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Murrietta -- A Tribute to a Special Lady

Don Scott — 2013-03-22T23:12:06-07:00

Murrietta, a life story by Carina Graham

I received a call from my sister. “So… we have a parrot here, and we don’t know what to do with it.”

Once upon a time there was an elderly man who could no longer take care of himself. His family decided to put him into an assisted living facility. The problem? This man had a parrot, an African grey and no one else in the family knew what to do with the bird. After asking around, someone in the family gave this parrot to their dog’s groomer. Though the groomer was an animal lover, she was aware that she had no experience or knowledge when it came to caring for birds. Fortunately for the african grey parrot, this groomer was my sister’s roommate.

She brought the bird home and then called me, a brand-new recruit to The Chloe Sanctuary for Parrots and Cockatoos. And I’ll admit it… I panicked a little. A real parrot! With no home! Abandoned! Oh no! What to do?

So I did what any new volunteer would do. I called the director of our sanctuary to ask for help. After explaining the situation to Father Don, he asked me to bring the bird over. I left my house right away and drove forty-five minutes to my sister’s.
When I arrived, I found a grey bird, much smaller that I had imagined, standing in the back of her cage staring at me. “Her name is Murri,” my sister said, “short for Murrieta. She talks, but she hasn’t said anything yet.”

I sized Murri up, and I think she did the same to me. She stood, silent and still, probably apprehensive about what was going to happen to her. Her chest and legs were plucked of feathers, giving her a very ragged appearance. Perhaps it had been a lifelong condition, or maybe it was something that had come with the stress of recent events. When we loaded up my SUV and put her and her travel cage in the front seat of my car it didn’t help matters. Poor Murri, having just left her owner of however many years and being passed from house to house in a very short amount of time probably didn’t know what to think of all the commotion. We got her in, and off I went on a short drive to Father Don’s.

I wanted to make this little bird feel better, so I played music and I sang and I talked to her. Murri just stood still and stared at me. I vividly remember her golden eyes watching me as I sang, wary and unsure, as if wondering what I would do to her next.
We made it to Don’s place unscathed, and he met us outside. He opened the passenger side door to help carry Murri inside. And this grey parrot that had been still and silent this entire time looked at him, stood up straight and tall, and said very clearly:
“Murri.”

It was as if she was introducing herself. And Don took the prompt right away. “Hi Murri!” he said enthusiastically. “Want to come in?”

That was the start of it, and in that very moment I knew I was witnessing something special. Murri hadn’t spoken a word to me, my sister, or her roommates this whole time but there was something about Father Don that she instantly connected with, and connected enough to want him to know who she was.

There is one thing I’ve learned in volunteering with an animal rescue. A person can work as hard as they possibly can and help to save as many lives as humanly possible but when a parrot chooses you, that’s something that cannot be replicated or replaced. Murri definitely chose Don.

Over the years, Father Don worked very hard with that girl. He helped to reduce her feather destructive behavior. She became more vocal with him. They withstood a house fire and a move together. He observed amazing behaviors between her and the cockatoos in his care. She taught him things about parrots, and he taught her to love and trust a human again. Over the years, they forged a strong bond.

Anyone who knows Father Don knows that he has many cockatoos in his care. As one might think, having several of these giant white birds keeps a person very busy but Don still made time for Murri, personal time set aside every night for her and him to spend together, time that they both cherished and needed from each other. Over the years, she developed her own special word that she only shared with Don. She would say “Murr”, a shortened version of her name, like a little purr. Only for her special person.

Those of us around them, who never heard that special word, grew to love Murri nonetheless. We were amused and delighted by her antics. She would boss around those cockatoos like a pygmy queen sitting on her perch! “Oh good grief!” Murri would cry, watching those white creatures chase each other across their cages. When Don would bring a special snack of almond butter, she would say, feeling most satisfied, “You’re a good boy!” Sometimes, when no one was paying much attention to her, she would politely cough, just enough to startle a person into looking at her, before we remembered that parrots don’t actually cough.

Murri was an old parrot when she came into Father Don’s care. At least fifty, Doctor Young estimated by her feather condition and her arthritis. So it wasn’t much of a surprise when her weight began to fluctuate in the last year, or when she began to drop some of her clever vocabulary. Still, no one expected the end to come.

