Hi all!<o:p></o:p>

For Christmas tips lets start with the tree. Since I have had pets I have worried about them getting into the tree and hurting themselves. I take the birds upstairs to see the tree, but fortunately they live in the bird room and spend most of their time with us downstairs. For those of you who have their birds in the same room as your tree, hopefully some of these ideas will help.<o:p></o:p>

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Don’t put bulbs or other breakable ornaments on the tree. Instead why not use wooden ones or cloth? Plug the tree in only when you will be in the room and protect the cord from birdies (or cat, dog, etc)  I use a cover you can buy at Radio Shack that is used on computers. It keeps all the cords from getting tangled behind your computer and is somewhat sturdy so they can’t bite through it right way. It goes without saying there should be nothing edible on your tree.<o:p></o:p>

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To keep your tree from being knocked over, try wiring it to a banister or table leg. Keeping cats out of a tree is more difficult than birds. We decorated our cat tree and moved it next to a window so they can look out. I’ve hung all sorts of toys on it and so fat they are having more fun on it than the Christmas tree. Also the reason cats are so interested in the lights on the tree is they can hear the current going through the wires, and that’s usually what will make them chew through them.<o:p></o:p>

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Don’t let your birds wander around on the floor near the tree as those tiny pine needles can hurt their feet! As much as I would like to have a real tree the artificial ones don’t shed! And remember that both mistletoe and poinsettias are both poison to your birds.<o:p></o:p>

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Keep a bird safe holiday house and have a very Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p>

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