SUNBATHING BIRDS

CLIP THOSE WINGS - The best advice anyone can give you is to CLIP your bird's wings. It will keep them from harm when indoors, prevent his escaping through open windows or doors and keep him from flying away if outside of your home.

PORCHES & BACKYARD - Your bird will enjoy a visit outside. But be sure it is a pleasant experience for them. Set his cage where there is shade so the bird doesn't become overheated. Even with partial shade, don't leave them in the sun too long. And be sure that water is available. You might even spray them with water periodically to keep him cool. A dish of water with a little crushed ice in it can be placed on the bottom of the cage to provide a cool bath. Try a few short periods outside rather than a long one. If you see your bird fluffing his feathers (to cool off) or having any difficulty in breathing, take him inside immediately.

Be sure that the cage is placed where dogs, cats and rodents can't get to it. And be wary of the wild birds. They may attack the cage or just frighten your bird as they fly by. Also be sure not to put the cage near grass or plants which have recently been sprayed with pesticides. It is best to stay outside with your bird at all times unless he is in something safe like an enclosed porch.

INSECTS & PESTS - Ants, bugs, rodents and other small pests seem to be part of the summer landscape. Check and double check any products you use to get rid of them. Read the labels as most are toxic to birds. For ants, try coating an area with lemon juice. Use fly paper for insects, or a 5% Sevin solution. I have even heard of placing each leg of a cage in a shallow dish of water. If in doubt about a product, check with your vet or someone who knows.

FOOD & WATER - Food spoils more quickly and water grows bacteria more quickly in the heat. Remove soft foods from cages after a few hours and change the water more frequently. Dishes should be thoroughly washed. Bedding, another source of bacteria and mold growth, should also be changed once a day.

PESTICIDES & HERBICIDES - These can be toxic to birds. Ask your service provider what products are being used, what the ingredients are and how long they remain toxic. If you apply these products yourself, read the labels. If you or your neighbor have your lawn or trees sprayed, prevent exposure to your birds. Keep the windows shut and check any units which can draw outside unfiltered air into the indoor air circulation systems.

Many products sprayed on your gardens specify that the plants shouldn't be eaten for a number of days. If a product is toxic to you then it is probably even more toxic to your birds. Be sure to wait at least the amount of time the manufacturer specifies before eating the plants in your garden or giving them to your birds. And be sure to thoroughly wash them first.

Summer can be a fun time for all of us if we just take a few simple precautions and prepare for emergencies.

Carol & Ken Highfill are creators of the Birds n Ways and Winged Wisdom

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