With The Onset Of Warm Weather, Every Birdie Wants To Go Outside!
Here's A Little Advice To Keep Your Bird Safe.
By Tracy Schwarztrauber
BIRD RESTRAINTS: We recommend taking your bird outside in a carrier or a travel cage; this way they are safe from predators and they cannot fly away. In a travel cage, the bird should be provided with food & water. When taking them outside, be sure that they are not sitting in direct sunlight, as they will overheat easily. Putting a towel over half the cage (draping it behind) allows the bird to get out of the sun & also provides a shelter to hide if he sees a wild bird or animal that scares him. Even birds that have their wings clipped should never go outside without some sort of restraint since a slight breeze could enable the bird to become airborne. Even though he is your pet, he will not return when you call him! Bird harnesses are a safe way to take your bird outside if your bird accepts wearing one.
WEST NILE VIRUS: This is a virus that people, mammals & birds can contact. West Nile is a virus that is spread from one individual to another through a mosquito bite. The mosquito must bite an infected individual drawing blood & virus into the mosquitos body & then the mosquito injects the virus into the next individual it bites. Symptoms of the virus in birds would be depression, weakness, circling, change in posture, vision problems, and frequently death. To avoid a possible bite, do not take birds outside at dawn or dusk when mosquitos are active. Check all screens for holes. Do not use insect repellent on or near your pet bird.
|