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5 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Pet Bird

Summertime Activities for Parrots and Their Owners

By Alyson Burgess, About.com

Most people love it when the weather gets warm, and most tropical bird species do too! Look here for some fun ways to enjoy the warm summer weather with your pet bird. Spending a little bit of extra time with your feathered friend might just make this your best summer yet.

Shed a little light on your parrot.

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Parrots and other pet birds need sunlight so that their bodies can manufacture Vitamin D. On pretty summer days, consider moving your pet's cage near a screened window or outdoors to a sunny spot for a few minutes. You'll find that it can be quite fun to enjoy your bird's company as you sit in the sun.

Take a day trip with your bird.

Photo 2006 Courtesy of Patricia Lowery and Marvette Hillis
Most well socialized birds enjoy taking short trips with their owners. If you haven't already, purchase a travel cage for your bird and hit the road for some great summer fun! Be sure to bring plenty of fresh food and water so that your bird will be comfortable on the trip.

Share some summer crops with your bird.

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Summer is the best time to share fresh fruits and vegetables with your pet. Not only are they tasty, they are packed with vital nutrients that will boost your feathered friend's health. For an easy treat, try whipping up some Peanut Butter Mango Bites or some Fruity Parrot Pops for your pet. They are the perfect compliment to a warm summer's day!

Cool off with a nice shower.

Photo courtesy of Patricia Lowery and Marvette Hillis.
Most birds like a nice refreshing shower as much as people do! If you find that the temperature is rising outside, try giving your bird a nice cool spritz of water with a misting bottle or set up a bowl of water for him/her to splash in. Not only is it best to bathe your bird during the hottest part of the day to prevent chills, bathing your bird when it's hot allows the water to evaporate and keep the humidity level in your bird's environment more comfortable for your pet.

Stop to smell the flowers!

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Plenty of colorful plants and flowers grow in the summertime -- and some of them have blossoms that make great chew toys for pet birds! Next time you are in your garden, try grabbing some clover, dandelion, or marigold blossoms for your bird to enjoy. These are all bird-safe plants that grow in most areas. If you do decide to use plants that are growing outdoors, make sure they are from an area where no pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals have been used, and wash them thoroughly before giving them to your pet.

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