No Feather Left Behind

Birds Need Sleep!

2012-01-18T08:49:00.001-08:00

Because most birds live right on or near the equator, your parrot is instinctually driven to receive equal amounts of daylight and dark. Birds who don’t get enough sleep often become hormonal, cranky, territorial, aggressive, and loud. A lot of behavior problems are caused by lack of sleep! Make sure your bird is generally getting around 10-12 hours of sleep, every night.

If you’re a night owl, but get up early, you need a separate room for your bird to sleep in peace and quiet. Birds also benefit from having a sleep cage, because in the wild, parrots don’t stay in the same tree for everything. They’re out and about, roosting in one tree, hanging out for the day in another, and foraging in yet another. Mimicking this helps reduce cage guarding, aggression, and boredom. Imagine if you were in the same room, everyday! The Sleep cage only has to be bog enough for a water bowl, a perch or toy, and maybe a toy. They don’t need much room to sleep. Their day cage should be bigger, with playstands set up around the house so your bird can be out with you as much as possible.

Source: Link

Parrot Mill - Pierce County, WA

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

SOURCE: Link
We continue to support efforts to provide legal protections for parrots in Pierce and other counties, and to promote the welfare of birds.

Parrot Depot

Beginning in the early 1980's, Martha and her husband John Scudder owned and ran a parrot breeding farm, M&J Enterprises, in Roy, Washington. John Scudder passed away in 2002. Martha Scudder still owns the farm, now called Scudder's Parrot Depot, largely run by her live-in boyfriend, Robert Vincent. By Martha's family's own testimony, the facility has been in decline for a number of years, and Bob Vincent's arrival has not improved matters.

Picture taken March, 2006

Life at Parrot Depot: dark cages in poorly sheltered ramshackle barns

Parrots—universally recognized for their intelligence—are farmed in utterly degrading conditions.

We have created this web site not just to try and help set things right at Parrot Depot, but to raise the issues involved, which extend to other farms and to the role of county and state governments in the bird-breeding industry. Despite public perception that widespread protections are in place to prevent animal cruelty, the facts are that laws and ordinances do not apply equally to all situations, types of pets, or animals in general. Birds such as parrots are often left woefully unprotected, inviting exploitation and abuse.

We want to insure our readers do not confuse Scudder'sParrot Depot with Scudders' Happy Hookbills Ranch, owned and run by Martha's son and daughter-in-law, John and Kathy. While we cannot speak to motives, it was after confrontations with Robert Vincent that John and Kathy (whose property adjoins Martha's, and who have made attempts to assist Martha) were served a restraining order preventing them from coming on to Parrot Depot property.

“Zone of Despair”

This article, written by Larry Gallawa, details how he became involved with fighting for humane treatment of parrots in Pierce County, WA and his subsequent frustrating and heartbreaking journey. His efforts to obtain help for these suffering birds were repeatedly blocked at every turn. It seemed that anyone in a position of authority whose responsibility it was to protect these magnificent animals could only be described as apathetic—at best. Click on the link following to read Larry's story about the initial events surrounding this travesty and you'll understand why he titled it “The Zone of Despair” [here»].

Our Involvement

As this case has taken on visibility—including an unsuccessful attempt by Parrot Depot (Martha Scudder) to sue Larry Gallawa—the amount of disinformation and speculation on “both sides” has been increasing. (Documents from Scudder vs. Gallawa are accessible through the Court Case tab above.)

Our focus has been to build a repository of all publicly available, relevant documents. In doing so, we hope to assure that every interested party has available the most complete, current, and accurate information possible. This includes not only those directly involved with Scudder Parrot Depot case, but those interested in understanding the issues surrounding it and also concerning the care and needs of parrots in general.

Press Coverage

We have also gathered relevant news, accessible through the News Articles tab above. The most comprehensive and informative of these is the article “Parrots in Peril,” written by respected investigative journalist Mira Tweti, who has written extensively on parrots and investigated the Parrot Depot situation. After it was published, local residents—now alerted to conditions—began to contact their officials demanding action. Our hope is that this public scrutiny will help improve conditions at Parrot Depot and other “bird farms.”

Commentary

Where the facts are clear, they are stated as such. Where opinion or a single source—in cases wishing to remain anonymous—is involved, we have used phrases such as “alleged,” “allegedly,” or “presumably” to qualify comments. The outcome of Scudder v. Gallawa, in favor of Larry Gallawa and confirmed on appeal, certainly counters Martha Scudder's and Bob Vincent's assertions they are simply victims of "personal attacks" (quoted from their web site, also echoed in comments by their lawyer, Jack Maichel). Nevertheless, to insure our comments are read based on the facts and not their source, we have kept our comments anonymous because we want this website to focus solely on issues surrounding the welfare of parrots, not on personalities.

We invite those just seeking more information to browse the document collection.
We believe it speaks for itself.

Giardia, the Monster Parasite

2011-10-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

by Gail Gillogly - Spring 2004

Giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) was originally called Cercomonas intestinalis by Lambl in 1859, and renamed Giardia lamblia by Stiles in 1915, in honor of Professor A. Giard of Paris and Dr. F. Lambl of Prague. Yet another alias of this single-celled microscopic parasite is referred to as Giardia duodenalis. Whatever the Zoological Nomenclature of the week, I know it only too well as “The Monster Parasite.”

What is a parasite?

Parasites, in general, are organisms which survive on other living organisms known as hosts. They derive their nourishment and protection, as well as live and reproduce, within the tissues and organs of their host. They may be transmitted from host to host through consumption of contaminated food and water or through contact with the stool (feces) of an infected host.
There are various parasites which range in size from tiny single-celled microscopic organisms (protozoa), to visible multi-cellular worms (helminthes) that may be observed with out a microscope.

What exactly is Giardia?

Giardia is a single-celled protozoan organism. Although once thought of as a third world problem, Giardia is common world wide. It is an opportunistic organism and infects a wide range of hosts including wild and domestic animals, birds and, of course, humans too.
In fact the CDC estimates that approximately 2 million Americans contract Giardiasis every year. However, according to the latest research, the giardia that infests humans is a separate organism from that which infests birds. If your bird has giardia it should not be contagious to humans or other types of companions; however, it is extremely contagious to other birds in the home.

giardia troph

Giardia has two stages, the cyst which is the infective stage and the diagnostic stage and the trophozoites, which, while also a diagnostic stage, does not survive away from the host. The cyst are resistant forms which are responsible for the transmission of giardiasis. They are hardy and can survive for several months in cold water or outside of the host. Infection occurs by the ingestion of cysts in contaminated water, food, or by the fecal-oral route. Living in the small intestine (usually the duodenum) excystation releases trophozoites. Each cyst produces two trophozoites, which multiply by longitudinal binary fission, remaining in the lumen of the proximal small bowel where they can be free or attached to the mucosa by a ventral sucking disk. This retards digestion and assimilation of nutrients for the host. Encystation occurs as the parasites transit toward the colon.

What are the symptoms of Giardia in birds?

In some companion birds Giardia may induce pruritis (itching), causing a bird to scream and pull feathers. There is a common giardia picking pattern, which usually involves the chest, underside of the wings, insides of the thighs, shoulders and sometimes the lower back region. Some birds may show signs of dry flaky skin or act as though they have fleas. They may exhibit what is known as “pica,” appearing as if they are licking non-food items, like toys, perches, etc. The stools may be loose, foul smelling, or oily-looking, or they may be passing whole seeds or undigested foods in their droppings. Additionally giardia may cause mortality of baby birds in the nest. Often the babies will be very thin, have poor feathering and continually cry to be fed. Many won’t make it to fledging.
Some birds may never display visual symptoms, yet may have signs of loose droppings, weakness, anorexia, depression, and weight loss. A solitary companion home may harbor giardia for long periods of time before showing signs of illness. A multiple companion family may all harbor this monster parasite with only a couple showing visible signs of distress. This is another reason Giardia is so hard to treat. Many times companions are treated individually. It is my personal opinion that the whole flock needs to be treated if it is a multiple bird home. At one time, Giardia was thought to be carried only by the smaller birds such as cockatiels, budgies, lovebirds, etc. However, in the past several years has it come to the attention of vets and caregivers that the larger species are susceptible as well. Unfortunately, Giardia thinks of them all as wonderful hosts. Another problem Giardia causes is the compromising of the immune system, leaving it unable to ward off secondary infections such as bacterial or fungal infections.

How is Giardia diagnosed?

Since the trophozoites stage is unstable and may disintegrate before it can be seen, as well as the fact that Giardia is shed sporadically in the feces (both, cyst and trophozoites), it can be difficult to detect and to correctly diagnose. Currently, it is felt a fecal trichrome test is the most reliable for diagnosing Giardia. There is an abundance of evidence that birds that have tested negative under other test methods have then tested positive using the fecal trichrome method. The collection of the first morning feces will provide the best opportunity to detect the parasite; the sample needs to be collected fresh, within minutes. Three samples over a period of 3 days is optimum for catching the organism.

What are the conventional treatments?

A 5-day course of Ronidazole is considered to be safe and effective in treating giardia. In 2001, Flagyl (metronidazole) appeared effective in only about 60% of the cases. Currently, some vets feel the effectiveness of Flagyl (metronidazole) is down to 40%. Known side effects of Flagyl are nausea, disorientation, yeast growth, liver failure depression, regurgitation, and nerve damage. It has even been shown to cause cancer in animals.
Another drug, Panacur, (fenbendazole) may also have adverse side effects in birds including feather deformities and liver problems. Another drug that may be somewhat effective is Humatin (paromomycin). This drug must be administered orally by syringe. Some vets are using the drug dimetridazole. It is imported from Germany and is not yet available in the U.S. to treat giardia.
One of the problems in treating giardia is that it has built up a resistance to many of the conventional drugs. This is clear to see as in the case of Flagyl, which dropped from 60% efficacy in 2001 to 40% in 2003. Symptoms of giardia may subside for a couple of months only to return with a vengeance.

How about Holistic treatment?

Some people have tried conventional treatments and are now turning to the holistic approach for a safer, more natural treatment. Giardia can take 3 months of treatment to eradicate. A holistic vet will want to incorporate a program eliminating the parasites and setting up a supportive nutritive and immune-building diet according to your bird’s individual needs.
In the book, “All You Ever Wanted To Know About Herbs For Pets,” by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford, the authors recommend tinctures as the best form of herbal intervention because of their high concentrations of readily available constituents. This is the remedy they recommend:

Combine the following tinctures:
2 parts Oregon grape
2 parts licorice
2 parts cleavers
1 part garlic

This formula can be fed to dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other large herbivores at least one hour before feeding, at a dosage of about ¼ teaspoon (1 milliliter) per 20 pounds of the animal’s body weight, twice daily for up to ten days. If positive results aren’t seen within ten days, it’s time to call your holistic vet. Low-alcohol tinctures are best because of their relative ease of administration, but alcohol tinctures can be used provided they are diluted to half-strength with water, meaning you will have to give the animal twice the liquid volume.

Summary of Giardia

Giardia is extremely hard to get a handle on once it has taken up residency. You have to make a personal decision between treating conventionally or holistically. In either case, it is advised you seek a professional to assist you in this battle with “the monster parasite.” It is imperative to keep the cage area as clean and disinfected as possible. This includes the toys, cage bars, perches, play gyms, dishes, etc. The giardia cysts can live outside of the host for months, possibly years. Re-infection rate is high, which makes giardia hard to combat. Take a look at the diet your bird is eating. Can it be improved? Remember that a good diet is the basis for good health and a healthy bird is capable of fighting off intruders while one with a compromised system cannot!

References

Bird Talk issue Sept. 2001
Herbs For Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~parasite/giardia.html
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss4907a1.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/
factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/parasite.htm
http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Giardiasis.htm
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html
http://www.priory.com/vet/giardia.htm

Adoptable: Lime & Sugar

2011-09-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Great for someone who's new to keeping birds.
These 2 act like a married couple. They'll kissy, preen one minute, and they'll have a quick quarrel the next. It's very entertaining.

Sugar has been known to jam out a little bit too.

Adoptable: Silly Bird

2011-09-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

Silly-Bird could use a good home! She was VERY well behaved amongst the dogs, cats, and people visiting our table at Art 4 the Animals.

100$ Adoption Free includes a large cage (not pictured here, that's just a transport cage) toys, food, and her vetting...!

She's atleast 9 years old, very spunky and she sings and dances.

Mimi & Phoebe Adopted!

2011-09-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sharon decided to open her home to Mimi & Chicken (now Phoebe). After taking such good care of Andy (Who has almost all his tummy feathers back) how could we say no?

Congrats to everyone! We know you'll be spoiled!

