The holidays are here and things are starting to get stressful!
Between work, parties, family gatherings, cooking holiday meals... it feels like there are just too many things going on at once.
Your bird feels it, too. Learn how to ease the strain on your bird with these must-know holiday bird stress tips.
While holidays are always fun and exciting, pet parents need to be vigilant and keep an eye out for their pets. Holidays can bring potential dangers for our household pets and bird stress. This is why it’s best to always be two steps ahead and ready for anything that may come your way.
In this blog post, we wanted to go over five tips to prepare your bird for the holidays. We’ll also go over a few safety tips.
Here are 5 Tips to Prepare Your Bird for the Holidays
1. Give Your Bird Plenty of Exercise
Exercise is an integral part of your bird’s daily routine. It helps prevent obesity, but just as important, it helps reduce boredom (and the behaviors that come with it).
Activity is an all-natural remedy for holiday bird stress. It’s a great way to help your pet stay happy and healthy over the holidays.
Did you know that parrots are natural athletes? They love to stretch their wings and exercise daily. Give your bird plenty of perches to encourage them to exercise inside the cage. Set up foraging stations near several of the perches. Better yet, get your bird a play stand and a bird harness for out-of-cage exercise.
2. Make Holiday Travel Plans Early
Planning on visiting family during the holidays? Make arrangements far in advance. First, decide if your bird will be joining you on the journey.
- If you’re taking your bird along, check out how to travel in the car with your bird.
- If your bird is staying home, research bird boarding or pet sitters who are experienced in bird care. Your local bird store or avian vet is a good place to start.
- If your bird gets lonely while you're away, set up their cage area with a smart TV or YouTube Bird TV shows for enrichment.
3. Create a Comfy, Safe Space
With all the holiday activity, some birds may find the commotion stressful. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your bird can retreat. Make sure it’s people-free and filled with your bird’s favorite toys to help them feel safe and relaxed.
4. Ensure Your Bird Gets Plenty Of Sleep
Most birds need 10-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. With all the holiday hustle and bustle, it might be tough for your bird to get enough rest. A sleep cage in a quiet area can help.
5. Try Supplements for Bird Stress
Bird stress can set off destructive behaviors like feather plucking. Try a calming bird supplement like Loose Organic Chamomile Flowers to keep your bird calm.
- Keep your bird away from the Christmas tree to avoid accidental ingestion of small ornaments.
- Avoid using candles or spray fragrances, which can be harmful to birds.
- Inform guests that chocolate is toxic to birds.
Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written bird behavior books and developed the UnRuffledRx line of Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.
Diane's products are featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon. Her products are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores across the U.S. With over 30 years in the field, Diane has helped thousands of pets thrive.
TAGS: #BirdStress #HowToHelpAStressedBird
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