How Bad Is It?

Straight answers to scratch-your-head questions.

- Julianne Pepitone

how bad is it to let your pet bird fly around the house?

Open the cage door! Your parakeet might not get frequent flier miles, but at least she’ll be healthy: “Birds are like any other pet or animal— they need exercise, and should get at least 10 minutes a day,” says veterinarian Katherine Quesenberry, head of the avian and exotics services at Animal Medical Center in New York City. Just bird proof the area: Shut windows and doors leading outside, close blinds on patio doors so Polly doesn’t crash into the glass, turn off ceiling fans, and remove anything hot from the stove. While birds are flock animals who will typically hover near you, they could fly off to other rooms. And larger species, like cockatoos and Amazon parrots, “can literally chew through furniture,” says Dr. Quesenberry. So it’s best to trail along. Avoid letting birds cruise around when you’re out, as any kind could nibble on clothing, appliances, whatever. Besides, you don’t want to deal with surprise “gifts” left behind.

NOT BAD AT ALL!

how bad is it to flash your high beams at other drivers to alert them to a nearby cop?