Arika's Holiday Safety Tips

• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 1st day of Christmas, the police located and identified Mr. Teflon. He comes around to our gatherings at Thanksgiving. Sneaks in from some relative bringing cooked left in a Mr. Teflon container. This will not be tolerated in our home and we have taken every measure to ensure that he stays out. No exceptions !![/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 2nd day of Christmas we located a common offender ourselves. He's been identified as Mr Sharp. We discovered that he is a member of the knives gang. He is necessary part of our home but, we' always keep him locked up while Arika is out.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 3rd day of Christmas, we stopped Mr. Scented Candle from entering. Relatives unknowingly transport him into feathered friends homes with the promise of illuminating our lives with fresh scents.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 4th day of Christmas, we found Mr Chocolate. Also sneaking into our homes during the holidays. While not a necessary part of our lives, we have also ensured that chocolate (and other lethal foods) are kept away from our baby.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 5th day of Christmas, several holiday plants tried to sneak into our home. They include Lilies, Mistletoe, Poinsettia, and many more. We've installed sophisticated detection equipment similar to airports to sniff out these offenders and prevent them from even making it past the front door.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 6th day of Christmas, another offender was stopped. Uncle Henry decided it would be a good idea to bring his dog with him to the family gathering. Well, they had to turn around and take Fido home. Sorry Uncle, but no outside pets allowed in our home. It's simply not worth the risk. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 7th day of Christmas, we identified Mr. Christmas lights. They are now banned. We have greatly minimized any electrocution or glass cuts from a curious bird chewing on an inviting bulb or wire.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 8th day of Christmas, Mr Battery fell out of one of its packages and tried walking into Arika's room. We caught him and ensured that all of his toxic chemical friends were properly locked up.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 9th day of Christmas, Mr Heat was lurking in the kitchen (along with several members of the knives gang). The fix was simple, Arika is not allowed out until they chill out, cool down, and dump their sharp attitude.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 10th day of Christmas, Mr toilet started making mumbling noises about swallowing up a nice Blue & Gold “Turkey”..... Yeah right, we put a stop to that by ensuring that the lid is closed.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 11th day of Christmas, (while telling Mr. Toilet to “Shut Up”) Mr Medicine bottles were peeking out of the bathroom cabinet. Also looking to find their way into Arika's room. They are now serving time, locked up.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, sans-serif]On the 12th day of Christmas, Mr Cleaner tried to sneak in. We put a stop to that too. We ensured that any cleaning products are used with vented air to the outside and fresh outside air enters Arika's room.[/FONT]

Laurasea said:

This is great! I had to kick out my parents who had driven 1000 miles to see me one year. As my dad was going to use Teflon and wouldn't listen to me! It was a Big deal. We did mend our fences and he told me he was proud I stood up to him. But he just didn't believe that was a real thing.....
So yes frisk your guests!!!! I had no idea he brought a special pan for cooking with him!!!!!

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Scott said:

Important lessons with a touch of humor! Love it!!!

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18WheelsOfSteel said:

This reminds me of an important lesson my father taught me and ended up kind of wishing he hadn't, as I expect most fathers do (I guess since times are a-changing substitute mothers and daughters and all other versions of homo sapiens sapiens where appropriate, I will simply continue to use the masculine for brevity) I was told that a man is a member of his community, his spiritual, legal, and moral community, but he is king and master in his own home. This is taken quite literally in my home, those who come in good faith and with no I'll intent are welcomed with open arms, but I brook no dissent in my home, if I tell you no teflon, this is not a request, a suggestion or a debate, I run no democracy, you either comply, or you leave, by whatever means I deem necessary. I know this may sound harsh, and it is difficult to assert ones authority over someone you have allowed by need or custom to have authority over you your entire life, but you as a responsible parent of a pet must stand your ground whatever the accusation, let them call it stupid, or dumb, inconvenience or inconsiderate, they can have an opinion, they cannot kill or endanger your bird/pet no matter how innocent the intent, please remember to stand your ground in your home as families tend to gather over the holidays, it will simplify your life in more ways than you can imagine.

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noodles123 said:

18WheelsOfSteel said:

This reminds me of an important lesson my father taught me and ended up kind of wishing he hadn't, as I expect most fathers do (I guess since times are a-changing substitute mothers and daughters and all other versions of homo sapiens sapiens where appropriate, I will simply continue to use the masculine for brevity) I was told that a man is a member of his community, his spiritual, legal, and moral community, but he is king and master in his own home. This is taken quite literally in my home, those who come in good faith and with no I'll intent are welcomed with open arms, but I brook no dissent in my home, if I tell you no teflon, this is not a request, a suggestion or a debate, I run no democracy, you either comply, or you leave, by whatever means I deem necessary. I know this may sound harsh, and it is difficult to assert ones authority over someone you have allowed by need or custom to have authority over you your entire life, but you as a responsible parent of a pet must stand your ground whatever the accusation, let them call it stupid, or dumb, inconvenience or inconsiderate, they can have an opinion, they cannot kill or endanger your bird/pet no matter how innocent the intent, please remember to stand your ground in your home as families tend to gather over the holidays, it will simplify your life in more ways than you can imagine.

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That is how I behave in these circumstances, BUT I avoid certain gatherings because it is just too hard to boss people around outside of your own home lol. I am used to looking a bit crazy (I have a cockatoo...)
I just wish that it weren't so much work---and boarding is another stress altogether....

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