TWICK-ER-TWEET  

HALLOWEEN SAFETY FOR YOUR PRECIOUS FID:

Halloween is fast approaching and when it gets here, there are very apt to be little costumed people knocking on your door saying “Trick or Treat” and looking for the goodies that you have to put in their little sacks or containers.  Halloween is a time when many folks like to decorate with ghoulish stuffs inside and outside their homes.  If you have a bird, the Halloween Scene needs a little tweaking to make it birdie safe.

1. 1.      Do not light indoor Jack-O-Lanterns with real candles.  Candles in a home with birds are a definite no-no.  It doesn’t matter what the candle is made of, the melted candle particles are breathed in by a bird and re-solidify in their respiratory system causing breathing problems and a vet trip.  If the wick has a lead core, lead poisoning is a definite risk.
2. 2.      Move your bird away from the door that you will be using to pass out treats.  A bird does not need the overstimulation of all those little tykes in weird costumes.  They can panic and have seizures or become so upset that it will take weeks to calm them and have them feel safe again.
3. 3.      No Candy for the birdies.  Sugar is bad for the balance of enzymes in a bird’s digestive system and once introduced, sugar leads to crop infections and other digestive system problems.  Of course NO CHOCOLATE!!!  Keep an eye on the goody bowl that you are setting up ahead of time.  Birds are quick and can nab a piece of sweetness before you can say “STOP”!
4. 4.      Please do not wear your bird as part of your costume.  The fright factor for the fid is extremely high and all kinds of bad things can happen, from flying into walls to flying out the door, even in the dark. (Jan)

LEGISLATIVE NEWS:

There is some good news pending in the South Carolina Legislature.  When they resume session, a bill will be worked on which will mandate that all birds sold at Flea Markets and other open air venues, be vet checked and have a Health Certificate.  I will keep you up-to-date as this bill travels forward. (Jan)

THE PRINCESS OF WALES PARAKEET (PRINCESS PARROT) IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH:

The Princess of Wales Parakeet was named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who later married the Prince of Wales Edward the VII and she eventually became the Queen of England.  Not only are these gorgeous birds regal in stature, they are absolutely gorgeous in color (there are several color mutations that have been developed by breeders, but; the one pictured here is the real deal); but, they are non-aggressive and affectionate.  Like other flock birds, they do “call the flock” at night, but; they aren’t as loud as a Quaker and make wonderful apartment dwellers.  They grow to about 16” in length, from tail to beak, at maturity and live to about 25-30 years on the average.  They are extremely good whistlers and can be very good talkers too.  It is suggested that these birds have a playmate (sex unimportant unless you plan to breed) because they love human and avian companionship and playmates.  A Large cage with no more than ½” bar spacing is recommended, because of their need to exercise and play with toys when in their house.  The Large cage is also needed to prevent the “Tattered Tail” problems that banging tail feathers on cage bars can bring.  Check with Kim or Korey for the very best cage deal for your little Princess. (Jan)