SOAR - Supporters of Avian Rights

2011-08-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

http://soarsupportersofavianrights.wordpress.com/

Our Mission
The Mission of the Supporters of Avian Rights is to raise awareness about the plight of the over population crisis of captive bred Parrots. To assess the existing avian cruelty laws and lobby for parrots to be included in these laws or to support the creation and/or changing existing laws to include the protection of all avian species. Many of the existing laws give little to no protection for avians and they are viewed as a commodity rather than a living berating being. We will be a voice for the birds by developing and promoting a unity within the avian community, so that we can better protect the captive bred Avains within the U.S.
Who we are
Supporters of Avian Rights was formed due to the lack of proper laws protecting our Avians Rights. Here in the U.S. the existing laws to protect pets many times does not include Parrots. They are viewed as a commodity rather than living creatures with rights. Many of the existing laws do not clearly define neglect and so prosecuting these cases are not always successful. It is our goal to work with the lawmakers and other organizations, to not only strengthen existing laws but to also help to define what constitutes neglect and abuse so that we can put in place laws that will protect these amazing creatures.
The Parrot population within the U.S. is growing to uncontrollable proportions. Breeding mills are producing more chicks without educating the public on proper care. Birds are not domesticated animals and should never have been placed in cages. This has led to a massive need for Avian Shelters and Rescues once owners realize how difficult it is caring for Parrots within their homes. There are thousands of rescues across the U.S. today and they are already full. The request to relinquish parrots into these rescues is increasing daily. They survive solely on their own resources, since there is no existing funding for Avian Rescues.
SOAR will work to help bring public awareness to the need for change in the existing laws governing the welfare of parrots and the ever growing overpopulation crisis of parrots. We will work with other organizations within the animal/wildlife rights enforcement community and legal professions, to help advocate the need for legal protection, to prevent abuse, neglect and suffering of captive parrots.

Soar logos

2011-08-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

Rescue Update

2011-08-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'd like to keep NFLB as a small rescue until I can have more time to dedicate to it.

"Those who chases 2 rabbits catches none."

I'd like to be an official branch of a bigger one, however, I like being assertive.

An assertive person can be construed as rebellious or off-putting depending on whom you ask.

I WANT to tell breeders to STOP BREEDING.

I don't want to be indirect and tip toe around situation, and I DON'T want to hurt a larger rescues' reputation.

I want a revolution to help birds.

That's one reason why I left WCC because I didn't want to hurt their reputation.

I stood up to someone, and they felt like calling them up with drama that didn't involve them.

I didn't even mention WCC to her, she just knew I volunteered with (or as she put it, worked for) them.

She let her animals live in filth and I let her know it, so if she can't do anything to attack me directly, she chooses to spread rumors as a form of attack. I don't want that.

You have a problem, you come to me, don't listen to what this one rowdy person says.

There's different rolls everyone plays in the fight for Animal Rights.

You have healers and fighters, and then you have those in the middle.
(Thinking in the mind-set of video games, heheh.)

Healers would be larger rescues, they have a certain image they have to maintain.

HSUS is one example. They have an elaborate protocol that all must follow.

If I wanted to do an impactful, yet questionable art piece to benefit animals, if it isn't politically correct, they can't stand behind it. I understand, and it's ok.

It's because of repercussions to their name that they've worked so hard on.

My ALF activist friends are direct and in your face. Visiting homes of cruel people, flyers, demonstration. I'm not bold enough to go that route.

I want this rescue and those involved to stay in the middle.

We have a fighting spirit, with just enough reserve to keep things legal and kosher.

Save the Troy Parrots

2011-08-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is tough to view, but if you ignore their suffering, there is no hope for them.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176420882427326#!/pages/Save-the-Troy-Parrots/210748295649809

At the beginning of August, 2011 somewhere between 50 and 100 parrots were abandoned in a home belonging to Mr. Ratcliffe who resides just outside the Troy, OH city limits. These parrots lived in filth and extreme heat without food and water. Many of them died of starvation and disease. The remainder resorted to eating the dead or dying parrots in order to survive.

These birds remain with Mr .Ratcliffe in an unheated, uncooled metal pole barn despite the pleadings of the international animal welfare community to have the Humane Officer seize the birds according to Ohio Animal Cruelty Statutes and press charges against Mr Ratcliffe.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176420882427326#!/event.php?eid=176420882427326

If this pisses you off as much as it does me, please join these facebook pages and speak up for these poor babies.

UPDATE: They're working very hard up in Ohio to get the birds taken away. So express yourself as respectful as possible *cringe* if you choose to do so.

Parrot Ownership

2011-08-17T09:27:00.001-07:00

If you know someone wanting to get a parrot. PLEEEEEEAAAASE!!!!!! Show them this. This is excellent.

This has the truths of ownership, both good and bad.

Please share to inform people interested about bird ownership.

Goodnight Cecil - 7/29/11

2011-08-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I introduced Cecile to mama on a fluffy pillow after I washed his booty. We gave pets, kisses, aws. Then I took him in my room, he slid into the comfy part of the blankey, and I put food infront of him and he nibbled. He's been nibbling. I put him back in his cage on top of one of my old/clean shirts for comfies. He was back with his mate, Rosa. I then leave around 9 to drop off the newly adopted tiels.

This morning Cecile passed away. I will be burying him in the Cliffy-Garden outside my window.

You were loved before you died.

We will take care of Rosa for you.

Last night she cuddled under the fuzzy pillow case that was part of Cliffy's pillow. No biteys, she was scared, but she calmed eventually.

Rico Update!

2011-08-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

"I took "Rico" in to see Dr. Clubb at the Rainforest clinic last week. She did all kinds of tests and cultures and even an xray to see if anything was wrong. I also had Rico sexed and now we need to think of a new name because she is a hen!! The culture came back normal. They are waiting for the results for some virus. She is on antibiotics, vitamins and something else {my daughter would know what is is] to help make her healthy. the only thing the xray showed was a slightly enlarged heart. Today was the first day that she and my Red lored actually got together. They have been in side by side cages--or 1 in and 1 out. My guy spent the morning preening her and sitting beside her. They seem to love each other! He will fly off and then come back to her. Unfortunately she is still picking her feathers. I am providing her with lots of branches because she really likes to pick at things. Dr. Clubb said that if she doesn't stop she might have to wear a collar. As far as eating, I have found many things that she likes--cooked peas, rice, cherries, bananas, raisin bread with peanut butter, and believe it or not--raw spinach. Kim and I love her and we hope she will be happy here. Oh, she knows how to put up her head feathers on command when you say scrith scratch, she is learning to flap her wings on command and she knows step up. I'll keep you posted on any new developments! Joan"

Adoptions!!!! Yay!

2011-08-01T06:27:00.001-07:00

OMG! Grandpa, the old-man African Gray, who’s cranky because he can’t see (we don't judge him!), got adopted by a wonderful family on Sunday…! They have 2 grays. One from when it was a baby, and one she rehabbed to be a happy bird.

Grandpa is a bigger challenge, but I believe they’re up to it!

I got a call that they took him to get groomed and he’s better balanced. He’s missing flight feathers on one side, not the other. I wanted to tend to him, but when he went to the vet, he was stressed enough, so we just didn't opt to do it then.

The father had the low voice that he likes. The one that my dad used to chill him out when he’s pitching a cranky fit. “It’s ok grandpa, you’re alright, I know, it’s so terrible.”

I love the whole family was involved. That's perfect. Of course, if they have a problem with him, we'll welcome him with open arms, but this way, you have loving people, and his cousins! So happy!

Dad came home and missed him much. He knows it’s for the better, but he’s been with us for awhile and he’s whinings grew on us. He's a good bird, just had it rough is all.

It makes me so happy that people have a heart to take the guys that are really really really in need of love.

Wednesday the cockatiels were adopted..! Sweet lady that’s a cancer survivor, and volunteer at a local nature center. She had nice cages set up for them. When I was assessing the blue crowns, I met her there and she was interested..!

With rescue, you go through quiet spells, then 2 wonderful homes in 2 weeks. Oh, I’ll post about Rico too. We got a happy update.

Rescue Dream

2011-07-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

I have a dream, that one day, their will not be a need for animal shelter, resuces, or fosters. One day we will not need chipins, donations, we will not need to begg for someone to water, feed, or play with their dogs. One day i will not be... getting phone calls, e-mails, or talked to about "I cant keep these". " I'm moving and ...", one day, our babies will no longer be chained, starves, breed, or abused. One day.
-Cindy Clarke

Bird Mills Exist just as Puppy Mills do

2011-07-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.petstoreabuse.com/birdbreeding.html

Most of us have heard the sad stories about puppy mills. Hundreds of miserable creatures huddled in crowded cages - their only purpose in life being to breed. However, most people have not been exposed to the avian equivalent, the bird mill.

Bird mills are facilities which are used to mass produce parrots for the pet trade. Almost all pet stores, especially the larger chains, purchase their parrots from some form of bird mill (such as Kaytee Preferred Birds, which supplies PETsMART).

Picture courtesy of www.theangryparrot.org

Most bird mill breeding facilities resemble warehouses. Breeder birds, many of them former pets, are kept in small cages with nothing more than food, water, and a nestbox. They are never handled or given any mental stimulation. Confinement in such conditions leads to neurotic behavior in many breeder birds.

Not all breeder birds are compatible with each other. If introductions are not carefully done with acute observation and possible intervention - and they rarely are in bird mills - one or both birds of a prospective breeding pair can be seriously injured or killed.

If a pair does successfully breed and a female lays fertile eggs, they are removed from the nestbox and placed in an incubator. Chicks are not allowed any contact with their parents. Assembly line-type tubes are used to put food directly into the baby birds' crops. This tube feeding makes it very hard for a chick to be weaned later on because the chick associates eating with a tube instead of food.

Some bird mills wean baby birds using a technique called deprivation, or forced, weaning. During deprevation weaning chicks are refused formula with the assumption that when they get hungry enough they'll eat solid food. Deprivation weaning can result in malnutrition, starvation, and permanent behavior problems.

Most bird mills wean chicks to cheap seed-only diets in order to save money. This can cause serious health problems and often make it difficult for the birds to be converted to a more nutritious diet later on.

The birds the mills are unable to wean are often turned over to inexperienced pet shop employees, who in turn sell the fragile creatures to uninformed buyers. These unfortunate birds usually starve to death or die at the hands of misdirected people attempting to handfeed them.
(Click here for more information on the sale of unweaned birds.)

Another practice in bird mills is the prophylactic use of antibiotics as a substitute for good sanitation. This can have terrible short term as well as long term effects on the birds: broad-spectrum antibiotics destroy the beneficial flora and fauna residing in birds, leaving them even more susceptible. Fragile organs can be damaged and some birds have built up resistances to certain types of antibiotics.

The less obvious result of production breeding in bird mills is young parrots that have not been handled or socialized. These chicks often develop serious behavioral problems as they mature and make horrible pets. Across the country bird rescue groups are overflowing with abandoned birds - not doubt most the result of production breeding in bird mills.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Unfortunately, the Animal Welfare Act doesn't cover birds. So, unlike puppy mills, the USDA has no authority over bird mills. But there are still a few actions you can take against bird mills:

• Never buy a mass-marketed bird from a chain pet store! These companies will not stop mass-producing and selling birds until it is no longer profitable to do so.

• Encourage pet stores to provide the same adoption services for parrots that they do for dogs and cats instead of selling birds in their stores.

• If you see a bird being neglected or abused, report it to your local humane organization or animal control agency; or contact the local law enforcement office or nearest humane agency.

LINKS/SOURCES

Sale of Unweaned Birds - By Lexi Puhl

A Bird Mill Exposed - Video shot inside of an actual bird mill.

Scudder's Parrot Depot - Story on the largest bird mill in Washington state.

Police: More Than 300 Animals Discovered In Janesville Man's Basement - Man runs a bird mill out of his basement to supply Wisconsin pet stores.

Hundreds of Birds Found in Van - News article on bird mill operator selling birds from his van.

The Problem with Bird Mills - Know the Source of Your Bird to Avoid Life-Long Issues

Sale of Unweaned Baby Birds - Many breeders and stores sell unweaned baby parrots, claiming that finishing the hand-feeding and weaning process yourself will "guarantee a hand-tame bird" and "ensure bonding." While this sounds compelling, it is not true!

The Poultrification of Parrots - Has The Bird Biz Shot Itself In The Foot?

'Factory farming' approach takes toll - When it comes to the money, breeding parrots is easy.

The Problem With Bird Mills - Know the Source of Your Bird to Avoid Life-Long Issues

Kaytee Preferred Birds and Petsmart - Partners in the Avi-industry—Is this plan for the birds?

Production Breeding & Mass-Marketing of Parrots for the Pet Trade - Over the past decade, exotic "pets" like parrots have become the rage even though they are challenging to keep in captivity.

