Safe Holiday Hints

When most American think of the holidays, namely Thanksgiving to Christmas (Winter Solstice, Kwanzah, Hanukkah, etc.), we think of them as a time of joy. Pet manufacturers now sell stockings full of cat, dog, or other animal treats. Accessories, such as winter themed bird toys, are for sale in many places, and even Kaytee http://www.kaytee,com/ , a large seed manufacturer crates buckets of their Fiesta Gourmet food in holiday buckets. Last year, I even purchased a candy cane shape full of Lafaeber's Nutriberries for my feathered children.

Yet, in the holiday bustle, too many sad stories arise. The foremost that comes to mind is holiday cooking. Much has been written lately about Teflon pots and pans. While this "modern miracle" has created non-stick cooking, it was also created without much thought to our avian friends, and I'm sure others with delicate respiratory systems. Overhead Teflon pans can emit fumes that are quite toxic to birds. DO NOT keep birds in the kitchen or anywhere near where the cooking is being done. Better yet, throw out your Teflon pots and pans. I'm sure the investment in non-Teflon pans will be healthy for not only your birds, but you as well.

When the holiday dinner spills in the oven, do not use the self-cleaning feature. Self-cleaning ovens heat to a high enough temperature to have the Teflon coating emit the same fumes as overheated pans. I have heard too many stories, each one sad enough on its own, about birds dying from self-cleaning oven fumes. Put together, these stories create a heart wrenching tale of loss.

The bird in the holiday tree might look cute, but the bird won't find it cute when it becomes sick. Holiday decorations create distractions for your bird. Trees, whether fake or real, have chemicals on or in them, that can be harmful to our birds. Keep birdy away from tinsel, ornaments, or anything that looks as if it might catch a toe or a beak.

When waiting for holiday guests, take a few moments to clip your bird's wings. With the door opening and closing with some regularity from guests, it would be sad for your bird to decide to take a look at the great outdoors. Also, take a few moments to educate your guests about your bird. Most likely, your bird will enjoy being somewhere quiet during all the festivities. Should he want to come out and play, please ensure that each guest uses hand sanitizer, and those that smoke thoroughly wash their hands.

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