5 Tips for Keeping Pet Birds Safe During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings, but it also brings unique challenges for pet bird owners. From decorations to festive foods and increased household activity, your bird’s safety and well-being can be at risk without proper precautions in place. Read on for five essential tips for keeping your feathered friends safe and comfortable during the holidays.

Be Mindful of Decorations

The same holiday décor that brings light and festivity to your home can, unfortunately, also pose potential hazards for your pet bird. Birds are naturally curious and may try to nibble or interact with items that could harm them. Here are some top decorative items to watch for:

Toxic plants

Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to birds, so opt for bird-safe artificial plants instead

Tinsel and ornaments

Shiny objects like tinsel, glass ornaments, and ribbons may attract your bird’s attention—but if ingested, they can cause blockages or other serious injuries. Be sure to keep these items far out of your bird’s reach.

Lights and candles

Open flames and electrical cords can be dangerous for birds. Therefore, place candles in secure, out-of-reach locations (or opt for flameless electric candles instead), and use cord protectors to prevent chewing. Some fragrant candles may also pose a respiratory risk, so be sure to use pet-safe candles.

Create a Safe Space

If you have guests coming and going from your home, your pet birds may become overwhelmed with all the activity. Ensuring that they have a calm and secure environment is essential for their comfort and safety. For example, you might consider the following steps:

Limit exposure to noise and crowds

Place your bird’s cage in a quieter room away from loud music, conversations, and party activities.

Secure windows and doors

Ensure that all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent accidental escapes, particularly if your bird will be spending time out of its cage.

Provide comfort items

If you’ll be hosting company or other holiday excitement that could be potentially distressing for your bird, be sure to provide them with familiar toys, perches, or even a cozy cover for their cage to help them feel safe amidst the excitement.

Watch for Food Hazards

Holiday meals and treats are often rich and indulgent for humans, but may be dangerous for birds. Therefore, before offering your bird “people foods,” be sure to verify that they are avian-friendly; keep in mind that substances such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and anything seasoned with onion or garlic are toxic to birds. It’s also important to clean up leftovers promptly to prevent your bird from accessing food scraps or crumbs that may be harmful to them. When cooking, be aware that some types of cookware—such as Teflon and cooking bags—can emit fumes that may be dangerous for parrots.

Prevent Accidents

Holiday preparations and activities may create particular risks for your bird. For instance, nonstick cookware can emit fumes when overheated, which are potentially deadly to birds. Therefore, be sure to use bird-safe cookware and proper ventilation in your kitchen.

In addition, birds’ curious nature may lead them to chew on wrapping paper, ribbons, or tape. These can be harmful if ingested, so keep them out of reach. You’ll also want to be particularly cautious if you have a Christmas tree—your bird might see it as a fun climbing opportunity, but sharp branches, ornaments, and water additives in tree stands can pose safety risks.

Minimize Holiday Stress

The excitement of the season can be stressful for everyone—including pet birds, who thrive on routine and familiarity. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Stick to a schedule

Try to maintain your bird’s regular feeding, cleaning, and playtime schedule as much as possible.

Offer extra attention

Spend quality time with your bird to reassure them amidst any changes in their environment.

Monitor for signs of stress

Watch for signs of anxiety in your bird, such as feather plucking, excessive vocalization, or a change in appetite, and take steps to reduce their stress if needed.

As you strive to keep your feathered friend safe, happy, and healthy during the holiday season and year-round, remember that a little extra vigilance goes a long way. If you’re seeking professional care for your bird or have any questions about their well-being, find a qualified avian veterinarian in your area with our locator tool! Does your bird need a safe place to stay during the holidays? Find a nearby avian boarding facility!