If you are planning on hosting a New Year's Eve celebration this year, then you've got a lot more to worry about than just refreshments and decorations! As a pet bird owner, you have a responsibility to make sure that your pet stays safe and as comfortable as possible during the festivities. Check out these safety tips for help making sure that your feathered friend rings in the new year healthy and happy.

• Keep an eye on the alcohol. Many pet birds will steal a drink out of a glass if they get the chance. (I know that mine will!) Because alcoholic beverages can be fatal to pet birds, it's extremely important to keep all drinks far out of your pet's reach. Be sure to inform all of your guests that your bird is to stay clean and sober, and ask them to keep their drinks out of his vicinity.
  
  
• Monitor your bird's stress level. Strange visitors, unfamiliar sounds, and the disruption that a party can cause in your bird's routine can all be big stressors for your feathered friend. Because stress can lead to illness and disease, it's important to keep your pet as calm and comfortable as possible. Relocate your bird's cage to a quiet, low-traffic area of your home before your guests begin to arrive, and let him remain there until everyone has gone home. Peep in on your pet now and then to check on him and reassure him, but resist the urge to take him out to show to your guests. Your bird will appreciate having a safe haven away from the celebration.
  
  

• Beware of toxic foods. You and your guests may feast during your party, but keep the treats to yourself. Many birds end up accidentally poisoned during the holiday season because of sharing toxic foods with their human friends. Unless you made a dish yourself and know that it is safe for birds to eat, do not offer to share it with your pet, and make sure that your visitors follow the same policy.
  
  
• Keep decorations out of your bird's reach. Common party decorations such as balloons and confetti can pose great safety hazards to your feathered friend. Since bird's are naturally attracted to bright, shiny objects, an encounter with a party decoration can spell disaster. Make sure that all decorations are kept as far from your pet as possible to ensure his safety. While you're at it, you may want to consider a ban on the horns and noisemakers that are so popular at New Year's celebrations. Not only can the sounds cause undue stress for your pet, you may end up hearing them more than you'd like if your bird is a talented mimic!
  

Remember, your bird's safety and comfort should always come first. If you feel that your celebration may be too much for your bird to handle, consider boarding him for the night with an avian veterinarian or a friend. Have a safe and happy new year, and many more to come!