National Bird Day

Join Us for National Bird Day

January 5, 2010

“Why National Bird Day?

• The beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of human inspiration.
• Today, nearly 12 percent of the world’s 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world’s 330 parrot species.
• Birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as barometer of ecosystem health and alert system for detecting global environmental ills.
• Many of the world’s parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss.
• Public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity.
• The survival and well-being of the world’s birds depends upon public education and support for conservation.

This is the reason for National Bird Day.”

The above is a snippet from the website nationalbirdday.com

National Bird Day takes a stance against owning parrots as pet, the pet trade in general, and the many concerns with owning exotic creatures. Some may or may not agree with the keeping of parrots in households as pets. In fact, just the other day, I commented to someone that I don’t like seeing animal in cages as a general rule. They looked at me kind of funny and asked me “well, then why do you have birds?” I replied that while I disagree with animals in cages- it is out of my control to do anything beyond the best environment for these animals that have been placed in my care. I don’t have control over parrots in the pet trade, and while I may disagree with it, isn’t it my duty to care for the ones that have already been the victims of human misinformation and ignorance?

Whatever reason you celebrate National Bird Day for, take a moment to celebrate that special feathered friend in your life. Give your bird an extra scritch and treat, and realize that while you may not have control over what goes on in the pet trade, by educating and informing your community on bird care, and donating to a worthy bird cause, you too can make a difference.

Heisenberg Paradox of Parrot Body Language

Boarding Your Bird

The holiday season is a time for travel and for pet owners that can be especially stressful.  Finding kennels for cats and dogs is relatively easy, but how about one that specializes in birds?  One that will recognize the importance of the seemingly small details that are so critical to good bird care? Thinking about it is enough to make you pull your hair out!  Not to fret, while it can be a seemingly overwhelming burden there is hope.  There are many options to choose from.  There are several in-house pet sitting services that have avian knowledge.  Also, boarding is available at a facility set up specifically for avians, at your vets, or you can even entrust your bird to a friend while on holiday.

If hiring a professional pet sitting service to come into your home and care for your animals, consider a few things.

- Is the business/professional licensed

- Is the business/professional bonded and/or insured?

- What prior experience with avians does the caretaker have?

Getting recommendations from other bird owners is a good way to start the search for a professional sitter.  You can also use online resources such as the website for the National Associate of Petsitters located at www.petsitters.org to find a petsitter in your area that meets your requirements.  Many sitters also arrange a pre-meeting so they can come to your house and meet with you.  That way you can review how they interact with your animals.  If you hire through an agency, make sure the agency is in good standing with your local and state agencies. Be sure you get a signed contract of services rendered, and that it explains clearly what liability the company/agency will take if unexpected accidents happen in your absence.

For whatever venue you choose to board your bird while you are away, be sure to ask the caretaker of the bird questions, such as those listed below, to ensure the health and happiness of your pets.

- What type of training do you have?

- Do you have previous experience caring for exotics & avians?

- How many other pet sitting obligations will the sitter have during the period they will have your pet(s) under their care?

- Can the employee provide references?

- What precautions will the sitter take to prevent the transmission of diseases?

- How many times a day will they come to your home, and how much time will they spent at each visit?

- Will they interact with the bird, clean the cage, etc.

- What is the cost of each service?

- Are they willing to cook food for your bird or will all supplies have to be prepared in advance?

You want to also touch base with the employee and find out how knowedgeable they are about your species of bird(s).  If they have general knowledge, it may be a good idea to send home some literature about your birds.  That way you ensure they will will know the differences in species and the particular care each species may require.  A lesson on how to properly handle the bird would be important as well.  Be sure to leave a large flyer in an easy to locate place, i.e. the fridge for instance, detailing the emergency contact numbers, your number, alternate number, and avian vet number in case of emergency.

Good luck in your search for the ideal pet sitter.  While the search may be harder then expected, the reward of leaving with peace of mind that your pet is safe will make your vacation all the better.  Happy travels!