On March 10, Murri had a neurological event, perhaps a stroke. She had an issue with motor skills right away, but slowly recovered them. Physically, she was weak, but mentally she was sharp. She showed signs of knowing her name, and knowing her special person. All the volunteers with The Chloe Sanctuary held our breath for days while she slowly recovered. Perching, eating, responding to cues from Don. She had ups and downs. Times when she was so exhausted she could hardly stand on her feet, or when she would stand on the bottom of her cage with her chin resting on her perch and would sleep for hours.

Our wonderful avian vet, Dr. Lee Young of Discovery Animal Hospital in San Marcos, examined her and confirmed our worst fears, that Murri was suffering from a protein deficit, especially the proteins that help with immune response. It wasn’t something that was treatable. Murri was just an old bird, and like any mortal creature, her body began to give out.

I helped Don pick her up from the vet after an overnight stay, and when the assistants brought her out I heard that bird give a sweet cry of “Murr!” as soon as she saw her special person. Murri only had eyes for Don, and did well on the way back to his home. There I was privilidged to hold her while Don prepared some food and while we all sat and talked for some time after. Murri was exhausted. She laid in my hands and fell asleep several times in her dish of food. Still, she kept hearing Don’s voice and kept waking up and looking over at him with those bright, golden eyes of hers.

The next day, Murri seemed to wake up. She was eating well, and giving Don attitude about getting almonds. She made bubble sounds when she was spoken to and reacted to her surroundings. She and Don had a last, good day and then Murri drifted away. Thankfully she didn’t exhibit pain or suffering, just seemed so very sleepy at the end. Yet even the most peaceful death is heartbreaking to those that love. There are many, many people who loved Murri. I cannot speak for her caretaker, the person she loved the most and who loved her the same. I know that he must be aching beyond reason or comprehension at the loss of his beloved companion, but I can say that Murri was the first parrot I ever helped to rescue. She was the one who made the mission of The Chloe Sanctuary real to me. She was the first bird I witnessed coming from a state of petrified fear and uncertainty to finding a loving, secure home. She was the first bird I witnessed learn to love and trust again, to watch her unfold like a flower over time, revealing a little more of herself as she got more comfortable and felt more safe.

Thank you, Murri. Thank you for the opportunity to know you in the beginning and the end. Thank you for giving us human beings a second chance after you were given away so freely. And thank you for helping to build a rescue group that has, and will continue to help more birds like you.

Please remember, friends, that the mission to rescue these special creatures is not free. Times are tough for us all right now, but if you can make a donation (perhaps in Murri’s memory), The Chloe Sanctuary will continue to help save more parrots in need.

We are grieving, but we know our mission is never over. While there will never be another Murri, there is always another bird who is hurting, who is just waiting to show someone how very special they are.

[Goodbye, dear companion. I'll write more when I can hold back my tears and stop sobbing -- Father Don]

Don Scott — 2012-10-19T02:53:00-07:00

In Memorial
Galen
A Man Beloved by an Angel

Galen was born on July 5, 1968 in San Diego. He lived here most of his life but spent the past few years in Arizona. He always loved animals but never thought of having a bird until one day in 2007. He went into a bird store to look around and visit the birds.

A worker asked him if he wanted to take one out, and he said, "That one looks like she wants out really bad." This yellow-collar macaw had been squawking, banging on her cage, and making eye contact with Galen. The worker said, "Ok, but she doesn't like anybody, and she bites." She sat on his shoulder and it really seemed like they had an instant bond. That was the beginning of their love story.

Galen didn't have the money to purchase her right then and didn't want to make a rash decision, so he visited her frequently, eventually put her on layaway, purchased a home for himself and Wolfie, and took her home several months later. They were two peas in a pod. Even when Galen was too sick to care for himself, he tenderly and attentively cared for all of her physical and emotional needs. Anyway, I have never seen anything like that in my life.

She seemed to know his thoughts and he hers. He learned how to care for her in every way, not only by listening to others, reading, and going to seminars, but by listening to HER. The last thing asked me to do was visit her from time to time. And he went into detail about the kind of toy she likes.

