Saturday, February 24, 2018

Be Ready for any Spring Weather Emergencies


A little planning can save valuable minutes in an emergency.


Although any time of year can have weather-related emergencies, spring often brings tornados, floods, severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, power outages, or early hurricanes, for many parts of the US.


This weekend in February is our Severe Weather Preparedness free tax weekend so I thought it a good time to also give a little reminder to check your emergency kits for any needed updates or additions.  If you don't already have an emergency bag or kit of some kind, then definitely it's time to get things organized for the "just in case" situation.

Being prepared ahead of time can be key to avoiding a lot of worries, and can help keep both you and your bird safe during any weather emergency.

Severe weather can often cause power outages so it's always good to have some extra non-perishable bird food on hand for such an event.  Include a few bottles of water, as well as some paper towels, and a bird first aid kit.  If you don't have a smartphone with a flashlight app, you can include a flashlight with extra batteries.  Make sure to have either a carrier or small travel cage and a thick towel or cover.  Having some fresh fruit on hand can provide some quick energy nutrition as well as providing a distraction for an upset bird.

If your bird is frightened by thunderstorms, placing your bird in a carrier or smaller cage and covering, can provide the security feeling your bird may need.  Placing your bird in the carrier or cage before the weather gets bad, can be especially helpful, as during the storm you may be dealing with a very stressed or panicked bird who might try and fly away, or bite in fear.

A carrier can be a lifesaver for your bird if you need to move quickly to an interior room in your home, to a storm shelter, or even evacuate during dangerous weather events.  Emergency items can be stored year-round inside the carrier so everything is always ready when you need it.

Some birds may relate carriers to not so good events such as vet visits.  Begin early to teach your bird that his or her carrier can be a cool place to hang out.  Make the carrier available to your bird often throughout the year with treats and favorite toys inside.  Bird treats and foot toys that your bird can go into the carrier and retrieve can be good training.

It's always a very good idea to have a towel stored with your carrier supplies in the event your bird never learns to like the carrier, as it can be used a quick wrap to move your bird from cage to carrier.  Don't worry about removing the towel, just deposit bird and towel into the carrier.  Birds pick up quickly on human emotion and if you are nervous or stressed by the weather even, then even the bird that is a sweetheart, may be nippier than usual and avoiding the bite will benefit both you and your bird.  The towel in the carrier may also provide a snuggle place or even an object to nip at instead of you.

Let us know if there is a must-have for your severe weather emergency kit.

Links to additional information:

US Tornado Climatology

CDC Prepare to Spring Weather

Why is the US a Hotbed for Severe Storms

Red Cross Severe Weather Common in Spring

Friday, February 09, 2018

Celebrate National Pizza Day

BIRDS LOVE PIZZA TOO !


Pizza is not just for humans.  Birds love pizza too.  You just need to prepare it a little differently sometimes.

You can easily start with a frozen pizza crust to bake, or a small ready-made whole wheat pizza crust, rice cake, or a large flour tortilla for the base of your pizza.

Add some of your bird's favorites such as minced or shredded carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, apple, bell peppers (any color or combination of colors), spinach, and so on.

Begin your pizza layering with a thin layer of one of the following on your pizza to help hold all the food together on the crust, rice cake or tortilla:

Organic Peanut butter or Almond Butter; a layer of sweet potato baby food, or mixed vegetables baby food (found in small size jars in your local grocery store). 

Then layer on top any and all veggies and fruits your bird enjoys.

(I personally prefer not to use any cheese as some birds are not able to digest easily, and remember no onions, avocados, or chocolate for your bird's pizza.)

You can also sprinkle some wheat germ or wheatgrass powder on top for extra nutrition.

Place on non-stick non-teflon cookie sheet and bake in 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes to soften veggies.  (If you are using frozen raw pizza dough crust, bake per directions on package)

Cool before serving to your bird.





Saturday, February 03, 2018

February the Month of Love

"My bird threw up on me. Yuck!"


Well, maybe "Yuck!" to the human, but it could be a sign of true love from your parrot.  Of course, we are assuming it is indeed love sharing by your parrot and not a health issue.  If in doubt, have your bird checked by your avian veterinarian to be sure.

Now back to the "love gurge".  Although it might not smell fragrant (depending on what your bird's diet consists of), and can be kind of yucky in texture and volume, especially if it's love from a large parrot like a macaw, but it's also an honor to be the recipient.  It's your bird's way of sharing food and love with you.

Usually it starts with the bobbing of the head and you may even find bits of undigested food from a fresh fruit and vegetable diet, tiny bits of seed, or pellets if it happens soon after a meal.  Again, if you are not sure whether it's regurgitation or vomiting, don't hesitate to check with your vet.

Birds regurgitate to their partners in the wild, as well as feeding those sweet baby parrots with such love and care.  So be honored you have been chosen, even as you wipe the goo from your clothes.

If you want to limit some of this love action, you can take care where you pet your bird as well as how much you snuggle with your bird as both cases can put your bird into the love cycle.  Offering a distraction of a bird toy or treat might also help redirect the food sharing.  Of course sometimes there is not much you can do about it except smile and wipe. 

It is also sometimes shared with favorite toys, rather than humans, so don't feel left out if your bird prefers to share what's on the menu with his or her bird toy instead of you.