Holiday Hazards for your birds

[Carolyn]

With Christmas and the holiday season fast approaching, and the busy lives that we live I thought I would post soom early Holiday Hazard tips. -

 

During the festive season when there are so many more interesting things to tempt the curiosity of our feathered friends we need to be aware of items that are of potential danger.

 

PLANTS - Christmas trees are usually firs and pines. There have been no reports of toxicity from ingestion of firs.Pines are not usually considered toxic to avian species, however there is a risk of physical trauma from the sharp pine needles.

Artificial trees do contain a lot of metal that has not been treated and therefore could be toxic if chewed on. Also the material that make the individual branches is not color safe so therefore should be considered toxic if injested. Also you may find pet warnings on the boxs but no mention is made of birds - so in my mind if it is harmful to our fur friend, I would consider it harmful to our feather friends.

 

Mistletoe berries are toxic and should at all times be kept out of the reach of birds. Holly berries can cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Poinsettia, although not considered a highly toxic plant, can exude a milky sap which can cause (GI) irritation as well as marked eye irriation.

 

DECORATIONS - Angel hair and tinsel are made of plastic and plastic by products. The metallic colouring of tinsel is nontoxic, but there is concern for possible airway or GI tract obstruction if injested. Snow spray particles are also plastic and non toxic. The propellant of the aerosol sprays may be freon so these products should not be sprayed around birds. Christmas tree bubbling lights contain methylene chloride which is a very toxic solvent and which can cause marked irrition to eyes and mucous membranes. Christmas light wires are very soft an easy for a bird to chew through in a matter of secords, watch your electrical wires on all lights. Christmas tree flocking is usually made from wax or plastic and not expected to cause toxicity. Fireplace colors and yule logs contain salts of heavy metals such as lead, copper, barium and selenium. Chewing on these logs could cause heavy metal poisoning.

 

FOOD - Avoid allowing your birds to share your alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate and salted foods (nuts, potatoe chips etc.) Have some unsalted nuts available as treats for your birds. Give only human grade roasted, unsalted peanuts (risk of aflatoxin poisoning from raw peanuts.)

 

FUMES - Birds are very susceptible to the toxic effects of fumes. Cigarette smoke can cause respiratory tract irritation and allergic skin disorders in birds as well as potential nicotine poisoning. Cigarette butts are highly toxic if ingested. Marihuana smoke can cause a marked sedation in birds. Avoid all room oderizers and air fresheners. Boil up the herb bags instead of using commercial products.

 

OTHER - Coloured metallic gift wrap may contain toxic substances, the main danger, however is possible GI tract obstruction. Provide your birds with their own gift packages wrapped in a plain paper to open. Silica gel packages are often found in boxes containing new shoes, electronics and camera equipment. The crystals of silica gel are non toxic but GI tract obstruction is a remote possibility if the package was injested by a bird.

 

With most other holiday decorations you most just use common sence on where you plan to hang it or place it.

 

One other note - PINECONES Pinecones make excellent toys for birds. Birds love to demolish them. itprovides good exercize for there very busy beaks and may provide a diversion for feather-pluckers.

 

When collecting pinecones, ensure that they are not old, damp, mouldy or are growing moss. Ideally one should collect pinecones as soon as possible after they have fallen to the ground and before they have become wet from rain or snow. This is not always possible. Pinecones are also a favorite hiding spot for little beasties such as spiders and earwigs.

It is not possible to "sterilize" pinecones but heating in an oven will kill moulds and the little critters and make themj safe for the birds to chew on. Pinecones can be heated in an oven for about 20 minutes at 225 degrees F.,then turn off the oven. The pinecones are left in the oven for approximately 2 hours to dry out. It is important not to exceed 225 degrees otherwise the pinecones will scorch and possibly catch fire.

The seeds inside the cones are a special treat and are safe for the birds to eat.

 

Just a few handy tips for a very safe holiday season.

 

Carolyn & Mika

[fairymyst78]

Wow wonderful information! I love the pine cone idea.

Thanks!

{Holidays-00020136}

[Talon]

WOW! WHAT A WONDERFUL THREAD CAROLYN!!

 

You are doing a wonderful job helping us with all the research and articles you are writing. I would like to have them published and put on the front page. God knows how many greys live you may have saved by posting these warnings. It only takes a second for them to get into trouble......

[casper]

Great information Carolyn!

We will all have to take special care over the festive season!

[cflanny]

Thank you Carolyn !!

[Luvparrots]

Carolyn thank you for this helpful holiday information. I certainly appreciate your dedication to helping us keep our feathered family safe and sound.

[BaxtersMom]

Yes, this is great info. Glad that you posted it now so we have time to think it through and prepare for the holiday.