Wolfie is in a good home and has bonded with her new caregiver. She spends her days looking out the window, chewing on her favorite toys, and eating her favorite foods, much like she did with Galen. In her new home, there is a photo of Galen and Wolfie taped to her window, and I am told she often sits quietly just looking at the photo.

When A Bird Turns On Everyone

Don Scott — 2012-07-27T06:09:40-07:00

by Mina

In my local bird-store* is a Citron Cockatoo. He is one and a half years old and has been there since he was a baby. Being older, he was moved to the consignment room: a place where birds wait for new homes when they are no longer wanted or can no longer be cared for properly. The cockatoo (who has no name so I will call him Beaker) was once a friendly bird but he showed signs of aggression to all the employees and they stopped taking him out for play. Since I have no problem handling Beaker, I decided to apply the A-B-C’s of behavior analysis to see if I could discover what was driving his behavior. As my teacher Dr. Friedman said, “Behavior is a function of its consequences.” Everyone does what they do for a reason. Discover the reason and you can find an appropriate “replacement behavior” that satisfies the need of the bird and the needs of the people in his world.

History: Beaker would be taken out daily and placed on a Java Tree in a central location in the main part of the store for play and socialization with humans. This location is along a hallway and is used frequently by customers and employees alike. He then began biting people and was promptly returned to his cage after each incident. Over time, he was let out less often.

I took Beaker out for observation. As soon as I entered the main room, he became nervous and trembled. I placed him on the arm of a chair located in a less-frequented part of the main room. Birds are prey animals and look around to see if a predator might be stalking them. Quiet corners are usually the safest place to put a bird to make them feel secure. I preened him for several hours and observed that he seemed oblivious to almost everything but preening. When no longer being preened or preening he became startled at any changes in the room. For example, a couple sat on the bench next to us. He was so busy preening that when one got up and the other moved over slightly, when he was done he looked over and then jumped. I also noticed that whenever an employee walked by, he froze, became nervous, and when they attempted to approach, took flight.

Using the information that I observed, I came up with these A-B-C’s:

Environmental: Employee attempts to move Beaker to a Java Tree

Antecedent (what happened just prior to behavior): employee approaches Beaker
Behavior: Beaker bites
Consequence: Employee moves Beaker back to his cage

My analysis of this situation is that Beakers’ nervous condition combined with his being placed in a central location with a lot of activity has made him prefer his cage to that location. His biting has rewarded him with being removed from that area and has therefore reinforced it. He has been taught that by acting aggressively or fearfully by flying away and being “uncontrollable” he will not have to do something he does not want to do.

When Beaker bit me (no bleeding), I did not respond by returning him. I responded by telling him softly “no bite” and to “calm down” and proceeded to pet and kiss him.

When a bird suddenly changes behavior, there is always a reason.

*I do frequent a local birdstore where the owners are helpful when I have issues with my birds or have questions. I do not support the buying and selling of birds. I am outspoken in my belief, a belief founded on solid scientific evidence, that birds should not be hand raised by humans because it causes functional autism and psychotic behavior, that they do not belong in cages, and that babies should be fed by their parents and not by the alien hands of humans.

[Ed: Those seeking proof of the effects of hand-rearing should read Hand-Rearing: Behavioral Impacts and Implications for Captive Parrot Welfare pp. 83 - 91, The Manual of Parrot Behavior, Andrew Luescher, Blackwell Publishing, 2006. This text is the gold standard for our current knowledge about psittacine behavior. One should never let a Google search do more than wet their appetite for information and always seek current, peer-reviewed, texts on the subject studied. The Manual is, at this time, that text.]

Chloe's Mash Recipe

Don Scott — 2012-07-26T15:30:38-07:00

Chloe Sanctuary Mash Recipe and Variations
fatherdon@chloesanctuary.org

DEAR COOKS: If you know of anyone looking to adopt parrots or cockatoos, please send them our way. Finding those willing to allow a feathered heart into their home is a rough task indeed. Our free education seminars online and in person will help insure the human companion / animal bond!

[A good source for grains and beans is Sun Organics in San Marcos. They have a website or you can pick things up in person. Wear a jacket if you go there. They keep everything in the freezer: actually it’s not a freezer it just seems that way.]

Items to make ahead of time: Grain Mixture and Bean Mixture.

