Thanksgiving With Birds

Thanksgiving is coming up quick! Of course, we all know that November won’t end well for many turkeys. However, it can be dangerous for our smaller feathered friends as well. A Fort Myers, FL vet offers some tips on keeping Polly safe below.

Stress

Some birds get very stressed out and frightened in a room full of visitors. If Polly is nervous, consider moving her cage to a quiet back room until after the holiday. Offer fun toys, and check on her frequently. You can also put a small TV or computer in her room and play some programs made for birds. If your pet’s cage is too large to move easily, consider getting a sleep cage or secondary cage. If your winged pal is extremely anxious, you may want to offer her calming supplements. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Candles

Candles may add that special holiday glow, but they are definitely not safe for Polly. Not only is there a risk of your colorful buddy burning herself, the fumes are also dangerous to her. Don’t use potpourri burners, either: the fumes and the flames are both serious hazards.

Kitchen Dangers

This is a big one! Many types of cookware are coated in Teflon, which gives off fumes that are toxic to birds. This includes things like cookie sheets, cake pans, bread pans, frying pans, roasting pans, drip pans, and even many turkey bags. Coated cookware isn’t the only danger lurking in the kitchen. Hot burners, pots of hot or boiling liquids, filled sinks, and sharp utensils also pose threats. Keep Polly away from the kitchen!

Food

You can definitely offer your winged buddy a special treat. Just take care to only offer things that are safe. Keep in mind that the list of suitable foods does vary a bit from bird to bird. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including both safe and unsafe foods and suitable treats.

Escape

If your bird is flighted, you’ll need to be extra careful as people are coming and going. Keep Polly in her cage as your guests are arriving or departing. Better safe than sorry!

Quiet Time

Spend some quiet time with your feathered buddy over the holiday weekend. Pets are definitely something to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving! Please feel free to contact us, your local Fort Myers, FL animal clinic, anytime. We are always here to help!