Parrots and People….A Relationship of Conflict - by Tami Myers and Mary Margison, The Beak Retreat

7/19/11 Never Forget

2011-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

2 years ago today, Clifford passed away suddenly from a seizure at the Pet Emergency Clinic. I continue to honor his memory by rescuing sweet, little babies just like him. I asked God why did he take him? This was his answer. After his passing 3 birds in need showed up not to much later. Pako who had Asper, Georgie with... issues, and Mikey left at Broward Avian Clinic with a broken wing. I love them all to death just as I loved my Cliffy.

Chip In for Rescue Bird Care

2011-07-11T18:24:00.001-07:00

Statistics on pet adoption and pet ownership: crunching the numbers

2011-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Pam D'Addio

National and local statistics don't favor shelter dogs

Credits:

AP Richard Vogel

National and local statistics are a telling look into the pet rescue and adoption world. Unfortunately, they don't bode well for the millions of homeless animals who find themselves in shelters. Due to the efforts of dedicated, hard-working staff and volunteers, euthanasia rates are about half of what they were in 1970, but we still have a long way to go as shown by the numbers that don't lie.

7 million companion animals enter shelters each year in the U.S.
50% of shelter animals were relinquished by their owners.
20% of the people who relinquish dogs to shelters adopted them from a shelter.
50% of shelter animals were picked up as strays.
10% of dogs taken into shelters have been spayed or neutered.
9.6 million animals are euthanized annually in the U.S.
60% of shelter dogs are euthanized.
70% of shelter cats are euthanized.
5,000 shelters in the U.S.
14,000 animals were euthanized last year in Palm Beach County.
45-50 animals are taken in each day at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
25% of dogs in shelters are adopted.
15% of dogs in shelters are reunited with their owners.
2% of cats in shelters are reunited with their owners.
20% of dogs adopted from shelters are returned, 50% within the first 2 weeks.
19% of owned dogs came from a shelter.
22% of owned cats came from a shelter.
54% of shelters report "Big Black Dog Syndrome" keeps black dogs with them much longer.
70 million estimated stray cats in the U.S.
80 million, the number of cats that can be produced from one mated pair and their offspring in 10 years.

Whew, yes there is much work to be done in the rescue / sheltering / spay and neuter / ID pets / awareness areas! (Note: the above statistics are an average of ALL shelters collectively and do not correctly reflect those of no-kill shelters, such as Tri County Humane Society in Boca Raton.)

On a lighter note, here are some interesting statistics on pets and pet ownership:

63% of U.S. households have a pet.
77.5 million dogs are owned in the U.S.
39% of homes have at least 1 dog.
67% of homes with dogs have just 1.
24% of homes with dogs have 2.
9% of homes with dogs have 3.
50% of owned dogs are male, 50% are female.
75% of owned dogs are spayed or neutered.
40% of dog owners also have at least 1 cat.
40% of owned dogs sleep in their owner's bed!
150...the number of words the average dog understands.
250...the number of words the smartest dogs understand.

Statistics don't lie, so remember to adopt, spay or neuter, and tag your pets to be a part of the solution to pet overpopulation! (And if you sleep with your pet, you're not so odd after all!)

Read similar articles by this author, click here!

How to Train Your Dragon.... or Bird

2011-06-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

I find myself finding a parallel of training dragons and training your bird. Heh.

1. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

2. Place your trust in me. It’s crucial to my well-being.

3. Be aware that however you treat me I’ll never forget it.

4. Before you scold me for being lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand you, I do understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.

6. Remember before you hit me, I have teeth that could hurt you, but that I choose not to bite you.

7. Even if you get old, please get along well.

8. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends…

I have…

I have only you.

9. Your life is likely to last 90 to 100 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me.

10. Go with you on difficult journeys. Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember I love you…

Angel the Nanday

2011-06-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

Squawk picked up our new Volunteer Juliet and she had a bird carrier to go and get the nanday. Since Adam was at his first day of work, she met with his mom and she is scared of birds and she told where Angel was. Angel was in the guest bathroom and came right to me. No problems at all = they put Angel in the bird carrier.

The way it goes, Adam was outside on the grass near their condo, this bird appeared and started walking toward him and he went to feed him and the bird climbed up on his shoulder and has been there ever since.

Angel was fully flighted and appeared to be right around 1 yr old as the brown fringe around the black cap had just started to develop. She was obviously someones pet and since the wings were not clipped flew off.

Please clip your birds even if it is baby clips or make sure they have their birdy leashes on so this doesn't happen to you.

It appears Angel may have just found her forever home with our volunteer -- she said she was a keeper and said her mom would think so too. They already have 2 other birds and a dog.

Adam genuinely loved that bird, with the tough situation he was put into, he made a good call..! He promised once his situation changes, he wants to help out other birdies..! Take a tough situation and make it happy!

AJ the Amazing!

2011-06-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

You won't regret watching these or subscribing to his youtube channel. OMG so cute..!

2$ Goes to NFLB

2011-06-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Link
Stamped on a 3/4" nickel silver disc is "bird rescue, opt to adopt" with a two toned red and purple awareness ribbon and two wings. Help support an amazing organization to continue their efforts to care for, feed and protect birds in need.

Two dollars from every purchase will go directly to the aide in continuing care for rescued birds and help them find loving permanent homes.

The chain is a 16-18 adjustable silver plated snake chain and the necklace comes wrapped in a gift box making it ready to be gifted.

Visit their website to see the amazing work that has been done with rescued birds: http://birdyrevolution.com/

Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nofeatherleftbehind

Visit my shop: http://www.noahbear1.etsy.com

**Hand stamped items are each uinque and alignment will not always be the same. Each necklace is made to order!**

Have a laugh..!

2011-06-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Heroes and Villains

2011-06-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Source: http://parrotnation.com/2011/06/21/heroes-and-villains/
June 21, 2011 by Patricia Sund

Sometimes it’s hard to tell in this business. I think some of the heroes are the people who train and educate about training. Susan Friedman is a hero. Barbara Heidenreich is a hero. Robin Shewokis is a hero for spreading the message about enrichment and foraging.
Susan Friedman is a hero for educating the field about the science of applied behavior analysis and getting people to understand why positive reinforcement works.

Then there are the people who do research. There are heroes in that line too. Irene Pepperberg is a hero. Ross Perry is a hero. The Hagen Company does extensive research on diet and I love the work that they do.
Companies who sell crap they don’t need, to people who don’t know any better are villains. Companies that put mite control devices in Wall Mart that can actually kill birds and sell those same people a pant-load of grit during the same shopping trip are villains.
Big Box Pet stores who can’t seem to find a way to educate their associates well enough to ensure that they have the correct answers to questions they are asked are big-time villains. And I want to eliminate quite a few items in their product lines as well.
Companies who sell training tapes that have “secrets the professionals don’t want you to know” to people who don’t have the first clue on training basics are villains.
I was at a bird store I know and love. They were selling round cages. I asked why. I was told that they sold them because people wanted them and if people were going to buy them “come hell or high water,” then they might as well make the money.
Well, this bothered me enormously. I love this store to death but that’s simply irresponsible. They aren’t villains, but they pissed me off with this particular move.
The world has been able to remove or discontinue many items from the market, including Phen-fen, Phisohex, the Ford Pinto and other various products deemed unsafe for consumption or use. Why can’t round cages go the way of the dinosaur?

I wish some bird food companies would knock it off and at least attempt to educate their consumers that an all-seed diet really blows. Couldn’t they branch out and come up with another product that doesn’t harm the very consumer they are feeding? Couldn’t they at least educate their customers?
I wish breeders with facilities the size of the state of Oklahoma would figure out that random breeding isn’t doing a damned thing to help the pet bird situation and leave that to the people who actually know what they are doing.
It’s big business. And I’m just one little person.

Andy has been Adopted!

2011-06-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

After the fiasco with Mikey, which I'll recall on here later. It's a long story O_O

Sweet Andy was adopted by Sharon. He is currently being spoiled and I get happy updates daily..!

I didn't think he'd strive to climb upside-down, but apparently he's going for it!

This boy's wife died the same day I received the request for adoption.

When bad things happen, it often happens with a silver lining.

Hope to hear more happy stories of this boy coming out of his shell and into his new, pimp, birdy condo..!

Death in the Birdy Family...

2011-06-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Andy's wife, Ann, passed away yesterday. She wasn't the strongest birdy, but at least she lived long enough to know what it's like to be cared for properly. u_u RIP little girl. Hopefully your mate will be ok.

The killer is that we had a request to adopt them last night too. Which leads a bright side:
At least she didn't pass when she found a forever home. =/ That would be hard on the adopter and family.

The lady just called and sounds very promising..! She has budgies that she spoils the fluff outta. They each have their own play stand because her little boy says it's fair..! They get fresh yummies! She's a stay at home mama which will be good to watch over him!

We'll do a vet check on Andy to make sure everything's on the up and up.

There's a silver lining...

From Chico to Rico!

2011-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

His toe was clipped..!

Rico prefers females over males, although we're working on that a little bit.
He makes sounds like an Atari. We heard him say "Hi, What you up to?" and he goes on his little "Woah woah woah woah" rants.
He become more vocal every day he's spoiled. Vocal, in a happy way.
Oh! It would be wonderful if he was put in a forever home that had another Amazon he could talk to. He's taking a shine to Louie, my old man, Yellow-Crown Amazon.

Email: nofeatherleftbehind@gmail.com for inquiries!

Petfinder Link: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19883415

BIRD SAFE SPRING CLEANING

2011-06-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.eppa.ca/meetings/spring%20cleaning.html

There is hardly a corner of our world that is unpolluted by man-made chemicals.

A good place to start to eliminate this problem is at home, especially when spring-cleaning. Many chemical contaminants are acutely toxic. Their effects may lead to a bird's death. But even at low levels they can affect biological functions by disrupting the endocrine or hormone system. As a result, few chicks hatch because embryos fail to develop properly and babies can be deformed. Also, young birds may mature slowly and their parents may reject them. Often contaminants interfere with the chick's ability to fight infection making them susceptible to disease.

So now that the bad is stated, let's try to get to the good of cleaning safely. Using non-toxic cleaners is a good way to insure the safety of your feathered friends.

All Purpose Cleaners
Grapefruit seed extract is a relatively new disinfectant that kills staph, strep, candida, salmonella, and e-coli microorganisms. Add 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to a 32-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Use on all surfaces around the house. Grapefruit seed extract is hard to find, but the health food stores can order it for you.

We use a lot of vinegar, water, and Pink Solution throughout our home in different solutions. We use a light solution for spritzing cupboards and washing them down. Use heavier solutions for the heavier jobs and straight on for those nasty places that are left.

Baking soda with water is a good all-purpose cleaner (1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart water). Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces to be cleaned or make a paste with baking soda and a small amount of liquid soap. Scrub with a damp nylon scrubbing pad, soft cloth, sponge, fine steel wool or my favourite is home-made scrubbies.

White distilled vinegar diluted in water removes baking soda residue. Dry with a soft cotton cloth. Recycled cotton clothing serves as a good cleaning and drying cloth.

Vegetable-based liquid soap diluted in water makes a good all-purpose cleaner.

Add 1 cup of soap flakes to 1 quart of boiling water to make soap jelly. Stir until dissolved. Pour into jar and let cool. Mix with water as needed.

Kitchen
Multi-chemical sprays and solutions are not necessary to clean appliances and surfaces in the kitchen.

Mix a small amount of liquid soap with water in a spray bottle. Mist surfaces and clean with a sponge or cloth. Wipe dry.

For stains on counters - squeeze fresh lemon juice on the stain and allow it to stand for 45 minutes. Sprinkle on baking soda and rub with a sponge or soft cloth.

Burned or baked on food in cookware - 2 tablespoons liquid dishwashing detergent and 3 teaspoons baking soda. Add ingredients to enough water to cover the burned on food; boil for 15 to 20 minutes and wash normally. Or sprinkle cookware liberally with baking soda and add just enough water to moisten. Let stand for 3 hours and lift the burned food out of the pan.

Stained cookware - use steel wool or scrubbie and solution of lemon juice and baking soda. Cover the discoloration for 30 minutes; then scrub and rinse clean. Also you can use pink solution for this job as well as all of the above jobs.

Ovens - for lightly soiled ovens, make a thick paste of water and baking soda or Pink Solution straight on with use of a scrubbie or nylon scrubbing pad. If the oven is greasy, add a small amount of liquid soap. To remove spots, use very fine steel wool, which can also be used for the toughest spots as well. Commercial oven cleaners are available that are non-toxic and do not contain lye, but read the label carefully.

To clean underneath the refrigerator - tie a sock around the end of a yardstick. When one side is dirty, turn the sock inside out and repeat. This is a good way to use those socks with holes in them.

Bathrooms
To clean the sink, shower, tub and tile grout, soak with diluted liquid soap, sprinkle on baking soda, scrub with a nylon scrubbing pad and rinse. For this job I use Pink Solution with a scrubbie.

