Hello and Happy New Year to All!

In this issue:

• Caring for your parrotlet during a power outage

• Is bathing important for birds?

• A foraging treat for your baby...

• Featured baby 

Here in the sunny South, we don't often have to worry about winter power outages. That is until last month. With multiple days of extremely cold weather predicted, along with high sustained winds, the possibility of a power outage gave me much to consider. Parrotlets are tropical birds, so warmth is key to their health and happiness. What in the world could I possibly do if I lost power for multiple days????????

Normal home temperatures for housing a parrotlet range from 68 - 75 degrees. Any abrupt change in these temperatures constitutes a threat to the health of your bird.

Here are a few suggestions that I garnered from my somewhat frantic research on this topic:

• if possible, have an alternative location in mind where your p'let could board until your power is restored...a relative, local friend, neighbor?

• have a small, portable cage ready so you can make use of moving your bird to a warmer location throughout the day, such as to a sunny window or close to a fireplace or gas stovetop.

• keep your baby's cage covered with multiple layers to minimize cold drafts, just be sure to leave one side open for air flow

• although I usually do not recommend the fuzzy little tents, (due to territorial issues), this is one instance where I think it would be prudent to provide your p'let with a cozy little hut in which to snuggle. I would promptly remove it once your power and heat have been restored.

• keeping your baby with you, tucked in a zippered sweatshirt, etc., may provide additional needed warmth from your own body temperature. Be careful to protect your baby from accidently being crushed by placing it in a small pet carrier. One to investigate is the Lee's Kritter Keeper (mini - 7.13" L x 4.38" W x 5.5" H) or something of that sort. This acrylic carrier would provide protection while still being small enough to tuck under your clothing and next to your body. Just be sure that air supply is not restricted.

• keep disposable hand warmers and/or a hot water bottle, (if you have a means of warming water, i.e. a gastop stove), in case of emergency. Place the warmer, or bottle, on a blanket or towel covering your bird’s cage. Be sure to place the warmer in a location where they will not be able to chew on it. Again, remember that a smaller cage, or carrier, would be easier to keep warm as opposed to a larger cage.

•  keep your vehicle fully fueled in case you need to use it to temporarily warm yourself and your bird. Do NOT do this in a garage as the fumes are toxic.

  These are just a few of the tips that I found in my search on this topic. Being prepared in advance is always advisable to waiting until this type of emergency occurs.

  Here are some additional resource links:

Featured Baby!

Use the link below to view previous Parrotlet Periodical newsletters.

As always, I invite your comments and inquiries.

Wishing you only the best!

Carla