Summer Safety

One of the joys of summer is enjoying the great outdoors. Our birds, too, like to enjoy the sunshine and the breezes outside. After all, it's a treat to them to spend time outside of the confines of our home and their cage. But, in thinking of such outdoor fun, it is always important to keep safety in mind.

Birds should never go outside unless it is in the safety of a travel cage or on a harness/leash system. Even a bird with clipped wings can catch a slight updraft of air and be gone in an instant. There are numerous stories of lost cockatiels and parakeets this way, and it would be horrible to lose your beloved pet to a moment of carelessness.

Once outside, do not situate birds near burning charcoal grills, bug candles, or cigarette smoke. Protect your bird's cage with mosquito netting if you're concerned about biting insects. Just as in the house, anything that gives off smoke is bad for your bird's lungs. Many modern grills are coated with Teflon, again a danger to your birds inside or out.

Also watch for heat exhaustion. A too-warm bird will carry its wings away from its body and open its beak to pant. If you see these signs in your bird bring it indoors immediately. Make sure cool, clean water is available to your bird at all times.

For those of us who don't take our birds outside, then there is safety indoors to think about as well. The same rule for clean, cool water applies to indoor birds as well as outdoor ones. Water dishes should be cleaned regularly to avoid a build up of bacteria.

Indoor birds often live in an air conditioned environment. It is best to locate birds away from vents that can blow cool drafts on them. Although many birds are hardy, the presence of a cool draft stresses the bird, which may lead to illness. Also with air conditioning, fresh air is essential. Opening a window, just a crack, allows fresh air to circulate into the home and prevents dander and dust from being routinely circulated in the home.

Summertime is a great time for birds and owners alike. Following a few simple safety rules, especially outdoors, will help keep our birds happy and healthy for many years to come.

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