Grain Mixture: Triticale, Kamut, Spelt, Amaranth, Quinoa, Barley, Wheat, Millet, and Oat Groats. Use equal parts of each and don’t forget that grains soak up a “ton” of water.

Soak the grains for 4 hours in double the volume of purified water [I use reverse osmosis water]. Increase volume of water to double the volume of grains and bring to a boil. Cover and let cool. Store in freezer bags and freeze until the day before use.

Bean Mixture: Pinto, Navy, white, adzuki, mung, red beans and lentils. Clean, sort and soak overnight in purified water. Drain.
If you are using a pressure cooker do not fill past the halfway point! Be sure and add 1 Tablespoon of oil before cooking in a pressure cooker; this is a safety issue and not to be forgotten! In the pressure cooker add enough water to reach the 3/4 mark of the cooker [see manual of your cooker]. Bring up to pressure and cook for 3 minutes. Take off heat and let cool until the pressure cooker safety valve releases the handle. On older models be careful; be sure the cooker has dropped pressure. When cool enough to bag, put excess into freezer bags and freeze.

Alternately, you can cook on a stove cook for 30 minutes at a simmer. You will need to have a minimum of double the height of water in the pot to cook the beans.

Preparation for meal:
Note: In pressure cooking the vegetables I always add enough vegetable oil at the base of the cooker to form a 1/4 inch layer at the bottom and then add the chopped carrots first.
Use roughly equal parts of chopped each finely chopped vegetable. I use a food processor to chop.

Potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, celery, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, butternut squash, crookneck squash, zucchini, summer squash, banana squash, and seasonal additions. Rinse all vegetables prior to chopping in vinegar water. You make vinegar water by using 1 gallon of water with a half cup of vinegar added. This will strip off poison, dirt, and other junk. Drain. Chop the vegetables in a food processor. I usually jchop them into small pieces, about a quarter of an inch or less. Put on top of the carrots in the pressure cooker. If you do not put the carrots on the bottom some of the other vegetables have enough sugar in them but they might actually burn to the bottom of the pressure cooker. The carrots will protect you against this. How do I know? Experience.

In a pressure cooker ad 1 cup of water (see instructions for your cooker) and bring to pressure. Cook 3 minutes and cool in your sink.
In a pot on your stove add enough water to cover and cook until slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook.

Take frozen peas and frozen corn and put in the bottom of a mixing bowl. Pour the hot mixture of vegetables on top of the frozen ones (be sure and drain most of the water out of the vegetables if they were cooked on the stove ). Stir. This helps to cool down the hot vegetables and cook the frozen ones. This is a nice shortcut that helps to retain the flavor of the frozen vegetables as well.

Add a cup of beans and a cup of the grain mixture to the mash per quart of the veggie mixture. Add one cup of organic apple sauce; in this case it is important to use organic applesauce. Add seasonings: cayenne pepper and chili pepper to start. Some ideas: italian seasoning (basil, thyme), sage, coriander...

Variation: add a Tbs or two of almond butter, or a Tbs of low sodium mayonnaise,

Serve slightly warm and add powdered plant enzymes to the mix. Cooking kills plant enzymes and they are necessary for digestion!

A Silent Invasion

Don Scott — 2012-07-13T13:51:52-07:00

Our kitchen has been invaded by an alien! Peaches has made it perfectly clear that she “owns” the table in the kitchen. She eats breakfast and dinner there, by request. She drinks at her fountain there. She watches the sunset there.

Notice the three bowls of food: fruit cup, almond butter mash, and fresh chopped veggies. One other bowl is hidden behind her: the regular mash.

One For Me, Two For The Floor

Don Scott — 2012-07-06T05:15:03-07:00

by Mina

I believe I covered this subject some time ago but, as with all things avian, it never hurts to remind! Well, unless your avian friend is doing the reminding; I am not liable for that.

Often when I tell people that I have four parrot companions the first question I hear is, "Can they talk?" Then they complain that they are messy. (Thanks, I hadn’t noticed.) Yes, my nights are spent cleaning four bird cages and vacuuming. Yes, I have to wipe down walls and scrub carpets. Honestly, it had never occurred to me to mind. In nature, a hookbill is a compassionate and eco-friendly creature. Not only do they eat one bite out of a fruit and then toss the rest down to the ground foraging creatures, they also replant the very plants they are munching on. They prune back dead and unproductive wood. (Yes, your dining room chairs count.) It is really a beautiful system when you think about it.

