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All of our birds are pretty comfortable with other people, even total
strangers (we feel it is important to train them and socialize them to
be this way) but they, as individuals, react differently to crowds.
Some of our birds are real party animals and LOVE social get-togethers
at our home, while others are real wallflowers - crowds make them
nervous and uncomfortable. We try to respect their needs on this, and
they are ALL left in the (separate) aviary room at the start of any
party. Once everyone is in and settled down, IF all the guests are
comfortable with it, some of them may come out to play. (BTW, I've
learned that MOST guests, unless they are bird owners themselves, are
rather uncomfortable with a large bird scavenging through their dinner
plates - and some of mine are NOT shy about this - so the birds NEVER
come out until after dinner is over.)
Fortunately, my most social birds are my most impressive ones - the
umbrella cockatoo and the citron cockatoo. My 'tiel is pretty social,
too, and will be brought out for folks who are a little too intimidated
by the big guys. EVERYONE but the most terminally bird-spooked enjoys
feeding my birds, and the 'toos are not real shy about helping
themselves. It is critically important that all bird-dangerous
munchies are put AWAY - no guacamole, no chocolates or chocolate
desserts. I make sure there are bowls of mixed nuts, tangerines,
veggie platters, and, of course, chex mix and cheetos. That way,
I don't have to depend on my guests KNOWING what is appropriate to feed
them or even listening to me when I TELL them what is ok...Of course,
they still manage to sneek a sip of beer, champagne, or coffee now and
again, but I can manage to keep enough of an eye out so that they don't
take enough to do them any real damage - just be careful!
Also, although my cats and dogs are good enough to be in the same room
with my birds under MY supervision, my guests don't necessarily have
the same watchful eyes or quick responses to prevent trouble, so the
cats and dogs get placed in another room when the birds are out.
Also, although this is no longer an issue for me (living in Texas) -
remember that those roaring fires and cozy woodstoves are terrific for
the holidays, but DEADLY for birds. Make sure all fires are out and
COLD before your birds come out to play!
And while your birds may enjoy helping you with the holiday cooking
(mine do) be careful of hot stoves, open pans of hot food, and sinks
full of water! Let your birds "help" you with rolling and cutting out
Christmas cookies, or cutting up the veggies, but put them securely
away when you actually turn on the stove.
Don't forget to get Christmas stockings for your bird friends, too!
Mine LOVE to open packages - so wrap up some (non-spring type)
clothespins, birdie toys and treats, drop some nuts into the bottom of
their stockings - and make the stockings big enough that your birds
can go in AFTER 'em!
Felice Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Happy Solstice, and a wonderful New Year!
/Rita
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