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Enrichment Tips of the Month
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Time spent outdoors can be a very mentally, physically and instinctually stimulating experience for your bird. Your bird will benefit from the exposure to sunlight and fresh air as well as the auditory and visual stimulation that nature provides.  So your bird can achieve these benefits consider:
  • Building an outdoor aviary for your bird or converting an extra cage for this purpose
  • Taking your bird on a daily walk using a flight harness, backpack or bird stroller. 
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May 2009 
Dear Bird Lovers,
 
 
It's that time of year when we all start spending more time outside so why not consider taking our birds with us to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.   At my house we just finished prepping the outdoor aviary and we also took the flock into the avian vet for much needed feather trims.   This month's article provides a quick overview of potential outdoor hazards as well as some important insight into how to ensure safe outdoor adventures with your bird.
 
Last month, we announced a Spoiled Bird Photo Contest where we asked all of you bird-loving shutterbugs to capture your spoiled birds in action. We had a ton of fun reviewing all the great photos that our readers submitted and we are very pleased to announce the winners in this month's newsletter.  We also turned the winning photos into new jigsaw puzzles on our site!
 
Have a great month and play safe!
Sincerely,
 

Deb White
 
P.S.  Keep an eye open as we plan on running more photo contests and offer more prizes in the future.
Spoiled Bird Photo Winners !
 
Grand Prize Winner:  Judi Livingston
for her picture of her playful lovebird "Jitterbug"
wins 2500 VIP pts. ($50 credit)
little2
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1st Place Winner:  Linda Bailey
for her picture of her Ekkie "Sassy"
in a FABULOUS palm tree play stand
 wins 1250 VIP pts. ($25 credit) 
 linda
 **********************************
 2nd Place Winner: Eva Paulhus
for her photo of Congo African Grey "Zelda"
busy with his favorite ABC blocks
   wins 1000 VIP pts. ($20 credit)
eva8
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 3rd Place Winner: Diane O'Gara
for her photo of Black-headed Caique "Emmett m Korbel" enjoying a crunchy treat wins 750 VIP pts. ($15 credit) 
mrshog
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 Honorable Mention Winners:
500 VIP pts. ($10 credit)
 
Judi Livingston for Parrotlet "Timber"
hamming it up on his Busy Birdie Play Perch.
little3
 
Kim Gorman for her photo of her Pionus "Ivy"
enjoying a dandelion treat.
kgo

 Julie Sands for her picture of Blue & Gold Macaw "Sam" getting some exercise on his cargo net. 

  julie
 ***********************************
 To see larger versions and enjoy jigsaw puzzles of the winning photos go to: www.avianenrichment.com/spoiledbird.htm
 
Congratulations to all the winners!
 
Do you have a spoiled bird?  Catch your birds in action and keep an eye out for our next photo contest.
Outdoor Safety 
outdoor safety
 
Time spent outdoors can be a very mentally, physically and instinctually stimulating experience for your bird.

Your bird will enjoy the opportunity to experience the fresh air breezes as well as the many sights and sounds.
 
Birds also 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 can also expose your bird to a multitude of unique dangers that must be avoided, for example:
  • Dogs, cats and neighborhood kids can easily knock over a cage or open unlocked cage doors  resulting in the demise or setting free of your bird. 
  • 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 can occur if your bird has inadequate shade or water.
  • Your parrot may also fly into fire pits, open barbeque grills, or directly into traffic.
To make sure you bird is safe while outdoors:
  • Never leave your bird outside unsupervised.
  • Keep your bird safely inside a cage or under your control (ie., utilize a flight suit/harness).
  • Be sure that their wings are clipped and be aware that even a clipped bird can take off in a flash given the proper wind conditions.
  • 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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