Many times I hear that a bird will only eat a particular type of food out of their assortment and throw the rest onto the floor or leave it in the bowl. The human then feels compelled to only provide the food being consumed at the time and not “waste” the other varieties as their bird “doesn’t like them.” This could not be further from the truth. In nature, only a few types of foods are available at a time. (Prior to importing you wouldn’t eat apples in the winter or pumpkins in the spring) They eat a food until it is no longer available, usually a few months, then they switch to the new available food. Denying your bird variety is not only dangerous to their diet, but goes against their nature.

So the next time you observe your avian companion destroying your environment, think of how this behavior would benefit their environment should they live where they belong, in the treetops.

Touché - A Lovely Heart Comes To Rest

Don Scott — 2012-06-11T00:24:50-07:00

Touché. Isn’t she beautiful? Dan and Deb have taken her under their wing as foster parents with the intent to adopt her. She was relinquished to us yesterday by a lady who rescued her from nearly certain death since animal control could not place her at the time of her admittance over a year ago. At the moment she is getting used to her larger cage and a new home. She had quite a day. She went directly to Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital for a full exam, CBC, and other necessary tests. She is now microchipped as well, as are all of our sanctuary birds for their protection. All expenses were paid by our members Dan and Deb and that donation is applied to their adoption fee. The cage was donated by Mission Animal and Bird Hospital.

Welcome, dear heart!

Why Is Your Bird "Mean?"

Don Scott — 2012-05-17T14:10:01-07:00

There have been many times I’ve met a person while out with Haley who looks absolutely relieved when they learn of some of the steps I’ve taken to educate myself to be a good human slave for her. When I say relieved, you’d think I was a giant candy bar and they were a starving child. When I see this look, I know what will come next. “I had a bird. He bit me. Why was he so mean?” In an attempt to make a fast exit since the words “I HAD a bird” always sends shivers up my spine, I usually reply with something along the lines of “What makes you think that was so mean?” It makes them pause long enough for me to move on, clutching Haley to my heart and whispering in her ear that I wouldn’t let her go for all the bites in the world.

This isn’t just an escape plot. It’s a valid response. We do not know the motivations behind the bite. We do not know the motivations behind anything someone we know does. In fact, there are times we don’t even know our own true motivations until later. If you are not aware of the stories your mind tells you, I’m sure you’ve been aware of someone else doing it. Have you ever had someone come to you upset because another person gave them a compliment and they are torturing themselves over what they really meant by it? Their mind has told them stories and before you know it, they are upset over things that don’t truly exist. They have projected on to that person what they have decided their motivation was. Someone cuts you off in traffic and it’s a personal slight against you. You don’t know if they just got a call that a loved one was ill and was rushing to the hospital. Chances are they don’t even realize you exist.

So the next time your bird bites or you are restraining yourself when yet another person asks “Does it talk?” remember that you cannot possibly know their motivation and do not project your emotional response onto them as a label.

-- By Regina J.

[In the picture above it may look as if Peaches is biting that hand. From that picture alone someone might label her a “biter.” She was offered the finger and she is gently playing with it using her tongue.]

Regina’s article deals with “constructs.” Our mutual teacher, Dr. Susan Friedman, PhD, discusses constructs in the language used in Applied Behavior Analysis: “In the field of psychology, an important distinction is made between behaviors and constructs. In this context, a behavior describes what a bird is doing and is defined as something that can be observed and measured. We can see and count the number of times a bird flies off a perch, and we can hear and clock how long a bird screams. Alternatively, a construct is an idea or theory about the mental processes inside an individual that explains why or how they behave as they do. As such, a construct cannot be observed or measured directly. These explanatory theories are “constructed,” that is, inferred from the outward behaviors we can observe and measure with our senses. You can’t touch or measure a bird’s dominance, per se, but you can measure how often he bites you when you try to get him off the top of his cage. Height dominance, cage dominance, food dominance, and flock dominance are all examples of many commonly discussed constructs assumed to explain companion parrot behavior.” She further explains why constructs get in the way of working with birds and impede our understanding. You can find Dr. Friedman’s article in full at behaviorworks.org here. -- Ed.]

