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Time spent outdoors can be a very
mentally, physically and instinctually stimulating experience for
your bird. For optimal safety, this should
occur while in an outdoor cage or aviary.
Your bird will enjoy the opportunity to
experience the fresh air breezes as well as the many sights and sounds as well as benefit from the exposure to natural sunlight which is
known to:
- Stimulate the production of Vitamin D
which is essential in activating the absorption of calcium which is
necessary for bone and physical development.
- Promote skin health and feather quality.
- Stimulate breeding activity.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Improve mental disposition.
- Increase playfulness and activity levels.
- Invigorate appetite.
Outdoor play time also
exposes your bird to a multitude of
new dangers that must be avoided.
- Dogs, cats, kids
can easily knock over a cage or open unlocked cage doors resulting in the
demise or setting free of your parrot companion.
- Snakes, rats, and field mice
can crawl into the cage trapping your bird.
- Hawks and other
raptors (falcons,
owls) are everywhere
and can easily swoop down and steal a loose bird or severely injure a caged
bird.
- West Nile virus, which
is spread by mosquitoes, is a concern in many parts of the country.
- If allowed to remain outside a cage,
your bird can quickly drown in a pond, bucket of water or a water fountain.
- Heat Stroke
- Your parrot
companion may also fly into fire pits, open barbeque grills, or directly into
traffic.
To make sure you bird is
safe while outdoors:
- Be sure
that their wings are clipped. Even a clipped bird with the correct wind
can take off in a flash.
- Never leave your bird outside
unsupervised.
- Keep your bird safely
inside a cage or under your control while wearing a
flight suit/harness.
- Keep animals and wild
birds away from your bird's cage.
- Make sure your bird's
cage is securely locked.
- Provide your bird
with access to shade and plenty of fresh
water throughout the day to prevent heat stroke.
Misting your bird
will also keep him cool. Be alert for the signs of heat exhaustion.
- If you let your bird
sit in a branch or in the grass make sure that
they have not be sprayed with any
chemicals. Plant pesticides and
fungicides, insect pesticides, and lawn fertilizers are all toxic to your bird.
- Don't allow your bird
to bathe in a wild bird bath to prevent disease.
- Don't place your
bird's cage next to the outdoor grill or fireplace as the smoke will
irritate your bird's very sensitive lungs.
- Due to the risk of
West Nile virus, don't take your birds outside during peak mosquito
hours (early morning and evening) and do not allow standing water, where
mosquitoes lay their eggs, to accumulate on your property.
- Do not use insect
repellents near your bird.
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