As pine trees are popping up in many homes in preparation for Christmas, it is important that parrot owners know that Christmas trees (real and fake) do not make good play areas for their birds.
Please keep yourself and your birds safe this holiday season!
Gardens are blooming and growing, and that means homes are being decorated with houseplants and flowers. These are beautiful additions to any room, but with pets it is important to make sure they are non-toxic varieties. Birds love to chew and tear up foliage, so it is important to make sure they don’t get into trouble. The following are some of the more popular and common plants that are not pet-safe; a more comprehensive list can be found on our FAQ section.
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Birds of Paradise
These attractive plants are popular in yards and gift floral arrangements.
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Bulb Flowers
These popular spring flowers include daffodils, amaryllis, hyacinth, and irises.
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Ferns
Not all ferns are dangerous, but with so many varieties it is better to err on the side of caution.
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Ivy Not all ivies are dangerous, but with so many varieties it is better to err on the side of caution. |
Lillies
Another popular holiday and bouquet flower, these and peace lillies should be avoided.
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Philodendrons
There are many types of philodendrons, all of which should be avoided.
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Poinsetta
As one of the most popular houseplants in the world, these are dangerous when ingested.
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Rhododendrons
There are many varieties of rhododendrons, like azaleas, which are toxic.
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Tomato Plant
Tomatoes are included because many people grow them in kitchen windows. The actual ripe tomato is okay, but stems and leaves are toxic.
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The cuttlebone has been a bird essential from the early beginnings of bird keeping, but sometimes its purpose remains a mystery. Many people think that cuttlebones are provided as beak and nail sharpeners, but they are too soft. This may have been suggested after observing birds chewing, climbing, and wiping their beaks on them frequently. Cuttlebones are composed of aragonite- a form of calcium carbonate, so they are provided as a source of calcium!
The cuttlebone is the internal buoyancy structure of members in the cuttlefish family. It had a thin, brittle side, and the rest is porous and chalky. Small birds, like parakeets and cockatiels, usually enjoy munching on cuttlebone. Larger birds can also be provided with them, but don’t be surprised if it ends up being a very quick toy. In this case, harder mineral blocks that include calcium can be provided instead. If you have a picky bird that will not touch their cuttlebone, try incorporating it into a toy, or use a butter knife to scrape it into powder over their seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Many pellet companies do not recommend offering cuttlebone or mineral blocks while feeding pellets, as it may lead to an excess of vitamins in the diet.
Trying to track down a lost bird can be very difficult. You may know they are in the area, but not know how to proceed. Here are some tips for trying to recover an escapee.
1. Place its cage outside in an open area with the door open. Place dishes with its favorite foods & treats inside to entice it.
2. Walk or drive around the area and be vocal. Call out any favorite words or sounds that your bird may respond to. Let neighbors know you are searching as well, and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.
3. Outside, play recordings of your bird if you have them, or recordings of your other birds in the household.
4. Distribute fliers in the area (many recommend at least a 1 mile radius) with contact information and a photo of your bird. Remember to withhold at least 1 piece of specific information like a band # or a deformity in case you need to ID your bird. Ask local pet stores, vet offices, and local shelters if they can distribute or post your fliers.
5. The internet is a huge resource. Social media sites, forums, online classifieds, and many parrot groups are very helpful in spreading the word about lost parrots.
6. Don’t give up. Parrots are adaptable and can sometimes turn up months later- sometimes still very close to home.
7. Be proactive. Microchipping is now available for birds. Call your local avian vet for more information.
