The festive seasons for many people involve plenty of new activities and objects to get your bird's attention. By preparing and planning ahead, you and your birds will have a fun, stress-free and hopefully accident-free holiday season. Even if you think you have 'bird-proofed' your home, now is the time to take a fresh look from a bird's prospective.

Plants:

While firs and pines are not toxic, they have sap and sharp needles that can pose a hazard. Mistletoe berries are toxic and holly berries can cause GI distress. Poinsettias exude a milky substance that is an irritant. If you're not sure about whether a plant or tree is toxic- please go to this site and check: Toxic Foods

Decorations:

While Halloween may be fun for you and your kids, masks, knives, sticks, etc. may frighten your bird and stress them out. Birds may fly in terror at the sight of these unfamiliar or threatening objects. If you have a bird that enjoys greeting Trick-or-Treaters and loves the excitement, be sure to put a harness on the bird or have the bird under direct hand control. Better yet, if your bird isn't a "greeter" keep your bird safely enclosed in its cage. Birds are very attracted to colourful, sparkly decoration, including wrapping paper and ribbons. Don't burn wrapping paper or Yule logs in the fireplace, as the fumes are toxic. Yule logs contain chemicals that contain heavy metals such as lead, copper, arsenic, barium and selenium. If your bird chews on these "logs," they could experience heavy metal poisoning. Ribbon is not only an entrapment hazard, if ingested, could cause gastro-intestinal obstruction.
Flocking, snow spray, angel hair, and tinsel could also cause GI distress if ingested and also poses an entanglement hazard. Propellants that spray these products may use Freon that is toxic to birds. Twinkling lights, electrical cords and sparkly decorations invite your bird to taste. Scented candles are also hazardous to birds. Instead of using these items, try simmering herbs, cinnamon or other spices (keeping the pot covered, of course). Go GREEN! Experiment with natural paper products for wrapping paper. Set out the holiday candles, just don't burn them. For most birds, be aware that your holiday tree looks like a natural place to perch. Be sure to secure the tree to avoid it tipping over. Also be aware that the stagnant water in the tree base may have preservatives and be contaminated with bacteria.

Cooking and Food:

Your birds will love the variety of foods typically served over the holidays but be cautious with foods and treats that are high in sugar, salt, and preservatives. Remember: no chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or avocado. By all means, share your special foods with your birds; they will enjoy the variety! Be especially cautious when cooking and with open pots of hot food, hot surfaces, punch bowls, etc.

Open doors and windows:

After all that holiday cooking, who hasn't needed to air out the house and open a few doors and windows? Just remember to place your bird safely in its cage before opening up the house. Another common mistake that results in birds escapes is people stepping outside to get fresh air and forgetting that their bird is on their shoulder. I know one bird owner that hangs a screen across the doors over the holiday as a visual reminder to make sure the bird isn't on her shoulder.

People:

Who doesn't love company? Well, maybe your bird does and maybe your bird doesn't. Most birds are picky about who they socialize with. As your bird's guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure that visitors know if, when and how to approach your bird, when it's okay for the bird to be out amongst the guests and when to put the bird away. Unfortunately, with too much eggnog and holiday spirits, guest may tend to get careless and not observe limits. Fingers poking into cages, offering food or drink that isn't bird safe, or just plain stressing the bird can result in unfortunate accidents. Plan ahead and avoid placing your bird in harms way.