10 Tips to Keep Your Bird Safe during the Holidays

Article Courtesy of www.avianenrichment.com,

December 2008 10 Tips to Keep Your Bird Safe during the Holidays With the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's holidays upon us we are all busy planning our family gatherings, gift giving and decorations. The season brings with it unique hazards that we all need to be mindful of so that we can assure that our feathered family members are protected: Pine and fir Christmas trees with soft needles are the safest. Avoid sharp needle trees and artificial tees with metallic needles. Also be aware that many trees are treated with pesticides as well as chemically treated so that they will last longer. Colorful ornaments and dreidels can attract the attention of our curious and playful companions. Birds should be kept away from metallic ornaments that can break into sharp pieces resulting in cuts and wood ornaments that often contain lead paint. Tinsel and angel hair can present entanglement and GI blockage hazards for birds. Decorative electrical lights and cords are used in abundance during the season. Make sure the cords are well hidden and keep your bird away from them. Chewing the cords can result in burns and electrocution. Holiday plants such as Poinsettia, Mistletoe berries, Holly berries and Christmas Cactus are all known to be either toxic or at a minimum severe irritants to birds. The yule logs that provide us with colorful flames contain heavy metal salts that are toxic if ingested. Candles, potpourri and incense can contain volatile oils that are toxic to birds. Flight into a burning candle can result in injury and or a tragic fire. Keep flighted birds caged when open flames are present and purchase bird safe, unscented candles. Boil simple herbs such as mint, cloves or cinnamon to scent your house. Avoid using metallic gift wraps and bows as they may contain toxic metals. If you give your bird wrapped presents use non-glossy, non-metallic paper, cellophane or tissue. We humans tend to overindulge in food during the holidays. Avoid the temptation to share fatty, sugary and salty treats with your bird. Be aware that large numbers of guests and parties can be a source of significant stress for your birds. If having a party make sure your birds have a place to escape from the noise, smoke, late night activities and the people who may not understand and respect their needs. With all of the things we have to keep our parrots away from this season why not allow them to participate in the festivity of the season by decorating their cages with safe holidays toys? Candy Cane Pinata Pinata contains dehydrated banana chips, papaya nuggets, pineapple tidbits and sweet raisins. Yum! (7" x 5") XMAS Duck Surprise Your bird will love pulling and preening the holiday crinkle shred before chewing their way into this cute little XMAS gift. (6" x 13") XMAS Wreath Vine Swing A great little swing to decorate your small bird's cage for the holidays! (6" x 10") Check out our full selection of festive, decorative and bird-safe holidays toys AvianEnrichment.com Wishes You and Your Feathered Family a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season Sincerely, The Avian Enrichment Staff Join Our Mailing List! Save 15% Grand Opening Special Offer Enter the following coupon code at checkout to receive a 15% discount on your order: AEGrand More good news! This coupon is transferable so be sure to share this email with fellow bird owners who may benefit from this valuable opening offer as well as the indepth bird information at www.avianenrichment.com Offer Expires: December 31, 2008

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