Girl Scout Troop Gets An Education

Don Scott — 2012-05-17T13:42:15-07:00

I had the opportunity this week to teach a great troop of Girl Scouts about cockatoos.

The girls were extremely well behaved and very intelligent. Haley was so comfortable around them that she actually fell asleep!

I had topics to cover but it is such a relief to have a class be guided by well thought out questions. There was a lot of interest in Chloe and how she came to rescue other birds, as well as Haley’s species being pushed into extinction. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing true interest in parrot/cockatoo preservation as well as what it takes to properly care for one of these magnificent creatures.

It was an honor to work with such smart and caring young ladies.

[Regina is on our Board of Directors and although she lives in New Jersey she has spent more time at the Sanctuary than anyone else who has volunteered to help! She works hard to educate the public. -- Ed.]

Choosing A Feather

Chloe at The Escondido Renaissance Faire

Don Scott — 2012-05-08T14:02:47-07:00

Chloe had a wonderful time at the Escondido Renaissance Faire telling everyone about the plight of captive avians. Here are some pictures from our visit:

Missing Birds -- by Carina Graham

Don Scott — 2012-05-08T13:49:33-07:00

Parrots fly. In fact, there is only one species of parrot that doesn’t. And flight is something that we humans have always marveled about. But it poses a particular problem for those of us who keep birds as companions. A dog you can fence into a yard. A parrot? Not really.

Unfortunately, sometimes parrots do escape. Someone might have a cage open in the other room while someone else unknowingly opens the front door. A wing trip might not be done right or done often enough to keep the bird grounded. A bird might learn how to open its cage and sneak away. No matter how many times we as bird owners always think to ourselves that our birds love us and would never leave, the fact remains that when excited or startled, a bird’s first reaction is to fly away… from anything and everything. Including its human.

Saturday, April 28th, my husband called me at work. Our neighbor had heard an odd noise and had gone out on his patio to investigate. He found a little grey cockatiel there, which readily stepped up onto him. Knowing we had birds and thinking it might be ours, he brought the ‘tiel to my husband. We had food and a travel cage that would fit him, so we took him in. But the question is, what does one do with a bird that is someone else’s? What do you do if the worst thing happens, and you lose your own bird?

Prevention is the key, right? So the most important thing to do is to train your bird to prevent its escape. Clipping wings is one option, but its not fail safe, and there are a lot of detrimental behaviors that come along with wing clipping. The alternative is recall training. Teach your bird to come when called, and that will make all the difference. Also, whether wings are clipped, the bird is trained, or not, teach your bird to accept a harness if you plan on taking him out in public. The Aviator harness is the best brand for many reasons, and it comes with a dvd on how to teach your bird to wear it.

A problem with parrots that do get out is identifying them. Chances are, the person who finds them won’t be familiar with every species of parrot. And while we bird people can pick our babies out of a crowd, the average person cannot. So, if your bird has a leg band, write down the inscription. If your bird has a microchip, kept its registration up to date. If your bird has neither, look into it! Also, keep current pictures of your bird. You might need them to prove that you are your bird’s owner.

There are multiple websites available to owners of parrots that have gone MIA. One is www.ParrotAlert.com. I like this one because you can register for an account and get updates for missing birds in your area, so that you can keep an eye out for them. Another is www.911ParrotAlert.com. This one compiles ads from CraigList and other sites and puts them all into one big database for people missing their birds and people who have found birds. Posting lost or found ads on both sites is free and easy. Other print services, like the Penny Saver and the Union Tribune newspaper will run found ads for free, both online and in print. Pet stores and parrot rescues also will take information on lost or found birds and will pass them along to others. The key is to get the word out, and get it out in as broad an area as possible.

The fact that parrots can fly can pose an interesting challenge for parents of escaped birds, because they can fly for miles and miles before anyone finds them. There is a story on the front page of Parrot Alert about a cockatiels that was lost for sixteen months before its owners found him! Another story tells of a bird that was recovered over sixty miles from his home! Many bird species are very hardy, even through cold winters and hot summers, and they learn to survive in the wild. So if you lose a bird, don’t ever give up looking for it. And if you find a bird, please don’t ever give up on finding it’s parents.

