In this article, Chris Davis talks about aspects of Parrot Halloween Safety and how we can protect our feathered friends during the month of "Trick or Treats."

Parrot Halloween Safety

This is the time of year when most of us invite little neighbourhood "goblins and ghoulies and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night" to our front doors for treats. It's important to consider the potential dangers during Halloween. Many of us host costume parties, and our birds may find this challenging. But, we often overlook the risks of having dressed-up strangers visit our homes on October 31st. These situations can pose a threat to our feathered friends.

Our birds are precious family members whom we enjoy including in those activities that are safe for them. We do our best to consider all potential problems that may arise from any situation they are in. Because of our strong feelings of love and protection, it is not enough to assess only potential problems that may exist within our homes. It is also crucial that we also consider whatever outside influences that may affect the home environment.

Unnoticed Halloween Dangers For Birds

We all know that leaving an unsupervised bird outside of his cage is unwise when doors or windows are open. The risk is heightened when a bird is startled by people who are yelling "Trick or treat" while dressed in scary or gaudy costumes. These people are usually standing at a widely opened front door. Additionally, the person is often distracted with handing out treats and chatting with little ghouls and ghosts. All these factors greatly increase the possibility of a bird escaping the home.

An amiable bird, like a tiny cockatoo, may wander out of curiosity during Halloween festivities. This could lead to the risk of them escaping outside, getting accidentally stepped on, or even shut in a door. They might also be grabbed by a neighbour's dog, run over by a car or bike, or face other potential dangers. Adding to the threat, Halloween activities typically happen at night when the weather is getting colder. These factors make finding a startled and disoriented bird alive and well less likely.

Some birds face risks due to their owners' unawareness. For instance, a bird left by an open window is visible to anyone passing by. While owners may not consider this a problem, birds are tempting targets for thieves. This can make your home more vulnerable to robbery. Even smaller birds with lots of personalities may appeal to a neighbourhood youngster who has always wanted a bird. Although you know your neighbours, to be honest, they may innocently mention that you have birds in your home. Over time, the message may eventually get out to someone dishonest. Dishonest people view the little love of your life as nothing more than dollar signs or a novelty… It's sad, but true.

Preventing Halloween Dangers For Birds

Keeping our birds safe during Halloween and other festivities is simple with some preparation – follow our tips on Parrot Halloween safety.

If you're hosting a gathering, remember that even social birds may be afraid of people in costumes. If your bird isn't used to this, consider relocating their cage to a familiar, lockable room, like a bedroom or family room.  This also eliminates the worry of possibly tipsy celebrants forcing interaction with your bird or feeding him harmful foods. Leave a television or radio playing in the room with your bird to help camouflage the sound of noisy celebrants. If your home is too small to do this, consider leaving your bird with a trusted friend or family member, preferably a responsible animal lover whom he has stayed with before.

If you're not entertaining visitors, make sure your bird can't access the open door. Keep your parrot away from windows to avoid passersby or trick-or-treaters seeing him. Use a television or radio in the room to muffle doorbell noise and talk. These distractions reduce the chance of your parrot loudly revealing their presence when the doorbell rings or when you talk to guests.

After Halloween

Once Halloween has come to an end, it's essential to remain vigilant about your bird's safety. The aftermath of the holiday often includes leftover candy and wrappers that can be particularly enticing to our feathered friends. Here are some post-Halloween tips:

After your Halloween festivities, inspect your home carefully for any candy, wrappers, or food items that guests may have dropped. Chocolate, for example, is toxic to birds and should be kept out of their reach at all costs.

Continue to monitor your bird’s behaviour closely in the days following Halloween. Changes in routine can sometimes lead to stress or anxiety. If you notice any signs of distress, consider providing extra comfort and reassurance through attention, toys, or familiar routines.

If you have visitors during the Halloween period, it’s a good idea to educate them about your bird’s needs and the importance of keeping the environment safe. This way, guests can help you monitor the situation and ensure that your bird remains secure.

Alternative Activities

While Halloween can pose various risks for our feathered friends, it also provides a wonderful opportunity to engage creatively with them. One delightful way to celebrate the season is by preparing special Halloween-themed treats that are both festive and nutritious. For instance, fresh pumpkins can be transformed into a healthy puree that birds love. It’s not only delicious but also packed with beneficial nutrients. Simply mash or blend the pumpkin and serve it in their food dish, and watch your parrots enjoy this seasonal delight.

In addition to treats, you can involve your birds in the decoration process. Consider crafting Halloween-themed toys from safe materials such as untreated wood, paper, or natural fibres. Creating a garland of colourful paper bats or ghosts can add a playful touch to their environment while allowing them to chew and interact with their new toys. You could also think about making festive perches from untreated wood, ensuring that any new items are clean and safe for your birds to use.

Community Awareness

As Halloween approaches, it’s crucial to consider not just our birds’ safety at home but also the broader community dynamics that can affect them. Before the festivities begin, take a moment to check your local area for events that might attract large crowds or create noise. Understanding the potential stressors in your neighbourhood can help you prepare your home and your birds for what lies ahead. For instance, if trick-or-treating is common in your area, it might be wise to keep your birds indoors during those busy hours.

If you’re hosting guests during Halloween, use this opportunity to educate them about your birds' specific needs. Remind your guests to be mindful of keeping doors closed when entering and exiting, as this is a prime opportunity for a bird to escape. A simple reminder can go a long way in preventing an accidental escape during the Halloween festivities.

Conclusion

Our feathered family members enrich and uplift our lives in inconceivable ways. Life without them for us would be hollow and sad. By actively anticipating and appropriately addressing events and situations that affect them, we honour their importance in our lives. We can significantly increase the chances of our beloved feathered friends living many long and happy years to come. By following guidelines for Parrot Halloween Safety, we can significantly increase the chances of our beloved feathered friends living long, happy years to come.

Learn more about Chris Davis, CPBC.

You can find more practical advice on Parrot Safety here.