Keeping your parrot safe during the holiday season

Christmas is the most magical time of the year. Trees are decorated, tinsel draped and lights are strung turning our home into a twinkling fairy land. This is also a time when parrot owners must take extra precautions to ensure their featherd kids remain safe during the holiday season.

Parrots are curious critters, they simply love to explore and get into as much mischief as possible. Sparkling decorations capture their attention and it is almost impossible for our parrots to resist the temptation to chew. Many Christmas ornaments contain heavy metals such as glitter, tinsel, wire hangers and metallic parts. If a parrot ingests particles of heavy metal, the results could be devastating.

When heavy metal particles are ingested, they begin to poison the parrot, affecting the kidneys, blood cells, intestines and nervous system. This makes the parrot very ill and can cause rapid death. However, prevention is better than cure and once parrot owners understand the dangers, they can take steps to ensure their kids remain safe during the holiday season.

Keeping our parrots our of harms way is relatively simple. We encourage owners to be vigilant and monitor their parrots while they are out of their cage. Always ensure decorations are hung well away from your parrots cage. It is amazing how far a little foot can reach through the bars of a cage, especially if there is something on the other side that piques their interest.

Please, don’t let your parrots play on or under the Christmas tree. If they were to chew an ornament they may accidentally ingest particles of heavy metal. Lights also attract our feathered kids attention and if chewed, could result in a nasty shock. Exposed wires pose a threat as they are made from heavy metals so please, keep your parrot away from the tree, lights and any decoration.

Glitter transfers very easily and it is amazing how quickly it can spread throughout the home. This can pose a threat to parrots who enjoy walking around on the ground or playing on the floor. When the parrot preens, they may accidentally ingest particles of glitter.  Be sure to vacuum regularly to remove small pieces of tinsel and glitter.

Owners must also be careful when adorning their home with plants. Some commonly used Christmas plants pose a threat to our feathered kids. Holly, Mistletoe, Poinsettia and some evergreens are poisonous and potentially deadly to parrots. For a comprehensive list of safe and deadly plants please visit http://www.eclectusparrotbreeders.com/parrot-safe-plants.html This list was provided by a qualified Horticulturist with over 25 years experience in his field.

Let’s keep our parrots safe and be mindful of the following items:

• Glitter
• Metallic gift wrap
• Tinsel/angel hair
• Decorative lights and electrical cords
• Ornaments
• Some decorative plants
• Scented candles
• Open fire places
• Yule logs – some contain heavy metals
• Christmas ribbon and bows
• Metallic table confetti
• Bon Bons – often made from metallic paper
• Non stick cookware – ’tis the season to cook!
• Young children and guests – please monitor your parrots stress levels and ensure your guests understand the importance of parrot safety.

This being said, the holiday season should be a relaxing and enjoyable time for all involved. Once we understand the potential dangers in the home we are able to keep our kids safe so that everyone can enjoy a wonderful and festive Christmas.

For more information about keeping your parrot safe in the home, please visit our website: http://www.eclectusparrotbreeders.com/dangers-to-eclectus.htm

‘The Ultimate Guide to Eclectus Parrots‘ provides detailed information and teaches owners how to confidently care for their parrot. Filled with real life examples and amusing anecdotes, it gives insight into life through your parrot’s eyes.