I don't know how I missed all the replies to the thread I started! I guess the replies came during days I wasn't online much and I missed out! I will remember about the Sago toxicity. I watch my pups like a hawk when they are outside anyway as they are always trying to eat something they are not supposed to! Speaking of hawks -- that is another danger, along with the many snakes, fire ants, spiders, cow killer ants (actually the wasp family), our pool, etc.... you can see why I am right next to them when they are out and about. I got the Sago Palm as a present from the realtor 20 years ago when we moved into this house. It was just a little thing but has grown to be a huge plant with several thick trunks along with many babies! I will be especially vigilant but none of them have ever bothered it in all of the years we have had it, Here is the warning:
"Cycad Sago Palm is extremely poisonous to animals (this includes humans) if ingested. Pets are at particular risk since they seem to find the plant very palatable.[2] Clinical symptoms of ingestion will develop within 12 hours and may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, seizures, liver failure, or hepatotoxicity characterized by icterus, cirrhosis, and ascites. The pet may appear bruised, have nose bleeds (epistaxis), melena (blood in the stool), hematochezia (bloody straining), and hemarthrosis (blood in the joints).[3] The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center estimates a fatality rate of 50 to 75 percent when ingestion of the Sago Palm is involved. The incidence of Sago Palm ingestion by pets has risen by over 200% in the last five years.[4] If any quantity of the plant is ingested, a poison control center or doctor should be contacted immediately. Effects of ingestion can include permanent internal damage and death."
Reading that will make me worry more but also more watchful when they are near the palm. I also have several Pindo Palms but I am not seeing anything about them being toxic. Still -- I never let the pups chew on any of the plants, except plain grass.
Thanks for all of the anecdotes about the mocking birds. I find them so facinating. Mine sure sound like the pups! They have that bark down pat!
On a sad note, the eggs seem to be abandoned. I have not heard my barking mocking bird anymore and have not seen anyone sitting on the eggs. I will keep watching. They have shelter from the weather as I left a few fronds on the tree. They are also not easily seen from above in case those pesky blue jays decide to go foraging. |