Dino toes- safety outside?

[Kiwibird]

Kiwi's experiences outdoors have largely been in very select wide-open, clean areas bazillions of dogs or other creatures have not been using as a bathroom or in his pak-o-bird. As he becomes more accustomed to his harness, it opens up a lot more places he'll be allowed out in safely, like the beach or somewhere we stop while hiking etc... I have a complete phobia of grass in public areas (grass in a park=the toilet for thousands of dogs) so no where like that would I ever put my baby down on. I wouldn't even put the bottom of my shoe on grass.

What is the general consensus of letting a bird walk around on the ground outside in areas you haven't necessarily scoped out for first but also aren't full of concentrated and obvious grossness/unsanitary things? For instance, we plan on taking another beach trip in June. Last time, we were afraid Kiwi would spook and end up in the ocean so we only had him out of the POB for some photos with a vice grip on his feet the whole time. At somewhere like the beach, is it safe to let him walk around in the sand since he'll be on a leash? Or if we're in the woods and sit down for lunch, would he be safe exploring a bit? Or is it too risky since there could be something he could catch? Any advice appreciated and to be clear, he would be on a harness/leash so not that kind of safety I mean health wise.

 

[YUMgrinder]

honestly, I think it's not a concern IMHO. I don't see what could be a safety concern if you have him harnessed and let him wander at the beach. I'm not one to fret about germs though...

 

[Kiwibird]

honestly, I think it's not a concern IMHO. I don't see what could be a safety concern if you have him harnessed and let him wander at the beach. I'm not one to fret about germs though...

There are a lot of wild seabirds at the beach and also by the river (which is closer and we visit more frequently). I am unsure if the diseases/parasites they carry are like "in" the sand where any bird could pick them up. You know, letting him walk where tons of other birds have been. Wild birds of unknown health status. You even occasionally see a dead bird on the beach (obviously I wouldn't let him near a dead bird, but who's to say one wasn't picked up from the very spot he's now standing by a cleaning crew that morning?). Also the possibility of other contaminants, such as increased radiation since we're on the Pacific side of the ocean and that ***ushima is still spewing out radioactive waste that's floating over here. Or other nasty pollutants dumped in the ocean/rivers that make their way to shore. That's my kind of fear. But I also want Kiwi to be able to enjoy and explore the world too. Just trying to find a safe and sensible balance for him since he can't make decisions for himself.

I dunno, I'm not a germaphobe at home where it's just my, my husband and Kiwi's germs. We're all clean. But out in public, the thought of other people and animals germs really freaks me out.

OMG Seriously? F U K U S H I M A has to be starred out? Why?! It doesn't even have a "c" in it!

 

[SailBoat]

Your unintended mix of Humor and Concern is a wonder to read and simply enjoy!

Running percentages will drive one a bit nuts, so lets just stay on the surface of things:
- The most dangerous areas outside for Humans and Parrots is disturbed rich soil. The freshly opened, moisture and warmth is a perfect storm for exposure to, semi to dangerous germs. Good gardening practices include, removing and washer all clothing and a full shower for the Humans after working outside.
- The surface areas of soil, sand and just as likely grass is activity exposed to the Sun's UV rays and their killing effects on everything that fits into the group, called Germs.
- The majority of chemicals also degrade when exposed to Sunlight. The issue with chemicals is when applied or dumped and the resulting length of time before they are degraded to a safe level. Clearly, different chemicals degrade at different rates.
- Do wild Animals (and Humans) leave their waste in the woods, sand, ground and grass, yup! If that stuff never broke-down, I do not believe there would be a safe place to step near anywhere. The piles in some areas would be huge. But, waste breaks down fairly quickly.

General Rule: It the ground is warm from the exposure to the Sunshine, dry and undisturbed, it is likely safe! Grassy areas that have not been treated recently, is irrigated regularly, and recently cut; when warm and dry are as likely safe.

I hope this helps! Enjoy!

 

[clark_conure]

clark has walked around the grass in the backyard......he reports...Mehhhh shoulder is better. But sometimes I need to sit him down for a moment to do something dangerous.

 

[Kiwibird]

Your unintended mix of Humor and Concern is a wonder to read and simply enjoy!

Running percentages will drive one a bit nuts, so lets just stay on the surface of things:
- The most dangerous areas outside for Humans and Parrots is disturbed rich soil. The freshly opened, moisture and warmth is a perfect storm for exposure to, semi to dangerous germs. Good gardening practices include, removing and washer all clothing and a full shower for the Humans after working outside.
- The surface areas of soil, sand and just as likely grass is activity exposed to the Sun's UV rays and their killing effects on everything that fits into the group, called Germs.
- The majority of chemicals also degrade when exposed to Sunlight. The issue with chemicals is when applied or dumped and the resulting length of time before they are degraded to a safe level. Clearly, different chemicals degrade at different rates.
- Do wild Animals (and Humans) leave their waste in the woods, sand, ground and grass, yup! If that stuff never broke-down, I do not believe there would be a safe place to step near anywhere. The piles in some areas would be huge. But, waste breaks down fairly quickly.

General Rule: It the ground is warm from the exposure to the Sunshine, dry and undisturbed, it is likely safe! Grassy areas that have not been treated recently, is irrigated regularly, and recently cut; when warm and dry are as likely safe.

I hope this helps! Enjoy!

Thanks for the detailed response. I guess I will plan on letting him explore a bit at the river and down at the beach (as long as he is cooperative about the harness!), but nothing will ever change my mind about putting my buddy on public grass *shudders*. I actually think theres a technical name for a grass phobia. My husband finds it rather amusing too:25:, especially since I'll go way out of my way to avoid stepping on it. This is not a new phobia either, it goes back as far as I can remember.

I would be curious to take a Geiger counter to the beach with us. I know there's occasionally an article about some strange relic from the Japanese tsunami that washes up on our beaches here. One can only deduce if a car or boat or whatever can make its way over here, it must mean radioactive particles are as well... Logically, visiting the beach once a year would make it highly unlikely to be exposed to enough to cause harm though. I'm still not in love with the concept of Kiwi being irradiated at any level above the normal background radiation we evolved to live with. He might turn into Godzilla or something....