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16 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 8, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Keeping feathered friends happy B THANK YOU OAKVILLE Best Stylist - Bob Richardsom Best Hair Salon AS SEEN IN College Park Plaza, Oakville 905-338-6465 irds are becoming increasingly desirable pets, due to their easy care and friendly nature. More and more people are enjoying avian companions, yet may not be aware of the poisons in their household that could compromise the health of their pet. Smells, drugs, chemicals and toxic foods are all on the list of dangers. The Oakville and District Humane Society offers shelter for domestic birds and often has a number available for adoption. People interested in adopting a bird from the shelter, or who currently have an avian pet, are advised to do their research before bringing a bird into their home. "Birds are appealing pets for adoption because the people perceive that they require a limited level of care," said Bronwyn Darnley, manager of customer care. "However, people may not realize that the health of any pet bird requires management as much as a pet dog, guinea pig or reptile would. It's important to know how to keep any type of pet healthy and birds are no exception." Knowing the proper foods to feed a pet and what they require to keep in good physical health is as important as knowing what dangers will compromise their health. For example, birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes. To keep your feathered friend healthy, avoid exposing your bird to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and overheated cookware, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-can- cer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts. If your bird ingests any type of cleaning agent, it could suffer from a range of maladies, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop. Treated wood is also a hazard. "Some foods and beverages are also not good for your bird and should be avoided," added Darnley. In particular avoid allowing your bird to consume avocados, chocolate (in any form), coffee, tea, mouldy or spoiled foods, onions, garlic, tomato leaves or stems and yeast dough could be dangerous. "Call your veterinarian if you find that there is a noticeable change in your bird's health", added Darnley. "Feathered friends can be great additions to a household. Seek professional help if you are worried that your bird's health is in danger." For more information about adopting a bird from the Oakville and District Humane Society please call 905-845-1551, or visit the shelter located at 445 Cornwall Rd. -- Submitted by the Oakville and District Humane Society. WHAT LOC AL BUSINESS SEARCH C AN WALK AND TALK? AS K T H E G OR I L L A . CHECK OUT VIDEO COMMERCIALS AND ANIMATED TALKING CHARACTERS ON