Bird safety tips are important to keep you pet bird safe. These can be divided into four basic categories: cage safety, food safety, household safety, and toy safety. Think about safety before introducing a pet bird into your home, and continuously re-evaluate the potential dangers around your pet. Cage safety tips include selecting the right cage for your bird, and ensuring the cage has proper bar spacing. Bars should be spaced closely enough together to prevent your bird from escaping. Your bird’s head should never be able to fit between the bars of the cage. The bars must also be strong enough to withstand the strength of the bird. Another good bird safety tip is to make sure all welds on the cage are smooth, with no rough edges that could be harmful to your bird. Check the cage periodically to ensure all edges are smooth. Food safety tips include not only ensuring the bird foods you select are safe for your breed, but also that other foods used to supplement the bird’s diet are safe. Commercial bird food should always be purchased in its original, unopened packaging. Check for freshness dates, to ensure your bird’s food is at its best. An important bird safety tip if you purchase food in bulk is to store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, and check it often to be sure it has not gotten moldy or rancid. Certain “human” foods should be avoided for all breeds of pet birds. These include the following: • Alcohol • Avocado • Caffeine • Chocolate • Dairy products • Fried foods • Refined flour • Refined sugar • Salty foods • Soda Household bird safety tips help you ensure the environment outside your bird’s cage is safe. Many common household chemicals can be dangerous to pet birds, and should always be kept stored where the bird could not accidentally ingest them. A few of these include the following: • Acetone • Aspirin • Bleach • Crayons • Detergents • Furniture polish • Insecticides • Mothballs • Paint remover • Window cleaner Toy bird safety tips involve selecting toys that are appropriate for your particular bird. Rope, leather, and fabric toys need to be checked regularly for wear and loose threads. Any toy that has a loop which could get caught around a bird’s neck should never be given to a pet bird. Another important bird safety tip related to toys is that toys should be made from non-toxic materials and should be designed specifically for birds, not children or other pets. Any toys that have loose pieces or small parts that can break off should be removed from your bird’s cage.
