James Harris, DVM
Static shock doesn't hurt birds
 I live in the midwest where the air is dry in the winter and while we have a whole house humidifier, I am forever zapping myself and others with static electricity. I zapped my parrot Rocky over a year ago and he stills acts afraid of me. Does anyone else have this problem? What can I do? I have tried to discharge by touching something metal before touching our parrots, but that doesn't always seem to work.
-- Lucy Surchik
 Static electricity is not strong enough and does not last long enough to do permanent damage, but as you point out, it might not do much for your relationship with your bird. It sounds like you're doing everything possible to avoid shocking him. You might try asking the carpet company that installed your floor covering what sort of soles you should be wearing to prevent static buildup. Standing on an anti-static mat or wearing a anti-static wrist strap, used by computer users, might help, too.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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