Safety and Your Bird

You're probably hearing constant nags about your bird's safety. It's all over the place - books, websites, and magazines. However, do you actually take these warnings seriously? Have you ever actually thought about the possibility of your bird flying into a closing door, up a chimney, or into a revolving ceiling fan? If you've ever had a close call with your birds, you know what I mean. Sadly, a close call with your own bird is probably the only way you'd change your ways, when you should be taking the necessary precautions ALL the time.      One of the biggest issues that goes along with safety is wing clipping. To clip, or not to clip - that's quite a question, and has been a well known heated discussion all over the place, especially at the message board I visit, Tailfeathers. In the end of all the debating and show of points, it was very final that we all had our own opinions to the situation. It all came down to your own household and what kind of environment your bird is provided with.      In my opinion, wing clipping is important for the prevention of many accidents - getting caught in doors, flying into windows, up chimneys, and generally into all kinds of trouble. I myself have done several "experiments" with letting my bird's wings go long, and it has resulted in unfavorable results. Pablo, my budgie upon almost 2 years, found himself in a close call with the kitchen sink and since has never strayed far from cage view. Ollie, who is fairly new to the family, found herself down the hall much to her surprise!      So is that all? No way! The best way to make sure your house is bird safe is to walk around your house with your bird in mind. Keep a lookout for the following: Vases, candleholders, pots, and other tight containers - be aware that birds can find their way into tight places quickly. Mirrors, uncovered windows - reflections will confuse birds into thinking that they can fly through mirrors and windows. Unscreened fireplaces - birds can fly up into and get caught in fireplaces. Ceiling Fans - all I can say is ouch!!! Make sure all ceiling fans are off when birds are out. Sharp objects - especially in the kitchen. Don't leave out sharp utensils, because you never know where your bird's wings can take them.      Another serious hazard that most don't take into consideration is the other pets in their house. It isn't wise to let your bird spend time with other pets, especially dogs and cats, no matter how gentle or well-trained your pet may be. I've heard of too many stories of how really nice gentle dogs have bitten birds to end with fatal results. When your birds are out, be aware of what your other pets are doing and where they are.       Hopefully you've been reading this with the notion that you've been taking all the right precautions all along! If that's not your case, it's ok, and it's NEVER too late to start taking precautions. Doing so today can save your bird's life tomorrow!