Use a stiff tooth brush or scrub brush for tiles. If any residue occurs, rinse with vinegar and cold water. Remember always rinsing with cold water removes soap faster. For a serious soap scum, use very fine steel wool. Rinse with cold water and, if necessary, add vinegar to rinse. Buff dry.

To disinfect bathroom surfaces -spray with a solution of one quart of water and 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract.

Mildew remover - spray mildew with hydrogen peroxide and open windows.

Prevention: Keep surfaces dry. Bacteria, viruses, mildew, and mold cannot live without dampness. Wipe down surfaces with white vinegar after cleaning. It prevents the growth of mold and mildew.

Lime deposit remover: spray a solution of 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 cup water on lime deposits and let stand overnight. Rinse with cold water.

Vinyl Floors
Fill a bucket with a gallon of warm water and add ½ cup of white vinegar. To cut grease on vinyl floors, dilute a small amount of liquid soap with water. To remove black heel marks on floors, rub with a pencil or typewriter eraser. To prevent water spots, dry with a cloth after mopping.

Carpets
Products like 'Carpet Fresh' have been linked to bird deaths. The producers of 'Carpet Fresh' say it is safe for animals, but they admit that birds have a complicated immune system and because they are different from dogs and cats that it may be harmful re: their site.

For spills - immediately blot with a clean cloth or paper towel.

For most spots - mix liquid soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly and blot with a cloth or towel.

For grease, cover with baking soda. Allow the grease to be absorbed by the baking soda before vacuuming.

For odors- sprinkle carpet with plan baking soda. Let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Carpet shampoos may contain toxic ingredients such as ammonia and perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen. Plant-based cleaning products such as citrus cleaners are preferable. Use a steam-cleaning machine with 10 to 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract per gallon of water. Many hospitals are now starting to use this extract or products made from this extract for carpet cleaning.

Wood Furniture
Use a soft cloth or sponge moistened with water and a little all-purpose cleaner or even a plain damp cloth to clean finished furniture.

To remove water stains on wood furniture, bad white toothpaste onto stain. Allow the paste to dry and then gently buff off with a soft cloth.

To dust, wipe along the grain with a soft cloth.

To clean most spills and fingerprints, rub with a soft cloth, lightly moistened with water. Buff immediately with a soft dry cloth.

A furniture polish: mix ¼ cup linseed oil, ¼ cup vinegar and 1/3 cup lemon juice. Rub into wood with a soft cloth.

Another furniture polish: mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice. Apply mixture to furniture with a soft cloth and wipe it dry.

Nicks and scratches: can be covered by mixing granular instant coffee with a little water and applying with a clean, cotton cloth.

A solution of lemon juice and warm water to clean glass-top tables will make them sparkle. Dry them with a linen towel and then go over them with a crumpled newspaper to remove all lint and make the glass shine.

Use your hair-dryer on the cool setting to dust pleated lampshades and other hard to reach areas. Also ok for vertical blinds.

Windows
Window and glass cleaner: 1 gallon water, 1 cup white vinegar. Apply with cloth or spray bottle and clean with a linen cloth. Make sure your bird is secured when cleaning windows so that they do not fly out while you are cleaning.

For extra sparkle, polish clean windows with a crumpled piece of newspaper when nearly dry. Or crumple up black and white newspaper and dip in white vinegar. Wipe the glass until almost dry, then shine with dry newspaper. The drawback to this method is that newspaper print may rub off on the wood surrounding the glass. Best used for inner portions of large expanses of glass.

When polishing windows use up and down strokes on one side of the window and side-to-side strokes on the other to tell which side has streaks.

Lemon juice removes greasy fingerprints on windows.

Cage cleaning
There are 3 main ingredients for cage cleaning - soap, water, and elbow grease. Very little elbow grease is needed if cages are wiped down daily and cleaned well once a week. This method is best to preserve the finish on cages.

Grapefruit seed extract is a good anti-bacterial cleaner for cages. It can be added to a spray bottle and used for pre-soaking the cage and on a sponge to wipe down the cage. Also, Quescell D is good and we also use Pink Solution.

To catch droppings you can use newspaper rather than bedding which can hold moisture and rust out cage bottoms. We use another product from bed o cob to pine shavings, but you must have a grate in your cage so that the birds are not able to get to this.

Laundry
If you use detergent in the washer, eliminate soap residue by adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse.

Laundry starch: dissolve 1-tablespoon cornstarch in 1 pink cold water. Place in a spray bottle. Shake before using.

Chrome cleaner: mix ¼ cup baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Rub on, rinse with water, dry.

Drain cleaner: when hair and debris clog drains, make a solution of equal parts of baking soda, vinegar and salt. Place in the drain and let it foam for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse with boiling water.

Air fresheners
There have been numerous reports of serious toxicity and even death of parrots exposed to "essential oils" so their use around birds should be avoided. Scented candles should not be used in the air space of parrots. Unscented beeswax candles that contain no chemical additives are safe. See Beeswax Candles on this website.

Air fresheners are dangerous to parrots. Rather than freshen the air, they contaminate it with a synthetic fragrance, coat nasal passages with an undetectable oil film, or diminish your sense of smell with a nerve-deadening agent, which can also cause liver and nerve damage. The only way to really freshen the air is to open windows and to circulate fresh air with a fan, but make sure your bird is secured in a cage and does not fly into the fan.

Natural air fresheners

Set out a dish of cut lemons or baking soda to absorb odours.Simmer (on the stovetop or in a slow cooker) water, slices of ginger, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, vanilla, and almond extracts. This also increases humidity in dry heated homes during winter. Never use Teflon or other non-stick cookware or kettles for simmering.Stick whole cloves into an orange, grapefruit or lemon and place near heater or cold air return vent.Decorative containers of cloves and cinnamon sticks can be set in areas where fragrance will be appreciated.Fill a saucer with vanilla extract and place near the air intake register of heating system.Fill a spray bottle with a pint of water and a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Use as a room freshener spray to eliminate cooking and pet odours.To keep pet areas fragrant, keep an open box of baking soda, a bowl of charcoal, or cotton balls dipped in vanilla extract nearby and out of the reach of children and pets.Many plants are said to be indoor air fresheners, but you have to check to see if the plants you have in your house are toxic or not.

Avian Awareness

2011-06-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

Heaters and Birds

2011-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Source: http://parrotpressnews.blogspot.com/2011/01/are-you-ready-for-snow.html

As we sit here waiting for the impending doom of lots of snow and ice the weather forecasters are predicting for our area, we realize that winter weather emergencies should be prepared for way before necessary, or you will be one of those standing in long lines trying to grab the last of the emergency items needed.

Living in the south, a few inches of snow and the least bit of ice can shut down pretty much everything. Only the very brave (or very dumb) are usually willing to venture out onto the icy roads with all the crazy drivers slipping, sliding, and spinning around often making a bad situation even worse.

Here is a list of some items you should have on hand just in case you are snowed in for a few days. Be prepared also in the event you may loose your power from icy power lines or falling tree limbs.

Emergency items to have on hand for your bird:
Extra Seed, pellets, dried fruit/vegie
Emergency Avian First Aid Kit
Carrier
Warm blanket or quilt to cover the cage
Tear up toys

Other items good to have on hand:
flashlight & extra batteries
warm blankets or quilts for the humans
bottled water
hot snap hand warmers (optional)

Many people keep extra bird food in their freezer and rotate it out as needed so they always have some extra on hand for emergencies. A very good idea.

If you loose power you will need that flashlight, but make sure the light from the flashlight does not frighten your bird as it will be an unknown moving object to your bird.

If you loose your power and have electric heat, placing a blanket or quilt over your bird's cage can help keep your bird's environment warmer. If you are forced to use a fireplace for heat, you may need to place your bird in a carrier and bring into the room that is heated. In that case a nice tear up bird toy may help keep your bird occupied and busy while in the carrier.

VERY IMPORTANT! - Never use Kerosene heaters around birds as the fumes may be toxic and can kill your bird.

Our research on the use of propane or butane heaters seems 50/50. Many experts say do not use either around birds, and some bird owners say they have used them with no ill effects on their birds. One source stated that butane is not a highly toxic gas and can be stored inside your home. Whether that means you can also use it safely in your home is unknown.

Propane or butane heaters used without adequate combustion or ventilation, may give off excessive carbon monoxide which is an odorless, poisonous gas, deadly to birds, and even humans. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in humans are similar to flu-like symptoms, including headache, dizziness and nausea.

We would suggest it is better to be safe than sorry, and to not use either if possible, but if you to have one as your only source of heat in a severe emergency, please ventilate the area well to help protect your bird as well as yourself. We highly recommend you do your own research into these methods of supplemental heating as well as gas burning fireplaces.

A gas burning fireplace is considered unsafe by many if you own birds. Here is a link to a very good article on the subject: Birds & Gas Fireplaces

If you are using a wood burning fireplace for heat, make sure your room is well vented as well and no smoke is coming into the room where your bird is. Before winter sets in it is best to make sure your fireplace is clean and free of creosote and any leftover nesting materials by any birds who may have set up housekeeping in the chimney over the summer.

So most important items include extra dry food, water, blankets, carrier, and flashlight.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay inside if you can.

Chico has been adopted!

2011-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I cried the majority of the way there.
I know he's going to have a happy home, but he still had an impact at my home.

Dad says this morning "Where's Mr. Oy oy, go get him back." He was half sarcastic, half sincere.
We all loved him but this is rescue. It's not easy, but it's necessary.

Chico took to Cindy really well. I stuck around for a bit to make sure to show Chico, "Everything's cool, this lady is nice, see? We're all getting along."
After awhile, I wanted to test him, I left to go to get my coffee (we met at Starbucks) and he didn't make his "WHERE'D YOU GO?!" noise. He was being observant the whole time, so hopefully he understood what was going on.

Well no more home bouncing! that's the most important thing. That and he'll have new friends.
Peco,
Echo,
Mingo,
and Bebe
(She aquired them with these names....!)

Now she'll have Chico.

My Chico-buddy!

2011-06-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

He's getting adopted tomorrow...!

I love him to death, he's a very sweet and mellow amazon. He has occasional outbursts like most birds, usually it's because he wants to sit next to you on his mini table-perch, nice and content.

I know it's for the better, but I love the little guy. It's not going to be easy. It's like a friend that's moving back home.

I pray he takes it well. I didn't spoil him as much as possible because I don't want him to be too sad when he goes. God speed, Chico..! May you be more spoiled...!

If I had a Rescue Theme song..

2011-06-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

Sad Truths for Quakers.

2011-06-03T08:58:00.001-07:00

Procedure to Eradicate Wild Parrots
Source: http://www.wildparrotsny.com/index/procedure.html

Usually in the dead of night, when the birds are sleeping peacefully in their nest, workers drill a hole in the nest bottom, go up into the nest with a large net on a long pole, and literally drag the birds from their nest. They then throw the net bag imprisoning the captured birds into the back of a mobile truck equipped with a gas chamber, supplied by the USDA. The parrots are then suffocated in the gas chamber. Reportedly, a small number of these birds are also captured, caged, and sent to a Florida facility for research purposes. Many do not survive the journey as they are inhumanely sent in overcrowded containers. Having captured and destroyed a number of birds at a nest site in this manner, the power company now does not destroy the nest, but rather, leaves it up and comes back to it approximately seven to ten days later. The process is then repeated to ensure the capture or destruction of any birds that were missed the first time.

In accordance with Connecticut state law, the birds are handed over to the United States Department of Agriculture, which euthanizes them immediately in the truck accompanying the raids on the nests. Because wild parrots, which are native to South America are considered an invasive species under state law, the USDA informs the state lawmakers an executive order requires that they be eradicated (killed).

Wild Parrots of New York 2011

What NPLB and NFLB was doing until 1am

2011-06-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge.

YAPPY HOUR TIME!

2011-05-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

Bird Intelligence

2011-05-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Is a Parrot the Right Pet for You?

2011-05-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Reliquished Bird Survey Results by Species PDF

I highly recommend downloading this.

Here's a sample of what you can find:

Palm Beach Gardens Bird Show was TERRIBLE.

2011-05-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've been going to Bev's shows for awhile, and I had lots of fun during them, but this one left be crying more than once as to how horribly some of the birds were treated.

First is the worst, the one vendor that's at every show. The one with the most birds, to the least amount of cages. (Though him and another lady is like that too)
He is a breeder and a Landscaper.
He's the same guy that I said, "This is such a sweet cockatoo, do you spoil him alot" His response, "Oh, that's the first time he's been out of his cage." The same Futha Mucker.

Cruel to birds he sells.

