Christmas Holiday Hazards
Christmas is that time of year when we all look forward to gathering with family and friends and enjoying the holiday season. During this busy time it is so easy to forget about the safety of our birds. This is just a simple guide offered to assist you and your birds to have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!
Trees and Decorations:- Try to keep your birds away from the Christmas tree as much as possible, there are so many hazards for your birds. Pine and Fir trees are not toxic but the needles from the pine trees and even some artificial trees can be sharp and if swallowed can cause damage. Cedar contains irritants so should be avoided.
Decorations made of plastic, tinsel, spray snow and ornaments are none toxic, but if your birds ingested any pieces of them they can cause a blockage.
Be aware that Glass and metallic ornaments and Christmas lights are easily broken. Sharp edges can cause injury externally and internally. Consider more use of wooden ornaments and pay extra attention to electrical cables.
Avoid metallic gift wrap, these contain heavy metals and will, if chewed or eaten cause your bird to be very ill.
Holiday Plants and Berries:- One of the most common plants seen in households during the Christmas Holiday is the "Poinsettia" plant. These plants have a milky sap which irritates eyes and the digestive tract. Christmas Cactus, Holly berries and Mistletoe are also dangerous to birds. Holly tree berries will irritate the gastrointestinal tract and Mistletoe berries are toxic.
Holiday Visitors:- Advise your visitors to be considerate towards your birds, do not let them innocently feed or give your bird something that could be toxic. Having more visitors than usual may stress your birds, if possible allow your birds a 'quiet ' area within your home, or put them in a different room if they become highly stressed. Be watchful of late nights, extra noise and smoke. Don't allow visitors to smoke in the same room as your birds. Try to give your birds a similar routine which they are used to if possible. Keep disruptions to a minimum. Do not be tempted to feed your birds lots of human treats, never give Chocolate or alcohol.
Being prepared will ensure that both you and your birds will enjoy the Christmas Holiday.
©Dec.2001