Trauma and treats

Question
So I have two questions. The first one is simple. Every Easter I use the the holiday as an excuse to buy Cadbury Mini Eggs. I buy them all the time (since they're year round now) and my Myers Parrot is ALWAYS trying to get at them. I never let her but every Easter I let her have the smallest egg I can find in the bag (or I break one if it isn't small enough) and let her eat it. I know chocolate is bad for her but a tiny amount like that can't hurt her can it? Should I stop this little tradition? Am I hurting my birdie by giving into her desire once a year?
The same bird went through a traumatic event when she was a little baby birdie in the store. She had been taken from her cage and stuffed into a pocket. She was returned and then I bought her but she has fears still. She can't handle hands touching her when she doesn't want it (she only lets me scratch her head and lay her on her back in my hand) and is terrified of being wrapped up at all. She starts crying out and looks like she's ready to have a heart attack from fear. I've been trying unsuccessfully for three years to lessen these fears but no luck. What do you suggest I try to at least lessen her trauma? Nothing I've done works

Answer
-- I'm glad to work with you Megan.  You sound like a very caring and incredibly patient owner, especially with the traumatized bird.

First, about the chocolate:  I'm afraid that yes, even the smallest amount of chocolate is dangerous.  We have to remind ourselves that a bird's body is a great deal air sacs for their respiratory system - with a compact assortment of necessary organs and very little blood.  That's why even what appears to be minor bleeding can quickly lead to dehydration and anemia.

With this in mind, less than 1/2 of a little fingernail of chocolate can cause liver problems.  The worst part is that we wouldn't necessarily see symptoms right away.  It could take 4 days, 4 weeks or even years before the toxicity becomes apparent.

Theobromine, the toxic component of chocolate, may build up damage over time.  This is a tragic lesson many, many dog owners find out after giving little chocolate treats and thinking because the dog is 'fine' that it will remain so.

Anyhow, since you only did this once - keep an eye on her for the next few days, especially her droppings and her breathing.  You don't want to see open beak breathing or dark (or any off color) droppings.

Next time she wants a treat, switch the candy out with a piece of dried fruit, like mango, papaya, pineapple, banana, etc..  Of course fresh fruit is good too.  You might be able to convince her that a grape is what comes from these bags of 'eggs'.

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Now, when it comes to the little one -  because of room constraints here, check out this page for ideas   www.4AnimalCare.org/birds


You have to also keep in mind that sometimes this is just the way it's going to be.  Not all birds are laid back, cuddly, hand friendly.  But they are, nevertheless, still lovable and beautiful companions.  Right?