The joy our companion parrots bring to our lives is priceless and everyone wants these wonderful creatures to live a long, healthy and happy life.  This month’s newsletter focuses on the ways you can ensure that outcome.

Bird Paradise is proud of its many exclusive food blends, from the Original Ultimate Blend to the newest Unsulphured Build-a-Blend.  These are a result of a secret recipe which features non-colored pellets, nuts, dried fruits and vegetables.  NOTE: refrigerate bird food, as this will prevent the appearance of flour moths, especially during the warmer weather. These moths are harmless but, are attracted to grain based products (human, as well). If you do find these pesky visitors in your house, use the Flour Moth Traps. They are very effective. -- Do not store bird food in the freezer unless it is vacuum sealed. Air in the bags will result in ice crystals. These in turn will melt and cause mold.

In addition, we want all birds to have a bountiful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in beta carotene such as butternut squash, carrots, and pumpkin should be cooked in order for birds to properly absorb the Vitamin A. Lima beans MUST be cooked because uncooked lima beans inhibit proper protein metabolization.  Otherwise, raw is best.----   When visiting the produce section of your grocery store, buy organic whenever possible.  This way you are avoiding your bird being exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Did you know that some of the top pesticide foods are apples, berries, grapes, peaches/nectarines, pears, tomatoes, cherries, potatoes, kale, spinach, bell peppers, and carrots?     It is especially important NOT to buy imported grapes, as they contain pesticides from the inside out.  With that exception, IF buying conventional produce, be sure to spray them with the Citrus Magic Fruit and Vegetable Wash and then rinse well to remove any chemicals.  ------------  

Of course, avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, rhubarb, apple seeds and fruit pits are prohibited.  Avoid sugary, fatty, salty foods. What is junk for for you is junk food for birds.  Remember that birds are lactose intolerant; so, no sharing your morning cereal or that dish of ice cream.

We know that kitchens are not good rooms for bird cages or playstands but, even if your feathered companion is at the opposite side of the house, burning any non-stick pan is deadly to your bird.  Cookware which is non-stick is coated with a chemical PTFE AND PFOA. When overheated, toxic gases are emitted and the end result is the demise of your parrot.  By the year 2015, manufacturers will no longer be allowed by law to use these chemicals in their cookware. That certainly tells us that cooking with these materials is also unhealthy for humans. ---- The safest cookware is stainless. However, it can be challenging to cook eggs and some other foods in an all stainless pan. There are now some companies rising to the challenge to offer NON-PTFE and NON-PFOA pans. Cuisinart has a line called Non-Stick Hard Anodized Green Gourmet  and QVC carries a line called Earth Pans. Both of these are safe to use and both have non-stick properties without the danger toxic chemicals.  The Earth Pans are available in pans and skillets.  I own a set and love them, in addition to having peace of mind when it comes to the safety of my birds.

Summer is approaching and customers ask if it is OK to take their birds outside. Yes, with a few stipulations. First, NEVER take a bird outside without he or she being in a carrier or without the bird having a properly fitting harness. Despite the fact that your bird’s wings may be clipped, it is still possible for birds to have flight, especially the ability to fly straight upwards into a tree. We have sadly heard the stories of clipped birds being spooked by a sound outdoors and owners calling to ask how to get their bird down from a tree. The ending is usually not happy.  Do not place a bird near decking or any other structure made of pressure treated wood. Such wood is treated with toxic chemicals.