the first time you will be using
it this year? What type of wood are you burning? Is the
damper open? Check those "instant fire logs" and
make sure they do not contain lead or arsenic. DO NOT BURN
WRAPPING PAPER OR PRESSURE TREATED WOOD EVER! It's fine to
have a fire as long as your fireplace is working like a
should, has some type of guard across the front, and is
being vented properly.
Wrapping Paper
Wrapping "paper" is a stretch. Lots of these
innocent looking colorful papers contain toxic substances.
Do not allow your bird to eat it and DO NOT burn it in
your fireplace. If you are going to wrap a present for
your bird, please use plain paper. If worst comes to
worst, use a sheet of a black and white section of a
newspaper.
Trees
May scare the daylights of your feathered friend. Take it
slow and never place the tree where your parrot can chew
on it.
Artificial Snow or
Flocking
I couldn't find anywhere that said these were definitely a
hazard, but they are not meant to be ingested and I am
pretty darn sure they are not good for your bird if they
inhale the fumes of that stuff either. When if doubt, just
skip it. It's just not worth it.
Open Doors /
Windows
With all the extra commotion going on around the holidays
a little extra precaution about open doors seems to be in
order. People going in and out, packages and food being
carried in and out, point is that your door will probably
get a workout. Not only that, but new things like trees or
big boxes, might startle your bird and they may panic and
fly. Just make sure you little feathered friend is out of
harm's way and not in the direct path of the chilly air.
Have
a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
Please, I don't want to hear about any accidents this
holiday season. You all know what to do. And a message to
your bird: (It's not you. The humans really ARE out of
their minds for a couple of weeks a year.) Remember, a
little precaution and supervision go a long way in keeping
everyone safe and happy!
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