National Bird Day celebrates parrots, wild birds

Happy Bird Day!  Just when you thought the holidays were all wrapped up, along comes National Bird Day on January 5th. Ironically, not all of our feathered friends will have a happy one.

If your New Year's resolution is to purchase a parrot, consider this sobering assessment, "Deprivation of their natural behaviors (to fly and flock, for example) is an inescapable component of captivity," explains Monica Engebretson of  Sacramento's Born Free America. She further points out that once the novelty has worn off, many pet birds become unwanted, abandoned, or worse.

While cardinals, crows, blue jays and other American wild birds receive abundant  legal protection, exploitation of foreign wild birds is rampant. 12% of bird species face extinction within the next century, including nearly 1/3 of the world's 330 parrot species.

Most parrots sold in the US are domestically bred which helps. The flip side of the coin, as speculated by some,  is that it's not hard to imagine profit minded pet chains opting to "euthanize" a sick bird rather than shell out for a high veterinary bill.

For those who do own pet birds, Born Free offers the following 10 tips to keep them as happy and healthy as possible in lieu of a free and wild existence.

1.) Provide a healthy diet, not just seeds. Grains, beans, veggies and some fruits should supplement a vitamin-fortified pellet diet. Chocolate, avocado, overly salted or processed food, junk food, caffeine and alcohol can be harmful and even fatal to birds if ingested.

2.) Keep your bird in the largest enclosure possible.

3.) Daily out-of-cage exercise time is a must; preferably free flight in an enclosed area void of  hazards like lead, zinc, paint chips, ceiling fans, electrical cords, dogs, cats,open windows, open pots of water or toilets, etc.

4.) A variety of toys will keep these intelligent creatures stimulated. Some proceeds  from "Out of this World Bird Toys" go to supporting bird rescue organizations.

5.) Ample socialization time with other birds and their human "flock".

6.) Access to unfiltered sunlight (windows block some helpful UV rays) and/or full spectrum light to synthesize Vitamin D for bone health.

7.) Regular water misting from a clean spray bottle to promote skin and feather health. Some parrots like to splash in a shallow container of water, birdbath style.

8.) Teach your bird skills to keep it from getting bored - foraging for food in puzzle toys, or  picking up its own toys and putting them in a basket.

9.) Allow the bird to enjoy fresh air and sunshine (in reasonably mild weather conditions) while under supervision and secured with a harness, carrier or enclosure.

10.) Place multiple stands/perches around the house, so the bird can enjoy "flock time" - even if you're watching TV, preparing a meal or otherwise occupied.

-For more info, see www.NationalBirdDay.org or www.bornfreeusa.org

- See more by this writer in the "Pet Gazette" and E-How.com