So far I have had many heartbreaking inquiries, but no matches to the cockatiel in my care. But he is a very sweet boy and I’m sure someone is desperately missing him. And during the day, he sits on his cages and lets out a flock call, I’m sure to the person or people who he knows as family. Any parrot owner knows that a bond between person and bird is something special. Something that is beyond expression or even comprehension. So we will love him and care for this lost cockatiel no matter what, but will always hope that the family he misses will find their way to him.

Classroom education

Don Scott — 2012-05-04T16:11:45-07:00

Coco and Peaches visited a group of school children in Fallbrook recently. I gave a talk to the kids and they had the chance to ask questions and see the birds up close. It is important that we get the word out about the true nature of these wonderful animals and what better place to start than with children.

Mina will be visiting a girl scout troop and teaching the girls about cockatoos soon. She has done this before and her lessor sulphur crested cockatoo, Haley, is always a big hit.

Chloe and Coco at the Renaissance Faire

Don Scott — 2012-05-04T15:48:09-07:00

Chloe and Coco went to the Renaissance Faire last weekend. The Ren Faire is Chloe’s favorite place in the entire world. She simply glows whenever she is there and fights us when we try to leave. The picture below says it all.

Chloe is up front in the picture, glowing. Coco is the bird with the lady in blue, and Wilhelmina is the lovely girl with just her head poking up in the crowd.

It is a great place to socialize birds if you are careful to screen people. You need to explain that birds have no hands and that they often use their beaks to get from one person to another. When in doubt: say no. You never know when you have a sue-happy person baiting you wherever you go. Another issue is hawks. Hawks frequent Felicita Park and you should not carry your bird on your shoulder unless someone with “hawk eyes” is watching the sky. The reason for this is clear in this video from the Los Angeles Zoo. With the exception of the cooper’s hawk, hawks dive at tremendous speed with the intent of breaking the neck of the bird. Hawks directly overhead, even at high altitudes, are an immediate threat to your bird. That said, Chloe missed her trip because of weather last fall and I just got myself out of the penalty box by taking her to it last weekend.

Chloe and friend

Wilhelmina (willa) and worshippers

Please care for our Wildlife

Don Scott — 2012-04-18T20:47:21-07:00

As we fully immerse ourselves into Spring and prepare for Summer people everywhere are buying more bottled drinks in anticipation of needing to stay hydrated on the go. Please consider these two important points for conservation and safety:

1. Filtered tap water is cheaper than bottled water. Bottles use much more resources to create and recycle than using a sport bottle with filtered water that can be used over and over. The chemicals from the plastic CAN seep into your water from the bottles as well. I know we were all advised not to freeze the bottles to prevent this problem. Do you know everywhere your bottle has been from manufactoring to your hands?

2. If you do chose to buy bottled drinks, please be certain to recycle the bottles as well as properly dispose of the plastic that sometimes holds them together. Many bottled drinks come in a 'six pack' of bottles all held together by thin plastic that you break away. PLEASE cut this plastic up when you dispose of it to prevent it from being wrapped around wildlife, seriously injuring them or worse.

http://greenandhealthy.info/plasticinouroceans.html

--Mina

How much do we love our parrots?

Don Scott — 2012-04-10T17:00:38-07:00

Claude was a female green wing macaw but she was more than that. She was Melissa’s constant companion, protector and dearest friend. When she died, all of us who knew her went into shock. She was always with Melissa and her strong vibrant personality seemed as if it would be with us forever.

Now Melissa has her with her forever in the form of a tattoo. That tattoo was done on the one year anniversary of Claude’s passing.

How much do we love our feathered companions? More than the general public will ever understand.

Dr. Jenkins of Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital is taking in the Amazons

Don Scott — 2012-04-07T17:01:48-07:00

Dr. Jenkins, a member of our Board of Directors, is taking in the two Amazons, giving them check ups and microchipping them. Thank you Dr. Jenkins!

Fire Season is just around the corner.