One bird that broke my heart was a hybrid Macaw in a rather small cage (it may be his show-cage, but seriously, what the hell?). He was missing an eye, part of a toe, his head was bowed on one of his bowls in the corner. There were Jenday Conures next to him, being their usual, loud selves. The bird was in a stressed/fearful position.
I kept an eye on the guy through the whole show, he stayed in that position from (when I first noticed) 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Had my vet friend look at him, said he's possibly sick.

I asked what the guy's story was around 10am. First visit, he told me he was like that since he was young, made it sound like he was born like that.
Later I ask him at the end of the show, I say, "He's a breeder bird." He admits it. His mate was in the cage near by. He said they were being feisty so he seperated them. But was he going to sell him by himself? I'm not sure. I'm also not sure how or when they were separated. If anything, had to have been before 10am.
If they're forced into breeding, I can see that female being the cause for the missing eye and the toe.
Anyhoo, I'm getting ahead of myself.

My second visit over there, I saw a Grayish-Blue Indian Ring Neck roaming on top of the cages. Lady pointed out, "His toe is bleeding!" It must've recently gotten the tip bitten off. Guy said he put stuff on it already, but yet he continued to let it walk ontop of the cages where he already lost one toe???
Put that poor thing in an isolated cage or something. He tucked his foot under his feathers... I wonder if he was scared that his other toe was going to get nipped off...
Had a yellow-headed Amazon, roaming tops of cages too. You know. Cuz that's safe. ¬_¬

At the end of the show, I went over there, trying not to burst into tears, which I did anyway...
I told him I wanted the bird to have a good home. I'll pay around 200$-300$ out of my own pocket for vet bills (that's the average for guys like him) I'll do home visits, anything, I just wanted to see the bird happy.
The guy said he had an aviary for him and his mate, but in the same breath he says, "You can't control everything" I told him "I wanted to, in the sense that I want to TRY, I want to try and see if I can help this bird be happy. I just want to know he's going to be ok." I'm not looking for a free bird to keep for myself. I just want it to have a good life instead of being miserable, curled up in birdy-fetal position...
Plus, if he takes care of his team like he takes care of the IRN, or his over-crowded budgies, I have reason to be fearful.

So that's strike 1 (and then some) To be continued.

Cruelty Free Goodness

2011-05-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

"2010 was an incredible year! With so many people and companies doing great things to help protect and save animals, deciding who should receive a Libby Award was no easy task. Thanks to everyone who voted and helped us choose this year's winners! And the winners are …"
2010 Libby Award Winners

Wonder what company, star, and products are cruelty free?
This link will help you out..!

I didn't know Urban Decay was all about that...! Good to know..!

Also, Homemade DIY Beauty Products with no animal products..! It's fun!
Link

Don't be lazy..!

Just a note.

2011-05-06T11:48:00.001-07:00

I'm very outspoken. I'm a rebel with a cause as my high school teacher put it. Kinda cliché, but it's true.

If I say something that offends you, tell me. My intent is not to offend, but inform.

Maybe I missed something, maybe we can find common ground.

I will always speak my mind on what I feel is right. If you have a problem with it. Then pay me no mind, walk away, because I'm on a mission to do what's right for animals. Mind you, I'm not perfect. I do care about people's feelings, but if I feel they're unjust, I won't loose any sleep by it.

Silly Grandpa

2011-05-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Cleaned out Grandpa/Pops yesterday morning. Oh what a crank. He's in front of the window in my folks' room. He prefers being closer to the window/sunlight. He gets more rambunctious and that to me is a good sign.

He follows my hand so I think he can register SOME things.

So apparently he either hates me, or hates females. I'm the one who cleans him, feeds him... well to him I'm invading his territory, so that could be a reason. He loves music, it calms him.

He quiets when Dad talks to him. It's awesome. Instead of saying "Shut that bird up!" he goes, "It's ok Grandpa, I know, you're alright."

Feel Better Little Buddy Book

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

www.amazon.com

Is showcasing our web friend's Quaker's cast photos...!
The cuteness!!!! This needs to be in every vet office...!

Pet Therapy - Adoption Promos

2011-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Resgate de 4 mil animais silvestres - 25/03/2009

2011-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is the real smuggling going on in Rio. You can even see Pedro's family in there...

Parakeet Artist: Mr. Kooks

2011-04-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

Enjoy a break for cute.

2011-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

I believe most of these pictured are from a Japanese dollhouse maker.Also, here's a budgie blog! http://budgiesareawesome.blogspot.com/

More Quips about Bird Biting and Expression.

2011-04-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Birds bite to get a reaction. Since it can’t talk, in order to say, “Leave me alone.” Or “No”, it naturally bites.

As tough as it is, don’t react to the bite. If you react, it will learn, “Hey, if I keep doing this, they’ll go away.” If you go away, you’ll never be able to bond with them, and birds are social creatures. They’re scared of you at first, but they will open up if you don’t give up.

In the case of Elly. (This is actually recent) She didn’t want to leave Dad. She would back up, puff her feathers, and open her beak, ready to strike if I put my hand too close. I’ll have none of that, so she bit me.

Depending how fiesty she is (and since it’s Spring, she’s hormonal/PMSy-like) I can choose to pick her up with my hand, or get the towel.

I recommend using 1 particular towel, so they’ll know, this is the 1 towel that means trouble. They’re less likely to be afraid of all towels.

Anyhoo, I take her, saying in a low tone, “Bad Elly Bird”, and I put her back in her house/cage - Where she didn’t want to be.

I did this instead of going “Ow” and giving up on her.

I love Elly, but that wasn’t cool, and that was her punishment. I didn’t give her the reaction she wanted.

Then one day. She did this cute shaking of her head as to say no. So I took my hand away. “Elly wanna go with me?” She’d back up, and instead of opening her beak to be bitey, she shook her head again. So I encouraged this expression by every time she shook her head, I’d take my hand away. So Elly shakes her head, “No” instead of bites.

Pako was bitey in the beginning. He was 8, I just took him home. I learned he hated paper towels the hard way. Why does he hate them? I don’t know, but I know him, and I won’t use them around him. Gotta bend for the bird sometimes. Bit the crap out of me when I was cleaning up poops. O_O Something like that is tough to break them out of, so I just respect his birdy wishes.

Anyhoo. He would bite me. I’d put him in his house. He’d poop on me or Dad, I’d put him in his house. It’s like humane punishment. They’re so smart they’ll register it. They are expressive creatures, in turn, you need to be expressive.

He started to love on the family with time. I would never yell at him, I would never be aggressive. Be assertive and calm. Stern, not angry.

Eventually, he was reluctant to be bitey. He would step back and lower his head like “Don’t make me bite you”. So I observed his movements and realized. I rewarded him with his wish for “No.”

Even so, he will not want to step up for meds, that’s when I say “Shtep up!” Low and loud. He knows he’s not going to win that battle, and he’ll reluctantly step up.

It’s very much about expression and reading your birds.

Pako will bite over nail polish and jewlery too. So I reccommend having nekkid hands before doing any of this.

Georgie was afraid of hands all together, so I cover them with a towel. That was interesting figuring that out.

They don’t act without reason. So just figure out the reason…!

Feel free to ask more questions..! <3 <3 <3

2011-04-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

THE CUTENESS!

2011-04-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

Wild Bird Videos

2011-03-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

Good Idea of posting Wild Birdy vids from: Wings Over the Rainbow

The caged bird sings

2011-03-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Maya Angelou

Poison Control - Air Fresheners

2011-03-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

BIRDS HAVE SENSITIVE RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS!

Heidy Leon Clark

"About spray air fresherners...I really did not want to share this story because it was such an unspeakable tragedy, but ,if it helps one bird not to die in agony, I feel I have to. I understand that maybe some folks feel the ingredients in Febreeze are not toxic to birds, however, we need to understand how tiny and fragile thier respiratory systems are. A parrot forum friend lost almost half of their beloved flock (4 birds if I recall correctly) due to a large amount of air freshener being sprayed in nearby rooms. The particles in the air filled their little lungs and irritated them and they literally drowned and suffocated to death. The daughter and friend sprayed the air freshener while the parent was out (to cover up smoking maybe? I don't know the why) The parent did not know till the next morning when the precious birds were all dead. I am not here to pass judgenment on anyone else's beliefs, just to add a bit of experience so that each may make his own choices. Thank you for listening..."

Billie Faye King:

"Reynolds Wrap ADDED a NON STICK coating to their product...BAD!!!! it will send out harmful chemicals for the birds...other companies of aluminum foil haven't done this yet...it's like the cheaper the brand the safer...as of right now... "

His G/F is a Duck. Daw!

2011-03-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Always thought birds were stupid."

They are so not...! They are loving creatures given the opportunity.

Bird Age Chart

2011-03-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

Older birds, sometimes referred to as "senior" or "geriatric" birds, often have special needs and health care requirements. The life span of some common avian species are shown below.

Species	Common Life Span in Captivity (Years)	Possible Life Span in Captivity When Provided Good Husbandry and Veterinary Care (Years)
Budgerigar	8-10	Teens
Cockatiel	10-12	20+
Lovebirds	8-14	20+
Pionus	30-40	>40
African Grey Parrot	50-60	>60
Large Cockatoos	50-60	100
Amazon Parrot	>50	100
Small Macaws	50	>50
Large Macaws	75	100
Zebra Finch	4-7	20
Canary	6-12	20-30

Pops - The Grandpa Gray

2011-03-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Where do I start with this old buddy?

I don't think he can see much other than a change in light.
If you move his cage at all, he goes "aahhhhhhhhhghghghgh". He sounds like a cranky Grandpa.

At first dad says, "Oh God. What did you bring home?" Then mom tells him he's blind, then dad changes his stance to, "Aw poor guy."
I believe this guy is going to be tended to by me. Pops is going to be a challenge but he's an oh-so-smart African Gray. May take time, but I won't give up on him.

He REALLY likes the radio. You can talk to him when it's on and he won't start his old man whinings.
For some reason, he reminds me of George Carlin. =P

Jailbirds help hardened criminals to reform

2011-03-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Link

David R Arnott writes:

A notorious South African jail where Nelson Mandela spent six years as an inmate is rehabilitating criminals by giving them the responsibility to rear parrots and other birds. The Correctional Bird Project at Cape Town's Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison tasks inmates to take care of chicks and young birds before they are sold as tame pets to bird lovers.

Stephane de Sakutin / AFP - Getty Images
A parrot sits on the hand of a prisoner participating in the "Correctional Bird Project" at the Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, South Africa on March 18.

Stephane de Sakutin / AFP - Getty Images
Prisoners talk in a corridor at the Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, near walls painted with murals of parrots.

According to photographer Stephane de Sakutin, the program fields constant requests from prisoners wanting to join and places are limited to around a dozen prisoners who undergo training and must adhere to a ban on gangsterism, smoking, swearing, and drugs. In return, the inmates are given privileges like single cells.

Stephane de Sakutin / AFP - Getty Images
A prisoner participating in the "Correctional Bird Project" talks to his Senegal parrot at the Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town.

Stephane de Sakutin / AFP - Getty Images
A prisoner participating in the "Correctional Bird Project" at the Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town feeds a parrot chick.

Peachies!

2011-03-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

Also from http://www.flabirdsanctuary.com/
Tinier than a dusky, but cute as can be. They don't freak out on approach. They're eating well and getting around without much problem.
They are former breeder birds so they have to stay together. We'll have no birdy heartbreak. They can't do much breeding because a raccoon made off with 1 leg of off each of them .

Buddy Blue - Blue Fronted Amazon

2011-03-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm calling him Blue for now, like the Parrot from the upcoming movie Rio, and I can't remember what Pat called him. Heheheheh.

He likes when you talk to him and will come over and chatter back to you.

Not really handleable at the moment and never should assume one is in the beginning..!

He's a little unsteady because of some missing toes and other toe-related deformities.

I put a towel on the bottom of his cage just incase he falls - Similar as to what I did with Cliffy.

I think perch ropes are the way to go with this guy, they're soft and easier to grip onto.

He can perch and get around, just not very fast.

One eye is a little enlarged, no infection it seems, maybe glaucoma?

Both eyes likely have catarax. He cans see a little bit, but I'm not sure as to how well.

Not as bad as Louie.

Poor old birds. They deserve just as much love as their younger forms.

Here I am talking to him. Yes, that's my birdy voice.

From my experience, the more excited your voice, the happier the bird you are talking to.

They're expressive vocally, so I figure to imitate that in my own way. =/

This may not work with a fearful bird, so read your birdies' movements/body language.

Happy Birds at FLA Bird Sanctuary

2011-03-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Something riled them a bit and their feathers went POOF! But they're so gorgeous and happy...!

Rainbow Bridge..!

2011-03-27T18:04:00.001-07:00

Birds should be able to fly free.

