The holiday season brings not only good will to men, but wonderful smells, colors, decorations and yummy edibles. It is important to remember that some of these seasonal delights can bring with them possible harmful outcomes for your feathered buddy. I will outline some of the more significant ones here....common sense is your defense....

1. TEFLON - Some of us do an enormous amount of baking during the holidays...we find ourselves in the kitchen for hours on end creating delicious goodies to please our family and friends...remember that Teflon baking sheets are as dangerous as Teflon skillets and pans when heater to a high temperature...many cookies and cakes require a temp over 350 and can prove harmful....no need to stop baking, just remove your bud far from the area until your culinary chores are complete.

2. CANDLES and SPRAYS - Nothing says winter festive more than those wonderful cranberry, pine and cinnamon sprays and candles...unfortunately, they can say danger to our birds. Potpourri is safer as long as you make sure your buddy can't eat it or walk in it. Candles can also be used safely with a bit of care...Soy candles and YANKEE brand are safe as far as the emissions into the air...but they are as deadly as all the others if your bird flies into the flame and incinerates himself! Common sense prevails....

3. INCENSE - NO. NEVER. PERIOD.

4. Be cautious with lights, cords, ornaments and the fresh pine tree as well as the artificial tree....there are so many bright and shiny temptations that call your pets name...Common sense...

5. Be extremely cautious this season with flu bugs and illness...make sure you and your family practice good hygiene as well as your guests...wash hands before handling your bird...don't let him around or in your mouth....don't let him eat after you...this goes for your guests as well.

6. FIREPLACES - This is an area we sometimes gloss over..be sure that you NEVER USE FIRELOGS OR STARTERS....they are made with pretroleum products and emit toxins into the air...a fireplace and glowing fire can be safe for your bird as long as seasoned wood is used and you don't set off your smoke detector with billowing smoke from the logs...Common sense prevails here also.

Enjoy this beautiful season with crunching leaves, pumpkin pie and warm cider....

I am putting my Christmas tree us as soon as I can...my office already has a lighted Santa and a singing reindeer...I am in my glory!

anne