| December 2006 EDITION |
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| YOUR BIRD(S) AND THE HOLIDAYS: It is that time of year, again, everybirdie. Many of us will be celebrating holidays and of course the New Year. Because our feathered children are so much a part of our family or are our family, we tend to lavish them with gifts of toys and food treats. Here are some pointers to help insure your fid’s health and safety during this extra-special time. |
| FOOD: Offer your bird a bit of slivered almond, a little turkey without the spices and skin, sweet potato, squash, a vegetable or fruit that is not a canned product; and does not have sugar, salt or onion on/in it. (Check your safe and toxic food list) or drop us a line if you have a food safety question. DO NOT offer your bird any desert items unless it is fresh fruit. Cakes, pies, sweet breads, etc. can cause yeast infection very quickly and their digestive systems are not designed to process these foods. Absolutely no alcohol,candy, cookies, chocolate, or avocado should be offered. Again, please write to us, if you are in doubt; we want to help you keep your bird safe while enjoying the festivities with you. |
| TOYS – DO NOT fall for “cute” toys, just because they catch your eye; make sure all metal parts are made of Stainless Steel. Most cheap toys are made with coated zinc which is a slow death knell for your feathered friend. Avoid toys that have long ropes or string attachments that your bird could become entangled in. Make sure that leather toys are made from Vegetable Tanned Leather Only. All painted rather than natural wood or vegetable dyed wooden toys, are to be passed by, because paint contains toxic chemicals that can make a bird sick or eventually kill them (I have seen shiny enamel paint on ladders and toys in major pet supply stores). DO – Look for toys that will entertain and occupy your bird, such as Shredder Toys, Wooden Puzzle Toys, Toys that hold a role of adding machine/calculator paper, etc; and grooming toys that entertain them while keeping those horrible pin feathers at bay |
