Welcome to our new members. It was great to be at the Las Vegas Bird Mart last month and meet new people and see old friends.
The focus of this month's newsletter is Disaster Preparedness!Already this summer there have been terribly destructive wildfires, destroying so many homes. Tornadoes are an unwelcome occurrence every year and are more prevalent in certain parts of the country but could happen most anywhere. Flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes - they are all threats to our homes and families and we must be prepared to keep them safe to the best of our ability.
Once you have read these articles, please put a plan together for your family. Address as many of the disasters that could happen in your area; I believe you will find some peace of mind knowing that you have taken action and are prepared.
Remember to check our website and Facebook page often for new designs and special offers; and as always remember to practice safe toys!
Sincerely,
Lisa McManus
Birdie Britches Bird Toys
Ask Gandalf
Q&A With a Wise Old Bird
It's time for another stimulating Q&A with the authority on everything, ME.
Dear Gandalf:
The other night I got really, really scared. It was awful weather out my window...lots of loud booms and the flashing lights kept up for hours. I didn't know what to do and my human didn't come and close the blinds. What should I do next time?
Signed: Really Scared
Dear R. Scared:
What you experienced is called thunder and lightning and it can be really scary. My human used to close the blinds for us but I ate the blinds... so now I just fold my head in my wings so I can't see. Try that next time.
Dear Gandalf:
I have a secret to tell you. At night when I have to go into my cage I've discovered that I can squeeze through the bars on my cage and spend the night exploring. It is wonderful. I can chew on things and no one thinks I'm doing it because I'm in my cage. The cat gets blamed for it. Now I'm looking for an open window or a door so I can explore the outside world.
Signed: The Adventurer
Dear Adventurer:
Yes, humans can be really dumb about bar spacing. Obviously the bars on your cage are not the right size for you. Watch out for the cat! They can be really sneaky.
Also be careful that you don't stay up too late or you will get discovered and then your exploring days will be over.
Dear Gandalf:
My humans say these words and I repeat them. When I do they get upset with me. I don't know what the words mean but they are short and fun to say but boy do they get mad. Why do they get mad at me.....I say them over and over. I like to say them when they have company too so they will be impressed.
Why do they get mad at me?
Signed: Eager to Please
Dear Eager:
Beats me why they get mad. Just keep saying them. Maybe you don't have the pronunciation correct so keep trying, over and over and louder and louder.
Ok, enough for now. I'm sure you all are enlightened enough for now so keep those questions coming to wiseoldbird@yahoo.com. As always I sign off with ARRRGGGGHHHHHHH and it's time for a nap.
Gandalf
Disclaimer:
Any resemblance between the above views and those of my employer, my human, or the view out my window are purely coincidental.
Emergency Preparedness For Pet Birds
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and floods, or even possibly electric fires in our homes or possibly (the thread of) terrorist attacks, force pet owners to make quick decisions pertaining to the care of their pets.
It is best to plan ahead, which requires preparing an emergency kit (like the one featured to the right) and practice to achieve a fast, safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies.
Assemble and place the emergency kit in an easily accessible area. Have your pet's carriers assembled and labeled with permanent ink as follows:
Parrots Name
Owner's Name, Address and Telephone Number
Emergency Contact Name and Telephone
Veterinarian's Name, Address and Telephone Number
"REWARD WHEN RETURNED TO OWNER"- to increase your chance of having the pet returned should the carrier get lost in the commotion.
Plan and practice how you would get your pets to safety.
Get your parrot used to his travel cage. If possible, train him or her to wear a bird harness.
Besides the carrier, you should have an emergency kit (stored in a sturdy container) readily available, containing the following:
Disinfectant (e.g., Nolvasan) & spray bottle for holding disinfectant solution
Bottled Water (3 days minimum - up to 2 week's worth - rotate every 3 months)
Emergency Food - Dry Food (3 days minimum - up to 2 week's worth - rotate every 3 month)
Any medications your pet may need - about two weeks' worth kept in waterproof container (rotate every two months). Have chemical ice packs and a small, insulated cooler, if medication needs refrigeration
Emergency contact information
Recent photograph & leg band or microchip information; as well as copies of proof of ownership papers (registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase).
The most important component in disaster preparedness is the carrier. There are many style choices; some come apart and the sections nest together for storage, some fold down, there are acrylic and plastic an wire, there are designer carriers that resemble luggage or handbags, and there are disposable cardboard carriers. Choose the type that is right for you and your flock.
Carriers are not just for emergencies, but can be helpful when you need to take your bird to the vet or the groomer or on trips. They are also useful as hospital units.
Here are some examples and links:
Examples of two types of carriers: acrylic, which do not come apart, and plastic kennels that do come apart and nest for storage.
Bottom line is that it does not matter what type of carrier you have, as long as you have them and they are the appropriate sizes for your birds.
Until next month..............
Your time is precious and we appreciate you sharing it with us! We hope you gleaned something helpful from the articles in this issue should an emergency arise. Please contact us any time you have a question or suggestion.
