From Alyson Burgess,
Your Guide to Pet Birds.
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On Independence Day, we celebrate with picnics, games, decorations, and of course, fireworks. While these traditions mean tons of fun for us, bird owners must take certain safety precautions to make sure that their feathered friends' 4th of July goes smoothly.

Use these tips to keep your pet bird safe and out of harms way once your Independence Day festivities begin:

• Keep any decorations out of your bird's reach. Streamers and flags, with their bright red white and blue colors, can look like a very attractive chew toy to your bird. There is a chance, however, that they could contain toxic inks or dyes. Keep your decorations looking great and your pet bird safe by placing these items as far away from your bird as possible.
  
  
• Keep a close eye on alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is extremely poisonous to birds, so it is imperative to make sure that your pet is secured in his cage if you will be serving drinks or cocktails during your celebration. An unattended drink can mean disaster for a curious bird!
  
  
• Do not allow your bird to go near any fireworks. Many fireworks are covered with brightly colored paper that can be attractive to birds. On top of risking exposure to toxic inks, the flammable powders within most fireworks can be fatal to pet birds. Protect your pet by storing fireworks as far away from his living area as possible.
  
  
• Keep "human" foods away from your bird. While it's true that many "human" foods are actually good for your bird, there are some foods that are toxic to your pet. Make sure that any dishes your guests may bring are not placed where your bird can reach them, as you cannot be sure of the ingredients that they contain.
  
  
• Try to place your bird in a soundproof area. The hustle and bustle of guests flowing in and out of the house combined with the unfamiliar sounds of fireworks booming can be stressful for your bird. In order to keep your pet as calm as possible, you may want to block off a room for your bird to stay in until the celebration is over. If possible, place blankets over the windows and doors to minimize the sound of the fireworks.
  
  

By following these safety tips, you can make Independence Day safe for your feathered friend. Have fun, but be sure to check in on your bird throughout the day, and keep his or her cage stocked with plenty of fresh food, water, and toys, to keep your pet comfortable. You'll find that taking these extra precautions will make you feel much better, too.