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Holidays and Companion Birds....Part 2

© Anne Watkins

Happy Holidays from Companion Birds! This is the time for celebrations, parties, decorations, and gift giving. Since our companion birds are members of our families, we will want to include them in the activities. Let's make sure their participation is happy, fun and safe!

Christmas Trees and Holiday Plants

Homes are often dressed up for the holidays with lovely plants and decorated trees. Most 'real' Christmas trees are firs, cedars or pines. Though these trees aren't considered toxic to birds, there is the risk of injury from the sharp needles. If you choose to use real trees, keep an eye on your bird if it decides to perch in the boughs. To be on the safe side, don't let them eat the foliage and pay careful attention to your bird's actions, so you can head off any possible physical trauma.

Some popular holiday plants are known to be toxic and should be kept off limits to birds. Mistletoe berries can cause severe gastric irritation. Holly berries, poinsettia and Christmas cactus should also be kept out of reach. Though poinsettia is not considered to be highly toxic, it does give off a milky sap that can cause discomfort and possible illness if ingested. For a more complete list of toxic plants, visit these web sites-- http://www.sammybird.com/articles/plants... http://www.avianavenue.com/infocenter/to...

Decorations and Ornaments

Be careful to use only bird-safe items when decorating your home for the holidays. While a great many of these decorations, (such as tinsel) are nontoxic, there is the danger of gastrointestinal distress or impaction should the bird eat them. Those pretty bubbling Christmas tree lights contain methylene chloride, which is a very toxic solvent. Don't let your bird have access to them! Make sure to keep all electrical cords out of reach, as well. You don't want your feathered friend to be shocked or to set the house on fire. If you're going to be using any glass ornaments, don't let your bird play with them. The beautiful, shiny colors will catch the eye of anything wearing feathers, and it would take only a tiny piece of shattered glass to cause severe harm or death to a curious bird. In short, keep your bird away from ALL holiday decorations.

Scented Candles and Potpourri

Scented candles and holiday potpourri add a lovely aroma to our homes, and during the holiday season we may be tempted to use these items more often. Unfortunately, these things can cause marked avian respiratory distress. For the sake of your bird's health, try scenting your home by heating cinnamon sticks and cloves or a mixture of citrus peels and spices in boiling water. (Note: Do not use a nonstick pan--the fumes from the pans can make birds sick or even kill them!) If you're going to be using scented candles or air fresheners, make sure the room housing your bird is well vented. And, of course, never allow your bird to have access to burning candles or to eat the wax.

The copyright of the article Holidays and Companion Birds....Part 2 in Companion Birds is owned by Anne Watkins. Permission to republish Holidays and Companion Birds....Part 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.