For years birds have been used as sentries to unseen human toxins.  If the canary died down in the mine- everybody got out.  Therefore, it is not surprising that the avian species are sensitive to many household compounds - primarily heavy metals, gases and fumes, and pharmacological agents.  The following paragraphs describe various substances that you should be sure to protect your birds from coming into contact with.

Introduction
The Avian Polyoma Virus has been associated with devastating disease outbreaks in companion birds in North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia for more than 15 years.  It affects psittacine birds as well as passerine birds such as finches and canaries.   Disease Caused by the virus has manifested itself in a variety of forms including budgerigar fledgling disease (often producing acute mortalities), French Moult (abnormal feather development in budgerigars) and acute mortalities in young psittacines.  Polyomavirus infection and disease signs more commonly occur in young birds, but a significant number of mortalities involving older birds have been reported, particularly Eclectus parrots, Cockatoos, Lovebirds, and Caiques.  The Virus is the type that is shed intermittently.  In other words, a bird with the virus does not constantly pass it.  It is therefore more challenging to detect.

Seeds are not enough!

For years veterinarians have recommended supplementing birds eating seeds only because seeds alone do not provide adequate amounts of all the nutrients needed

Why? Seeds lack 21 nutrients from four groups-Vitamins, Minerals (calcium and sodium) Trace Minerals (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium) and protein.

Many times we have advocated adding vegetables-which do add some vitamin A and some calcium, but little protein, minerals trace minerals and vitamins- and fruits which offer some vitamin A but none of the other missing components.

Very few studies have been conducted to determine which houseplants are toxic to birds, so all plants that contain known toxic chemicals have been excluded from the Safe Plant List.  Tree branches make the best perches.  Listed are some safe branches, foliage and bark to be used as perches chew toys for birds.

Along with the holidays come the holiday hazards for your pets. Be aware of incense, scented candles, and all the other inhalant hazards for your birds. Some plants such as the poinsetta is toxic to birds.  Remember to keep your pets from the chocolate candies as these are toxic to pets. Christmas tree tinsle can be very dangerous if ingested by your pets.  During these very cold days, be sure to keep your pet inside if below 20. Otherwise make sure they have adequate shelter and fresh water.

.....For your birds health: Seed diets are deficient in: Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Lysine, Methionine, Tryptophan, Calcium, Manganese...

Common problems associated with seed diet malnutrition