2011-03-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

I took a trip to Birdy Heaven located on the west coast of central FL.

http://www.flabirdsanctuary.com/

I drove for 8+ hours, but it was so worth it. This place was something to strive for...!
Pictures to come later.
Here's an exert from her site: Link

"Imagine a life very different from the one you are living
You have legs or wheels to carry you wherever you desire.
Imagine them taken away . . . forever.

You are immobilized!

Without thinking about it, you get up, go to work or school; you go about your day; you visit family or friends completely oblivious to the knowledge of your own freedom. It’s inherent, it’s natural, it’s ‘yours!’

Now imagine that you are no longer free to roam, free to explore, to work, to learn, or to even visit family or friends; in fact, not only is your ability to move in your natural manner and in your natural world removed from you, but your ability to see or visit family or friends has been taken away from you too. Imagine it.

Now imagine that you are placed into a room the size of your closet.

You are given a chair to sit on, a bowl to eat from, and a vessel from which you drink water. You are, however, completely dependent upon outside sources who may or may not feed you when you are hungry, or they may not feed you good, nourishing food, or food you even like. You may or may not have fresh water to drink. You may, in fact, be forced to sit in your own waste, drink filthy tainted water, and inferior or even rotted food, if any at all. And you will do all this from the confines of your closet.

Can you imagine it?

What if, in this place, no one spoke to you, no one touched you or soothed you when you were afraid, and perhaps, you experienced anger and abuse by your keepers. Imagine this as your life, and if it’s possible to even conceive of, imagine this is the rest of your life.

Can you still imagine such an existence?

If you cannot possibly conceive of such an existence, I invite you consider the life of the beautiful, majestic birds of South America, better known as cocktails and Scarlett or Blue/Gold McCaw’s. They’re grown like crops, harvested, and sold to adorn the homes and backyards of America, and their lives … their lives become a life of defined by LESS - so much less than what they were created for.

They no longer fly

They’re alone in an isolated prison (for our amusement)

They’re taken away from their tribes/their families/their own kind

They’re fed inferior foods not of their choosing

They’re treated as a work of art - to be seen and admired at the owner’s pleasure.

And when they object, or when they act as they were created to – like wild birds. They are often abused, neglected, and abandoned.

What can you do?

When you leave your home or office today, as you do each day without a second thought ….

… take a moment to think of these beautiful birds, imprisoned in cages, crying on the inside and suffering a painful, isolated existence. These beautiful birds will never know what it’s like to fly – never!

Can you imagine that?

Please, help us to do the right thing for these beautiful birds who need of our help.

A home that is as close to their natural habitat as possible has been created for them at a wonderful place called FLORIDA EXOTIC BIRD SANCTUARY, and whether you love birds, admire them, are ignorant of their plight, or are indifferent to them - if you can imagine a life for yourself like the one described above, then you will feel the anguish of these amazing creatures and will feel their pain and give your heart and your help in creating a world without bars, without neglect, without isolation … a place where, perhaps for the first time ever, these majestic birds can spread their wings and fly.

You can help make this happen for these beautiful creatures!

No donation is too small."

Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary

A non-for-profit 501-c-3 Parrot Rescue/Rehab Organization

email to: Patricia Norton aka Birdmother@flabirdsanctuary.com

A Good Read from PBS

2011-03-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Source: Link

3 pages: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

"This was a normal living room a year ago," Marc Johnson explains as he steps into a room now brimming with brightly-colored birds. A dozen red and green macaws make themselves comfortable atop their open wire enclosures or perched on the rope strung around the room like Christmas garland. There is a chorus of "hellos," and Floyd, a gregarious blue and gold macaw, shifts his weight from side to side, dancing with delight at Marc's arrival. Floyd should be glad to see Marc, who converted his own home into the headquarters of Foster Parrots Limited, a non-profit rescue and adoption service for mistreated and unwanted pet parrots like Floyd. Some 200 birds representing 44 different species - most of them large, all of them loud - now call Marc's New England farmhouse home.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Parrot Problems
Marc cares for the birds full-time, aided by just one paid employee and a flock of up to 20 volunteers. "And at the end of the day," Marc says, "I never feel like I've done enough."


Marc and his staff take extraordinary care of "clients" like Psycho.

Why does he do it all? Today, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates there are some 50 million pet birds in the United States, making them the second most-popular house pet behind cats and just ahead of dogs. Unlike cats and dogs, however, pet parrots can live up to 100 years and cannot easily be neutered or spayed.
These two facts mean parrot populations - especially when bred for profit - can mushroom out of control.

The Humane Society estimates there are some 50 million pet birds in the U.S., making them the second most-popular house pet behind cats and just ahead of dogs.

"Some of these birds have the intelligence level of 2 to 5-year-old children," he says stroking the nearest bird. "If you went to work for eight hours and left your child in a playpen you would wind up with a very maladjusted child."
While many pet parrots are well taken care of, a neglected bird reacts more dramatically than a less than pampered pooch. Without lots of attention and intellectual stimulation, neglected pet parrots can develop psychological problems uncannily similar to humans - aggression towards others or compulsive self-mutilation. Most of the once-beautiful birds in Marc's care have plucked themselves clean.


Traumatized birds often pluck out their own feathers, or those of a mate.

The result is a squawking, sometimes violent bird that unprepared pet owners are anxious to get rid of. Traditional animal-welfare organizations are not prepared to care for these intelligent, highly sensitive animals. And often these physically or emotionally damaged birds face many years of pain, isolation or homelessness.

Planned Parrothood

"Last year we took in 160 birds, and placed 35," Marc figures. "Yeah, that's a bad ratio. But, right now, the people who are applying to adopt a bird are the same people who bring them in."
Marc gives the birds away for free, but finding potential adoptive parents who live up to Marc's exacting standards is not easy. Marc carefully screens prospective parrot owners, ruling out anyone under 25 years of age, anyone with a 9-to-5 job, cat-owners, owners of some types of dogs, etc. One caller asked for a bird to match the décor of a newly renovated room.

One caller asked for a bird to match the décor of a newly renovated room.

Marc requires all applicants to volunteer at Foster Parrots to expose them to the noise, mess and attention-seeking demands parrots make. At the same time, volunteers can also see for themselves the sad consequences of impulsive pet ownership. Marc hopes volunteering will also discourage people who might plan to breed the birds for profit.
"We have a strong anti-breeding stance," he explains as he slices up apples for the birds, carefully removing the seeds. "Years ago, dogs were in this position. The media exposed puppy mills, but now we're making the same mistakes with birds."


		Marc serves up a mid-day snack.

More than lax owners, more than shortsighted breeders, Marc faults the pet trade industry for deceptively marketing the ever-growing number of unwanted parrots.
"The pet trade packages birds as a convenient pet," says Marc. "Pet stores make you think tidy pellets are enough for birds. They don't tell you you'll be cleaning sweet potatoes off the wall."

Humble Beginnings, Lofty Goals
Ten years ago, Marc Johnson was a potter, living in a three-room apartment in Cambridge, MA. "I got a bird to keep me company," he recalls. "I didn't recognize the sadness of that bird. It came to me over many years."

Neglected pet parrots can develop psychological problems uncannily similar to humans - aggression towards others or compulsive self-mutilation.

In his street level studio, Marc and his bird became well known. Before he knew it, Marc had thirty cast-off birds in his three-room apartment. He and his wife relocated to their present home in a more rural town about one hour south of Boston for more space. But Marc explains that there seems to be an "if you build it, they will come syndrome," at work, and the couple's living quarters are again filled beyond capacity with homeless birds.
The room across the hall from his bedroom doubles as an office and quarantine ward, a strawberry iMac against one wall and five caged birds against the other. In the cage closest to the window, Sonny, an otherwise beautiful cockatoo, wears an Elizabethan collar meant to keep him
from picking at the ghastly wound on his chest.


Sonny's acute self-abuse tendencies may never be cured.

Sonny's self-mutilation is likely the result of severe neglect and it's not a habit he'll easily break. At roughly 20 years of age, Sonny could face another 50 plus years of anguish. Marc stresses providing the birds with quality of life over length of life, and with a bird like Sonny an outsider wonders about euthanasia. It's not something, however, that Marc wonders about.
"I don't think it's my role to decide," he says with certainty."I like to try everything I could possible think of first."

"We're trying to do good," Marc comments. "Every bird will give back what you put into it.".

But trying everything is taking its toll on Marc, who works with the birds nearly every waking hour.
"I do this seven days a week," he sighs. "I never go on vacation, it's hard to get away even for an afternoon. I can't do it much longer."
He may not have to; the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (MSPCA) visited Marc's home recently to better understand the scope of the problem and how to solve it.


With the right amount of care and attention, these birds can thrive.

Additionally, Marc works closely with several other groups around the nation that take in unwanted birds. Marc sites The Oasis Sanctuary in Arizona, the Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. in Minnesota, and the Lucky Parrot Refuge and Sanctuary in New York City as his particular allies. Marc also dreams of creating a museum-like educational center that would also serve as a permanent home for parrots that aren't suitable for placement in adoptive homes. He spends much of his time drumming up corporate or private sponsorship for the project.
"We're trying to do good," Marc comments. "Every bird will give back what you put into it."

A Feathered Cry

2011-03-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

This will make you cry.

It all started when I came out of an egg.
No one showed me how to behave as a parrot "should".

My first daddy wasn’t to nice to me
He said that I was "bad".
He stopped loving me after that first bite.
He slammed me back into my cage,
took away all my toys,
I started to scream.
Then he hit me with a broom
and put a blanket over my cage.

So, here I am a bad little bird that bites.
I'm angry and I have this pain inside.
But, please don’t throw me away,

I can be good!

My next mommy yelled at me,
I said bad things back at her.
So now I say crude and rude things,
please don’t take me back to that place

I’ll try to be good.

I'm still just a baby,
and no one understands me.
Please show me what I’ve done that was so wrong.

My next mommy just HAD to have me.
She said that I was “ cool to look at", she liked that I could talk.
But she doesn't have time for me any more those few months went by fast.

Now I’m an ugly, bad bird, who plucks.
I am not much to look at as I used to be,
only if someone could tell me what I did that was so wrong.

I fell in love with my last daddy, he made me feel good inside!

But he died and left me,
So here I sit all alone.

This is a sad story but it is even more sad that is a true story in many bird’s lives.
Birds like this can easily be turned around with a lot of work and patience but most important a lot of love. All I’m asking is before you consider bringing a bird into your home remember that it is a life long commitment and that they are not something you can just throw away.

Elisabeth. K. Anstadt Founding Member of

Wings Over Williamsport Pet Bird Society.

Avian Rescue Drama

2011-03-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to quite their whining.

Beware of greed.

Don't take in more than they can take care of.

Ask for help in this^ case because people will often help.

Put the birds first.

This is why people love birds, they come with much less baggage with equal or greater unconditional love.

I think their should be a rescue review site.

Maintained by people who are unbiased and educated.

Less bashing, more straight-forwardness.

Have updates if people change their ways.

Money is a touchy subject when it comes to rescues.
Rescues need money to survive and people will debate on how much.
Money corrupts.
People will do rescue full time and turn rescue into a "business".

Is that right or wrong?
It's case-by-case basis.

If you're intentionally breeding birds for profit, that is WRONG.

You are defeating the purpose of rescue.

I know that Rescue is really a full time job, that's why Jacq and I aren't as available as we'd like to be for questions and services. We both work full-time at regular jobs.

Taking money in to benefit one's self is bad in certain lights and ok in others.
If the individual is devoted to aiding birds and treats them like gold, I can look away at the person who's paying for their house with it. People need to live.

If their house is a freakin' mansion, and the birds are suffering, that's a bad rescue,

but you get one person who says "This person is paying for their house with rescue money" and really, their house is a shack and their birds are taken care of, people listen to the first statement, run off the deep end with it, and bad mouth them.

That's called manipulating context.

The Unwanted Bird: Why People Give Up Parrots?

2011-03-18T10:47:00.001-07:00

Source: Link

If parrots are so difficult to live with, why are pet stores full of them? The demand must be very high for these animals, or else the pet trade would not flood the stores with them. The answer is that there is indeed a strong market for parrots, but it is a market in which people only want a young, cuddly, bird who might be able to talk someday. And that's what they'll find at most pet stores and with most breeders. Nearly all young birds raised in captivity are cute and cuddly and relatively quiet. They love people and still have a few years before they hit sexual maturity.

Parrots are often purchased on impulse, because someone wants a colorful, talking bird, or because they think birds are cool pets. These people don't realize what they're getting into. After they get the bird home, they are faced with a loud, messy, expensive animal that lives many years and is truly a wild animal. Parrots are not pets! Parrots are following in the footsteps of cats and dogs now; they are extremely popular, but they are also facing homelessness. There are many parrot rescue organizations in the United States (nearly 150!) and overseas to face this problem. Sadly, many of these organizations are now full, and there are not enough caring individuals who are able to open more rescues. We are now beginning to see the use of euthanasia to "control" their numbers. Most birds who are living in animal shelters and avian rescue facilities now are under the age of five! This is startling considering that some larger parrots can live upwards of 60 years in captivity.

