(We want to thank Robin for letting me include this article)

It is the time of year once again where people are rushing all over
the place to get ready for the holidays. I just wanted to remind
everyone of the dangers that lurk behind all the festivities. 

Most of you know about these dangers, but I thought I would still
remind you about them.

Christmas trees may be beautiful and decorative, but these decorations
could harm your bird. Tinsel is attractive to some birds. However if
they ingest it they could get seriously ill. Crop impactions are the
most common problem.

The lights, twinkling and sparkling could peak any birds curiosity.
However these birds sometimes chew on these lights. Many birds have
had their mouths burned or worse, died from electrocution.

Some Christmas ornaments have been handed down from generation to
generation. Some of these could have lead or lead paint of them. If
they are fragile they could break. Remember how curious birds are.
Like 2 year olds they taste their environment. The lead and glass
could kill them.

Poinsettias are beautiful Christmas plants that are very toxic to
birds. This is also true of mistletoe. Personally I avoid the holly as
well.

I know I don't have to warn anyone of the dangers of giving your bird
any alcohol. It isn't funny to watch a bird stagger around drunk. It
is abusive. Warn your guests never to give them alcohol. People who
don't have birds don't know what they can do or what they can't do.
Educate them, letting them know the dangers involved.

Many people include their birds in their holiday celebrations and give
them toys. Make sure that the toy is safe for your bird. Check the toy
before giving it to them. Make sure that the toy is appropriate for
your bird. One of my friends always brings my birds toys for the
holidays. She has learned over the years what toys is good for each of
the different species I own.

It is okay to include your bird in eating Christmas dinner with you
and your family. Avoid foods that are salty or high in sugar. A small
amount of these things are fine, but only in tiny amounts. 

My birds always look forward to Hanukkah latkes. For them I also grate
zucchinis and carrots, which I add into the potatoes. Tiny is still
working on the concept of things being cooked. He sees me making these
and he starts banging on his toys demanding them. I make lots of
extras and put them in the refrigerator because they reheat nicely.

Some people light candles for the holidays. Keep your bird away from
these as well. Many birds have received serious burns because of
their curiosity.

Family and friends over for the holidays is always nice. I love
entertaining and all my friends are bird people so they understand
what to give the birds, what not to give the birds, and not to put
fingers in front of the bird wiggling them back and forth. But not all
guests know this. Avoid injury to your bird and guest by letting them
know the rules. Let them know they could get bit. Enforce the rule
that they are not to give the bird anything without asking you first.

Make sure that your bird's wings are clipped because with all the
people coming and going they could accidentally escape.

Some birds love the commotion of the holidays and it doesn't bother
them at all. Others are more nervous and high strung and all the noise
and people really upset them. For these birds, if they don't mind
being moved, move them into a more quiet section of the house, though
check on them often to make sure they are doing okay. Give them a
treat they love or a special toy they enjoy.

Holidays can either be exciting and wonderful or highly stressful. You
could make things easier by keeping your bird safe during this time.

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, or
a Happy Kwanzaa. And of course a happy and a healthy New Year.

Don't forget to get your bird a present for the holiday.

Have fun shopping, may you get all the bargains out there, but most of
all stay safe.

Robin Deutsch
www.crittersonthings.com