World 01_30_19

CLASSIFIEDS
Birds need extra assistance in winter
Cold weather can be particularly
taxing on many of the birds
individuals discover in their
backyards throughout the year.
Although some species migrate to warmer
climates each winter, many stay put and
attempt to ride out winter in their normal
habitats. Birds that tend to stay put include
finches, sparrows, titmice, jays, woodpeckers,
chickadees, and cardinals.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology says that, in much of
North America, winter days can be windy and cold for birds,
and nights are even more challenging. In winter, birds no
longer have berries and lush vegetation to consume and insects
have died or gone underground. Since finding food can
be especially difficult, and shelter may be scarce, many birds
can benefit from a little help from their human friends.
SHELTER
Wild Birds Unlimited says shelter for birds is hard to come
by in winter. Trees have shed their leaves, and evergreens
may not be as abundant or protective. As a result, birds
frequently seek man-made structures that can provide refuge
from the elements.
People can provide shelters for birds, which may include
traditional birdhouses, windbreaks and snow shields. Even
a brush pile can simulate the natural shelters of trees and
shrubs that birds prefer. Roost boxes are another option
and one that can accommodate small flocks that will group
together and share their body heat.
Use leaves and branches to provide natural camouflage and
help attract birds to the shelter. Offer yarn, fabric scraps, cotton,
and other insulating materials that birds can use to help
make their shelters more
comfortable.
FOOD
Birds require high-calorie and high-fat foods in the winter
so they can keep up their metabolism to generate warmth.
Also, since birds’ feeding habits vary depending on the
type of bird, it may be necessary to place feeders at varying
heights to maximize access.
• • •
Feeders should be located out of the wind and in an area
that offers safe refuge from predators. The National Wildlife
Federation also says individuals should put out sizable feeders
and/or use multiple feeders to provide ample food during
snow and ice storms. Feeders should be checked regularly
and kept full.
Consistency is also important because birds will grow accustomed
to being supplemented with food and may depend
on such supplements to survive.
Bird Watcher’s Digest suggests a variety of foods for birds.
Black-oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, cracked corn, millet,
thistle seed, safflower, and various fruits can help many
birds thrive. It’s also suggested to include mealworms, which
can be purchased at bait stores or pet stores. These larvae of
beetles can be presented in a shallow dish with slippery sides
so the worms cannot crawl out.
Birds typically need extra support to survive harsh winters.
Offering food and shelter during these bleak months can
help.
Training and taming pet birds
Interacting with a companion animal is one of the joys of pet ownership. While certain
pets seem more naturally inclined toward interaction than others, such as cats and dogs,
many pets can be made more social with the right training.
Many people love having tame and trained birds as pets.
Opinions vary as to which birds may be the most amenable
to bonding, but many birds make great companions.
First-time bird owners are often advised to start with a
young bird, as it is often easier to tame and train a young animal
than one who is older. Certain pet stores or bird specialty
retailers will hand-raise the birds from babies so they become
acclimated with humans very early on.
Taming is largely about trust. Therefore, it may need to begin
slowly. Gradually go from simply being in the company
of the bird to allowing it to grow accustomed to your hand in
the cage. Eventually, after you and the bird are comfortable
with each other, allow it to sit on your finger or shoulder. ccording
to Rob Marshall, an Australian avian veterinarian, as
a bird comes to trust, he or she will also allow touch from the
top of his head to the back of the neck. Repeated handling
can build up an attachment.
According to the experts at VCA Hospitals, do not overdo
your avian acclimation or training when the bird is first
brought home. He or she may need to settle in to its new
home. Everything is new, and new sights, sounds and smells
can be stressful. Once the bird has acclimated, aim for taming
sessions between 15 and 20 minutes per day. Also, allow
the bird to have some alone time to entertain itself; otherwise,
you may end up with an overly attached bird.
Birds can bite, and when they do, it is important to remain
calm. eeping fingers together and curled inward can make
them harder to grab. A short, downward shift of the hand if
the bird is sitting on it and a firm verbal “no” may prevent
the bird from biting. Never hit a bird as discipline.
Having a birds flight wings clipped is recommended when
letting the bird loose in a home and during training. This also
may help the bird be more dependent on you and more trusting
of your handling.
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Dog Training 101: No More Scraps
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My dog
“Itchy” sits right next to my knee
while I’m at the dinner table and begs
for scraps of food. At first he’s quiet,
but then he’ll start to whine and make
little mini-barking noises. After five
minutes we can’t hear ourselves talk
for all his begging. What can I do to
stop this? -- Ben K., Madison, Wisconsin
DEAR BEN: That’s a behavior that is very common
among most house pets. And who can blame them? There’s
good food up on that table!
That doesn’t mean Itchy can beg loudly while you’re
eating. While occasional scraps are OK, feeding directly
from the table is not, both because it leads to bad behavior
and because you can’t control what other family members
or guests feed him. Itchy may eat far too much fat and
calories than is healthy, or eat an ingredient that can be
harmful to him, such as onion, raisins or avocado.
The simplest solution is to not let Itchy approach the
table at all during dinner. Train him to lay down within
sight of you during the meal and to stay there until you’re
done. After you finish eating, feed him his dinner in his
dish.
You’ll be very busy for a few days or weeks as he will
complain and try to approach the table. Be prepared for
this. Work extra sessions daily with Itchy on the “sit ... lay
down ... stay” commands until he responds well.
Be consistent: He must lay down when dinner starts and
stay there without complaining. And he must get his dinner
when you’re done. With a routine in place, Itchy’s behavior
should improve.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
January 30, 2019 The WORLD page 27