Why do people give up their parrots? Here are a few of the major reasons:

1) Noise levels. Parrots are LOUD. Even the small parrots are loud. That's what parrots are made to do, and we cannot fault them for it. Whether it be the bird guardian who is at his wit's end, or the neighbors, noise levels are a major reason people give up their parrots. Most parrots do not fare well in apartment or condo settings due to noise levels.

2) Mess. Parrots are MESSY. They throw their food, and some species even projectile poop! Parrot guardians find themselves cleaning every day. Many parrot guardians have multiple cleaning appliances, such as vacuums, dust-busters, steam cleaners, electric brooms, special cleaning products to remove dried on food and feces, etc. It is a non-stop job that continues for the life of the bird (remember how long birds live??).

3) Expense. Parrots are EXPENSIVE. With a medium sized parrot, such as an Amazon or African Grey, you can expect to pay an average of nearly $50 a month for supplies (toys, food, play stands, etc.) and veterinary care (with vet costs spread throughout the year). This does not take into account the cost of the cage, which can run you $400-$1,000. Vet care can run $300 a year as long as the bird remains healthy. Depending on the cost of the bird itself, you are looking at a very costly "pet".

4) Biting. If you care for a parrot, you will get bitten. It's bound to happen eventually. Whether it's a daily occurrence, or only happens when your bird is scared (like at the vet's office), it will happen. How you handle the biting will determine whether or not it becomes habitual. If you lose your confidence, you will probably stop handling your bird and the bird will eventually lose his tameness. Birds can decide they don't like particular people. Even if your bird loves you, what if he attacks your boyfriend/girlfriend/children? Remember that the larger parrots have very powerful beaks -- people have gone to the hospital after being bitten by their parrot. Some bird caretakers have required stitches or even reconstructive surgery after a particularly bad bite, which can happen especially during hormonal times. Are you comfortable living with that possibility? Are you comfortable having an animal like this around your children?

5) "Behavioral" Problems. Problems such as excessive screaming, fear biting, feather destructive behaviors, body mutilation, and other neurotic behavioral problems cause people to give up their parrots. Behavioral problems can be a result of many different factors, all of which can be related to life in captivity. If you work all day, be prepared to spend most of your free time caring for your bird. You cannot come home after being gone all day and expect the parrot to "behave". In the wild, parrots do not have behavioral problems. It will be your responsibility to prevent behavior problems, or to resolve them as best you can if they do happen. There are many "behavioral issues" that are not truly problems for the bird, but may be problems for you, such as loud noises, mess, etc. These are behaviors that would be normal for the bird in the wild.

6) Allergies. Most birds give off dander and dust that can aggravate or create breathing problems. People with asthma should not keep birds that give off lots of dust like Cockatoos, African Greys, and Cockatiels. Some older people or people with respiratory problems have great difficulties with birds.

7) Having a baby. Lots of younger people get birds in their teens or twenties, and when they decide to start a family, they realize the bird doesn't fit into their life anymore, or they feel that they just can't give the bird as much attention as they should. Birds can be dangerous around children, and birds can suffer from the lack of attention caused by a new baby in the family. The lack of attention can cause all sorts of behavioral problems for the parrot. Many times single people bond with their bird too much, and when the single person marries or moves in with their mate, the bird can become quite aggressive toward the rival. This is one of the leading causes of parrot displacement.

Of course there are other reasons people give up their parrots. You can contact some Rescue Organizations and ask for information on parrots to learn more. Adopting a rescue bird can be one way to help with the problem of overpopulation. Be aware that, while there are plenty of well-adjusted birds living in rescue situations, some rescue birds are often difficult to live with and may have serious problems that a beginner should not try to deal with. Only someone with sufficient resources should attempt to care for a rescue bird who has challenging behavioral issues. A good rescue would only place birds into compatible homes with people who have enough knowledge and are prepared to care for an exotic bird.

How to Adopt a Bird

You have a few options if you decide to adopt a bird. Below are some avenues you can explore.

Avian Rescue, Adoption, and Placement Groups. These facilities can vary quite a bit in how they're run, how large they are, etc. They may be large facilities with staff veterinarians, or they might be an area in someone's home that is set aside for rescued birds. They might be a registered non-profit organization supported by donations, or they might be financed by someone's paycheck. You'll need to judge the quality of the facility that has birds for adoption. Below are some criteria adapted from the article, Guidelines for Placing your Bird:

Good avian rescue organizations with the highest standards of care will meet the following criteria:

• The group will either require proof that surrendered birds are in good health (through veterinary reports) or they will provide veterinary testing for incoming bird immediately upon arrival.

• The group will quarantine new birds for a time period of generally 30–90 days.

• The group will feed the birds in their care a varied, healthy, and fresh diet.

• The facilities that the birds are housed in will be cleaned regularly, and spacious enough to allow them daily exercise.

• If the group adopts birds out, they will screen potential adopters very carefully to ensure all birds go to loving homes where the bird will thrive. The group will follow up with adopters to ensure all adopted birds are thriving.

• The group will care for all birds based on the birds' individual needs and not based on what is most convenient for them, concerning flight, social and intellectual needs, and daily biological rhythms.

• The group will never breed birds or allow birds to be placed into homes where they will be bred.

• The group will provide educational resources on the proper care and treatment of birds. The group will provide supportive follow up care to adopters.

• If the group adopts out birds, they will always use legally binding contracts to ensure the bird can be recovered if improper treatment is discovered in the adoptive home.

• Having non-profit status can help you to identify good rescue groups; however, there are many groups without non-profit status that are still good, and having the non-profit status doesn't necessarily mean a group is ethical. If a group is non-profit, request a copy of its financial statement and information on its board of directors.

• The rescue group should have long-range plans to provide consistent, quality care, housing, and staffing.

• Unless your situation is an absolute emergency, the group should try to work with you to solve any problems first before the bird is to be relinquished.

• If the rescue group cannot accept any birds at the time, they should refer you to another reputable rescue group for assistance. Rescue groups should not refuse birds based on their size and species. This could indicate that they may be looking to acquire larger birds simply to sell or adopt them out at higher fees.

• Be very wary of rescue groups that charge near market-value adoption fees for birds. Not all groups charge adoption fees, but those that do often only charge for the cost of veterinary testing and treatment, food, caging, toys, and other necessities. These can easily be documented with receipts.

• Some avian rescue groups are even becoming accredited by the few animal rescue and sanctuary accrediting organizations, such as The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS) and the American Sanctuary Associations (ASA). Check to see if your rescue group is accredited.

In order to adopt a bird, you will need to contact a rescue organization near you. There is a list on the Avian Protection Society's website by state of known rescue facilities that do not breed birds or adopt birds to breeding programs. You will probably need to fill out an application, possibly pay an adoption fee, visit the facility to find a bird who "picks" you, and also possibly provide references. You might need to live a certain distance from the facility so that they can do a home visit to be sure your home is safe. These are pretty common procedures when adopting through a rescue group.

Bird Club Adoption Groups. You can find a nationwide listing of bird clubs at the Bird Talk website. You may need to be a member of a bird club in order to adopt from them, so check with the club directly.

Veterinarian's offices. You can check with local veterinarian offices to see if they know of birds who need homes.

Animal Shelters. Many traditional dog and cat shelters are now starting to see birds come in. Often these shelters are not properly set up to care for birds properly. Check shelters to see if they ever get birds in. If they do not have any for adoption, you may wish to give them your contact information in case they do get a call for a bird.

Newspaper/internet classified ads. Unfortunately, some people place ads to sell or give away their birds. You can check newspapers and the internet for birds that need to be re-homed in your area.

Articles on this topic:

Avian Welfare Issues: an Overview

Aviculture and Animal Welfare; What is the Difference? Where Do They Stand?

Guidelines for Placing Your Birds

Parrot Behavioral Resources

Evaluating Avian Rescue Facilities

Avian Welfare Issues and the Captive Grey

People Who Give Up Birds

Sunday March 13th - Finch Adoption Day

2011-03-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

The party of 10 have gone to a wonderful home with a person who's wise on finches...!

They have a good amount of friends to play with and cuddle alongside.

Finches are great great great companions for newb birdy lovers and experienced birdy lovers alike!

Celia

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here's Celia being adopted on Valentine's day to Vinny!

HUGE Bird Rescue In Texas

2011-03-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

Source: Link

March 10th, 2011

Posted By:
Patty

Photo by care2.com

Acting on a tip from a neighbor, the Houston SPCA recently seized 1,079 animals from a privately owned Texas property. About 900 of these animals were parrots.
The property owners were breeders, selling to pet stores and, based on shipping materials found on the site, are presumed to have been supplying parrots to private parties directly from their facility. The condition of the cages were described as deplorable and overcrowded and all sported breeding boxes indicating that this was to be an ongoing endeavor for this couple.

Photo by Examiner.com

In my last, post I mentioned that parrots are frequently bred with “puppy mill sensibilities”. This is a perfect example of that fact, and it is a huge contributor to the overpopulation of parrot rescues. It is the reason we need to rehome the neglected and abandoned before electing to buy the captive bred parrots that are available in such huge quantity.
If we band together and refuse to support these organizations by NOT purchasing their birds, we WILL eventually put them out of business. In opting to rehome a bird, we support the rescues that are fighting to keep afloat. As parrot lovers, we must support those trying to make a difference.
The birds seized in Texas were sent out to various locations. 73 of these birds will, in the next week, land in the care of Anna Sloan, the owner and operator of the Macaw and Cockatoo Rescue of New Mexico. Close you eyes for a moment and try to imagine what 73 parrots looks like…

Photo by examiner.com

There are enormous challenges faced by caregivers in any parrot rescue, many of them financial, which go unnoticed by people like you and me. In this case:

Each of the 73 birds needs to be vetted. This cost, estimated at around $2000, will cover just the health screening of each of the birds and does not include the continued care of any birds that are determined to be ill. Given the background of these birds, that figure is likely to be high. This financial burden can be ruinous to a small organization.
In most cases, the birds that are in the most dire need of rescue do not land on Anna’s doorstep. She was required to drive to Houston to personally transport all of these birds to her facility in the Albuquerque area. I know of her traveling great distances to retrieve a bird in need, and has covered shipping charges for those beyond her reach.
The everyday care and upkeep of a huge influx of birds, including caging, food and toys, is a huge drain on the budget. We, owning single or few birds, know the expense of bird supplies. Multiply that number by 73…
Then, of course, there is the expense of her valuable time. Each bird must be socialized, rehabilitated and converted to a proper diet before they are eligible for placement in a new home.

Anna and Loretta

These birds have no idea how lucky they are to be in Anna’s fine care. I have known the young and energetic Anna for several years. She finds the most creative solutions to significant challenges she faces with troubled birds that seem beyond hope. The depth of her love and compassion is bottomless and she tirelessly gives of herself to heal the wounded. No one on this planet is better suited to managing the task set before her. Assisting Macaw and Cockatoo Rescue of New Mexico is Jill from the Gulf Coast Exotic Bird Sanctuary. Jill, one of the biggest-hearted people I have had the honor to meet, is meeting Anna halfway to Houston and will be taking on a number of the birds at her sanctuary.
Both the Macaw and Cockatoo Rescue of New Mexico and the Gulf Coast Exotic Bird Sanctuary survive solely on financial donation. If you are looking for deserving bird related organizations to contribute to, and I hope you are, these are those I recommend.

Parrot Behavior: Why is my bird being a jerk?

2011-03-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Source: Link

SPRING BEHAVIOR
Liz Wilson
Parrot Behavior Consultant

It is early spring, and already it has begun. The phone rings and it is my client Mary. She has a two year old domestic-bred African grey parrot that she purchased eight months ago. He is her first parrot and she adores him. Mary's voice is shaking and she is obviously barely under control as she says, "Liz, something is terribly wrong with Alfred and I'm really upset! He's gone crazy or something!"

Thanking fate for my previous experience as a crisis counselor, I manage to get her quieted down enough to get a somewhat coherent story. Alfred, normally a gentle and loving bird, had suddenly lashed out at her that morning and had actually drawn blood. I question her carefully about his physical health and find he had just been to her avian veterinarian last week for a routine check-up and everything was fine.
So I ask her a number of questions regarding Alfred's recent noise level (louder than usual?), his play behaviors (rougher than usual with his beak?), and his attitude towards Mary (more possessive?) As I suspected, all the answers are affirmatives. Sweet little Alfred is growing up, and the spring nesting season has begun.

