If you have a bird and you are having friends and/or family over for Christmas dinner, you will have to decide what to do with your pet bird during the festivities.

Depending on how used to gatherings your bird is, you may have to think about putting your pet into another room to avoid stressing her when a crowd of people are over.

People who are not used to birds may stick their fingers into the cage or approach your bird too quickly and may frighten her. Also, if your bird is out of the cage and able to fly, she may frighten guests who are not accustomed to flying birds.

Many non-bird people are not used to having birds taking samples from the dinner plates at the table and although you may allow this normally, it might not be a good idea to allow this when others are at your home.

I would still make sure my bird got a sample of turkey, potatoes (without the butter or gravy), vegetables, perogies, and even a tiny bit of pumpkin pie - but just not from the table.

To prevent any problems, I keep Jewel, my Congo African Grey Parrot locked in her cage in the living room, while guests are eating in the sun room and most of the action is between the kitchen and sun room. Many guests will step into the living room to talk to Jewel and they know not to stick fingers into the cage. As the food is being placed on the table, I will take small bits of each dish and give this to Jewel to eat while the human guests begin their meal.

I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.


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