This month’s member meeting is focusing on care of birds outdoors. As we have become more and more creative in providing outdoor time for our birds, we have learned some dos and don’ts in the process. I thought I’d share a few of these.

Many of us have outdoor cages and enclosures for our birds. While this is a great enhancement to a bird’s life, please make sure that your birds are protected from predators. Neighborhood cats and dogs should be considered, but have you considered birds of prey? Alaska has an abundance of raptors that would just love to snack on your pet bird. Outdoor cages and enclosures need to have a cover to allow your bird sanctuary from predators. Also consider if your bird’s enclosure is safe from unwanted attention from curious children and adults. Birds are naturally territorial around their cage and people sticking their fingers into your bird’s cage could result in a nasty bite or injury. You also don’t want your bird to be harassed by people poking sticks or other objects into the cage or enclosure. Cages and enclosures need to be securely locked so that birds can’t be released accidentally.

When considering outdoor time for your birds, be aware of insects. Just like us, birds can be stung by bees, bitten by ants, mosquitoes, etc. Make sure the location of the cage or enclosure is not in a location that attracts insects. For example, if you place the bird’s cage right next to your hanging flowers, your birds may be at higher risk of getting stung by a bee, especially if your bird tries to sample the foliage and flowers. Placing your bird’s cage near a water source and in a shady location will attract mosquitoes. Limit foods, especially sweet, sticky foods, inside or near your bird’s cage or enclosure to reduce the attraction to insects. Some people place mosquito netting over their bird’s cage or enclosure. My birds seem to enjoy trying to catch mosquitoes and laugh wickedly when they actually grab one. Birds can have allergic reactions to bites from insects, just like us. If your bird is stung by a bee, you will need to quickly remove any stinger, watch closely and be prepared to take your bird to the vet if necessary.

Do NOT spray or place pesticides or other chemicals in or around any environment that your birds may occupy and under no circumstances should any repellents be placed on your bird’s skin or feathers. Also be aware of your neighbors spraying chemicals and wind directions. If chemicals are being sprayed by an unknowing neighbor, immediately remove your bird and bring them inside and close all windows. Better yet, place your bird in its kennel and practice your emergency evacuation by going for a ride until the chemicals have dispersed.

I generally don’t recommend feeding birds when outside (unless in an outdoor aviary full time) and if you do offer a treat, be sure and clean up any crumbs immediately. If birds are going to be outside for any length of time, you will need to ensure that fresh water is readily accessible. Water containers need to be filled only when your bird is in the enclosure. In between, the container should be cleaned, emptied and dried to minimize bacterial contamination and attraction to insects.

Last, consider the temperature and weather conditions. Birds can succumb to heat prostration and need to have protection from direct sun exposure. Just like us, bird’s skin can sunburn. This is another reason to place a cover over the bird’s cage or enclosure. A partial cover seems to work best, as this allows the bird to choose the amount of sun they’d prefer and also allows protection from prey. Exposure to other elements also needs to be evaluated. Some birds don’t mind a mild wind and or spring shower and others do. They need to have the ability to avoid the elements if they choose. I know several birds, mine included, that just love to experience the rain while outside in their cage or enclosure.

It’s important that if you place your bird outside, you must supervise and ensure that the environment is a safe situation and one that your bird will enjoy. To see examples of some of outdoor enclosures, check out our website. If you have pictures of an outdoor enclosure that you would like to share, please e-mail us so we can post it for others to enjoy!

Have a safe and fun time outside with your birds!

-- Leanna Rein, President

The Alaska Bird Club • P.O. Box 101825 • Anchorage AK 99510
akbirdclub@yahoo.com