A Lover's Triangle
In the twenty-three years that I have cohabited with Sam, my female blue and gold macaw, I do not remember really noticing spring behavior until my future husband David appeared in our lives -- and he was also the one who identified her behavior for what it was. After having me to herself for many years, Sam was now having to share me with another, and the adjustment had not been fun for any of us. However, David had kept his temper with her bluffs and displays, and life had gradually settled down.

Nonverbal Insults

As it turned out, he was quite correct about the cause for her lack of control -- once a year she gets wretched for a month or two. I generally first focus on her behavior change when she suddenly is attached to my body whenever she is out of her cage. Normally an affectionate friend, Sam is also quite capable of amusing herself for hours at a time, playing and talking to herself on her "tree" (fancy name for a 2x4 with a perch attached and hanging toys) in front of the living room window. But when hormones begin raging, she appears to be partially composed of velcro and I have great difficulty separating her from my person. She also cannot seem to stay out of trouble for more than, say, 15-20 seconds at a time -- I turn my back and she's gotten into the clean laundry and shredded couple of David's shirts and my new skirt.

However, by far the worst part of her nesting seasons has been manifest in her behavior towards David. In normal times, she dislikes him intensely but confines her animosity to saying extremely rude things with her body language. (Trust me on this -- you live with a parrot for long, and you know very well when they are insulting someone nonverbally) But during nesting season, she can be much more actively aggressive, so her times out of the cage when he is home must be CLOSELY supervised.

Normal Cycles
Generally speaking, spring behavior happens once a year in the life of a sexually mature parrot. Also called nesting or hormonal behavior, it is a normal rhythm of nature, and there is nothing you or your parrot can do about it except wait it out. But you can be aware and understanding, and alert to the possible changes - in hopes of minimizing the negative side effects wherever possible.
As a rule, any abrupt and dramatic behavior change in a mature parrot that is NOT evidence of a medical problem developing, can safely be classed as nesting behavior. (NOTE: If you are not sure about your parrot's behavior, make an appointment with your avian vet.) Parrots cannot control this hormonal stuff, any more than I can control my own moods during times of raging PMS (other than to keep my mouth shut).

Bad and Good Changes and "Characteristic" Behaviors
Other possible behaviors or behavior changes include one or more (or none) of the following (and this list is far from complete):

· Flat backing -- aviculturist term for the submissive posture of some female parrots, with or without accompanying wing shivering and/or clucking. Some birds may also revert to baby-like behaviors, begging to be hand fed by their favorite person.

· Strutting with tail feathers fanned, neck feathers up and eyes flashing wildly -- This is often (but not always accurately) defined as male behavior and is seen other times of the year as well -- especially when meeting new people. This is probably normal territorial behavior that becomes more frequent and dramatic during nesting time. Don't reach for this bird unless your really want to check your normal healing time.

· Nest-making -- manifests in minor ways, such as burrowing in fabric or sofa pillows, or major ways -- in the absolute destruction of anything and everything the bird touches. The latter is (of course) what Sam does. This is not necessarily a female trait, since in many species (i.e. many larger cockatoos) the male is the primary nest builder. This behavior goes above and beyond the "normal" destructiveness of parrots.

Some years, I have given Sam with a large cardboard box to shred in her cage, which seems to ease the biological pressures on her -- after all, she simply wants to make a nest. However, being allowed a nest box of a sort also encourages Sam to lay eggs. These eggs are infertile, of course -- she's my only bird and it takes two, as they say. But there isn't any point to her egg laying so I don't give her a box, anymore. I especially would not recommend giving nest-like boxes to birds like cockatiels, whose hens can be prone to obsessive egg laying cycles that can become life threatening.

· Feather picking -- some individuals do a little feather chewing or picking, usually in small, localized areas of their bodies like their breast or the tops of their wings. From my experience, hormone-induced feather chewing or picking is ONLY seen during spring behavior. It should not be confused with the more dramatic and extensive plucking seen as a manifestation of physical problems such as infections in the feather follicles, or in allergies.... or as a behavior problem.

· Regurgitation of food -- Ah, Birdie Barf! Parrots will regurgitate food to feed their mate and their young, so if your parrot upchucks on you, don't get grossed out -- take it in the spirit it's offered. It is, after all, a tremendous compliment. This can happen whenever your parrot is feeling loving during the year, but it definitely happens more often in nesting season. By the way, sexual regurgitation is associated with a favorite person, toy, etc.. When it occurs without any obvious stimulus, it may be evidence of a medical problem. If the human is unsure as to what is happening, one's avian vet should be consulted.

· Masturbation - Notwithstanding whatever feelings their pet humans might have about this subject, parrots have no moral hang ups about it at all -- they just enjoy it! If you're lucky, your visiting minister or maiden great aunt will not catch on to what is happening.

And as previously mentioned, making more noise than usual and biting harder than usual.

Not All Bad….
But not all of these seasonal behavior changes are negative -- a client of mine has an Amazon who becomes a real snugglebug when in nesting behavior, at which time he LOVES to be cuddled -- which is the only time all year that he will accept any human touching at all!

Dealing With Your Feather Duster's Sexuality
So what is the human to do with all this unwanted loving behavior? Well, you can't eliminate it, but there are certain things one can do to help everyone muddle through this uncomfortable period.

As they say, forewarned is forearmed, so mark on your calendar when spring behavior starts and stops. In this way, you will be aware BEFORE nesting behavior starts next year and, you are less likely to be caught off guard. If your parrot becomes aggressive towards other humans, then do everyone a favor and leave it in its cage when other people are around. And NEVER leave it out unsupervised (but then, you are not supposed to do that, anyway).

By no means should the human encourage sexual behaviors, because that only leads to confusion and frustration for the parrot. After all, you are NOT going to make babies together, are you? So avoid doing things like petting the bird's back, wings or tail feathers. Restrict your petting to the bird's head so you don't further stimulate them. If your parrot becomes obsessed with a particular object or toy, remove it from the bird's area. If you feel that masturbation is a problem (and it certainly isn't for the bird), simply remove the love object (toy, particular perch, food bowl, mirror, etc.) and don't return it to the bird until spring behavior has passed. If the little monster happens to be masturbating on a part of your anatomy, don't make a fuss (remember the Drama Reward?). Simply rearrange him (or you) so it is no longer happening. On the subject of regurgitation, I'm sure you would just LOVE to share your loving little bird's food so sweetly offered (ohYUCK).... but don't encourage that either.

If the bird's wings are not clipped, it would probably be a good idea to do it now -- after all, you can always let the wings regrow when the bird settles down, if you like. But since there is often a direct correlation between full flight and increased aggression, it makes sense to remove this additional problem when the parrot is already awash with hormones.
Above all, don't try to punish the birds for totally natural behaviors -- you don't want to encourage them, but what they are doing is not wrong.

Birdie Abuse (of Humans)
One thing is virtually guaranteed - increased hormone levels often lead to increased aggressiveness -- this is documented in many/ most animal species and parrots are no exception. And it follows that if your parrot is established as dominant in its relationship with you, you can expect it to try to tell you how to behave -- and you can expect yourself and other humans around you to be the recipient of violence if your behaviors don't measure up to your bird's exacting standards (following orders is tough when you don't speak the language). As head of the flock, your parrot is only doing his/her job. On the other hand, if you are well established as head of the flock (thanks to having established a relationship of loving controls with your feathered friend), then your parrot (being in a submissive position) will generally wait for you to show it how to act towards others. In a nutshell, increased aggression is to be expected -- but a parrot in a submissive role can be expected to display less aggression than one that perceives itself to be head of the flock.

Yearly Fun & Games
So every year in the Wilson household, the three of us (four, counting the cat) suffer through this period and it feels like it lasts forever. In reality, it lasts one to two months and we all survive. We all dislike it -- Sam's no happier than the rest of us -- but we get through it. Small price, if you ask me, for the remaining ten or eleven months of the year, when Sam's company is a constant source of pleasure.

New Shirt Design

2011-03-09T10:49:00.001-08:00

It's raining finches!

2011-03-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

We have 10 finches that will be needing loving homes. They are wonderful, easy maintenance companions. They make the most pleasant sounds.

We do have someone interested..! I wonder if she wants them all.

I'm doing research on the guys. So far I know we have Zebras and Societies.

Was monitoring them when I got home today from work to see if there was any more bullying going on...

The darker zebra was being mean to the pudgy ones pictured on the bottom.
The other day it was the white one being a pain... Meanies!

I separated them for a bit and put them together again. Let's see if they're better behaved tomorrow.

Pako's Day Out.

2011-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

I didn't get home from Miami until 5:30pm. I left at 10am.
Pako was a sweetheart sitting in his carrier... Probably because he was sick! A quiet Pako is not a healthy Pako. He did make SOME noise, but not like his usual boisterous self.
As usual, my GPS crapped out, and I was lost in Miami. The curse of getting lost in Miami continues..!
The nurse at Dr. Harris' helped me out though! I called in and it was good I was running a little behind because they were able to start surgery on another buddy.
The nurse-lady said they had a Middle-Eastern deli next door I lingered at. I asked with something with no meat in it... Hummus and Falafuls!!!! O_O TOTAL WIN!
They did another X-ray on Pako. No progression of the Asper. Thank God. We took him off Baytril 2 weeks ago with the first X-ray. It's a relief that the Sporanox does good on it's own.

Pako has Tracheitis. We think it's from all the oral meds he sometimes inhales instead of drinks. More tests have gone out, so we'll see if it's anything else...! I love those guys over there...! ♥ Pako gets the royal treatment.

It was a total blessing to have both Dr. Grant and Dr. Harris there. Dr. Grant has been overseeing Pako all this time and Dr. Harris was to do the surgery on him because he's the best. Super great staff too...!

Pako should be ok, but gotta keep praying.

I know that if I didn't get him when I did, he would've died, so I count every extra day he's alive as a blessing. If God decides to take him, that boy has had a good life and of course, we go off fighting each of his symptoms! It's not cheap, but I'll design more if I hurt really bad financially.

Lesson of the day. If your noisy bird is quiet. Take him to the vet ASAP.
Droopy wings, sleepy, fluffed up. Birds hide sickness well so when they do show symptoms you want to NOT WAIT and get them over to a good avian&exotic vet.

I will post video of him coming out of anesthesia when I get a second.

God is good! Thanks to all those who pray.

Animals in Heaven

2011-02-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Source: Link

A controversial question is whether it is God's plan for animals to be in heaven or not. Many Christians believe that heaven just would not be heaven without animals. Certainly I believe that the Creator of millions of different species of animals, birds, insects and fish is a God who loves variety and prizes His creation. I cannot believe that Heaven will only be populated by angels and saints. From a careful study of the Bible I have become convinced that Heaven will be richer in vegetation and animal life than the most paradise-like part of earth could ever be. Where people get the idea of harps and clouds from, I don't know. God has a far greater plan than we can imagine.
"This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head." Ephesians 1:10

"Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats, calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do . . . The land will be as full of knowledge of the Lord as the seas are full of water." Isaiah 11:6-9

"Search in the Lord's book of living creatures and read what it says. Not one of these creatures will be missing and not one will be without its mate. The Lord has commanded it to be so; He Himself will bring them together. It is the Lord who will divide the land among them and give each of them a share. They will live in the land age after age, and it will belong to them for ever." Isaiah 34:16, 17

When the revealed Word of God teaches us that God's eternal plan is for "all creation" to be brought together under Christ then it includes all wildlife too. When God says "everything", He means everything - animals included.

When He says that they will live for "age after age", "forever", this means eternal life. Only one place will last forever, and that is Heaven.

That great book of worship in the Bible - the Psalms - reveals that all God's creation have contact with God (Psalm 93). All God's creatures praise Him (Psalm 145:10). It is only mankind who needs forgiving and saving and teaching as to how to worship (Psalm 36 & 51), the animal kingdom worships God continually and naturally.

"Praise Him, hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests; all animals, tame and wild, reptiles and birds." Psalm 148:9, 10

"Be glad, earth and sky! Roar sea and every creature in you: be glad fields and everything in you! The trees in the woods will shout for joy." Psalm 96:11, 12

The last book of the Bible presents the final climax of the ages when all creation faces the Creator. First the four living creatures (the animal-like angels around God's throne as described in Ezekiel) praise God, then the twenty-four elders, then the redeemed people of God, then the angels (Revelation 4:6 - 5:12), until finally the great scene is described when all living beings present their worship to Almighty God.

"And then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea - all living beings in the universe - and they were singing: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour, glory and might, forever and ever'."
Revelation 5:13

In the light of these Scriptures, I firmly believe that our loving almighty Creator intends all His creatures to enjoy heaven with Him forever. The only part of creation that will be missing from Heaven, according to the Bible, are those sinful human beings who neglect the great salvation that God has revealed in the Bible and provided through Christ. So while all the animal victims of scientific experiments will be in Heaven, the same cannot be said for all the hardhearted vivisectionists and ivory poachers.