Don Scott — 2012-04-07T16:42:18-07:00

With hot and dry weather on the way I decided it was time to try our new Echo gas-powered weed and brush killer. I had planned to spend the next few weeks working a little at a time to clear the perimeter around the sanctuary of all weeds. I was so impressed with the Echo 225 when I cleared one side of the property in a half hour that I went to the other side, and the other side, and the other side. It is the iPhone of the weed-eating world; hands down the best weed eater that I have ever used! Now I am pooped, weary and worn out. It was like being in the back of a station wagon at a drive in theater in my youth. You go out for one thing, it leads to another, and other and then bells start ringing. The bells are my muscles this time and the days of my youth are long behind me.

Fire is a constant threat in San Diego County and I hope that we are ahead of the game now. I’ll try and go out and widen the fire lane a bit but Jimmy the Greek is taking bets on that: 5 to 1 against. Geeks doing manual labor two days in a row, out in the sun, in the fresh air. He may be right...

I think that I might have inspired at least one other resident. I hear another gas-powered weed eater going as I am typing this.

Here is a panorama of part of the property including the main building:

The weeds you see directly in front of the camera were all around the building. Here’s a picture of one section after I went through with the Echo:

-- Father Don

Thank you to our mystery donor who sent nuts!

Don Scott — 2012-04-06T18:07:27-07:00

Thank you, mystery donor, for the nuts.com order. The nuts are popular with the flock around here and your gift brings happiness! We go through nut orders like crazy.

Your order arrived today.

Two Amazons Need Fostering Or Adoption

Don Scott — 2012-04-05T21:37:27-07:00

The Escondido Humane Society has two Amazons they would like us to accept into our program: a speckled and a blue front. If you are interested in fostering these two beauties please advise us ASAP!

We do our best to serve the community by taking in birds that have found their way to the Humane Society. Your help will be appreciated.

Website Updates

Don Scott — 2012-04-05T21:35:26-07:00

The Adoptable Birds page has been created with the three birds currently waiting for permanent homes.
The Adoption page has been cleaned up and updated

Cockatoos, You Can't Handle the Truth

Don Scott — 2012-04-05T20:14:02-07:00

I know how it feels to want what you want and just not listen to all the negative things people tell you. I’m sure everyone has had this happen at some time or another on a variety of subjects. All those people who told you not to get a PC but to shell out the big bucks for the Apple. The friend you lost when you told her off after she pointed out how your now ex-boy/girlfriend was not the right choice for you. The know-it-all coworker who told you how your life would change when you got married and let’s face it, one piece of paper don’t change people, right? How many times have we looked back and said “Oooohh…now I get it.” But it is too late. The mistake was made. The lesson learned. Hey, that’s how we learn right? We learn from our own mistakes, not someone else’s. What if your mistake doesn’t affect just you? What if your mistake permanently alters the life of another? How many people do you know that stay married for the sake of their child? They live in misery so their mistake doesn’t permanently change the child’s life. (Granted, having unhappy parents may not be the best choice either.) So with those things in mind, please keep an open mind to what I have to tell you. Even if you don’t jump on board and build me a statue for being so brilliant (yet), just let it sit with you for a spell and take the time to think it over.

DO NOT BUY A COCKATOO.

There. I said it. Don’t hate me for it. Also, don’t think that I regret for one millisecond having my cockatoo. Nothing can be further from the truth. However, I was one of the rare few that knew what I was getting into on that fateful day when Haley Deja’Too entered my life. So why am I telling you to not take home a cockatoo when you see all those fun YouTube videos showing cuddly cockatoos snuggling owners, feeding dogs, and dancing? Surely they are great pets right? Wrong. Oh, so wrong. Those videos show moments in a cockatoo’s day. Just a moment, much like the reality shows that are rampant on television right now in the USA, you see a brief glimpse in a day. You do not see the whole day or the whole picture. You see what was chosen to be shared with you. The highlights, if you will. Kind of like that person (we all know one) who complains about their spouse nonstop when you talk to them but boot up that PC you have (if it still works) and check Facebook and their status is gleaming with adoration for their wonderful, perfect spouse.

I take Haley Deja’Too out as often as I can* (her carrier gets seat-belted in for safety and her harness is secure before she leaves the vehicle) and I always run into a handful of people who think she is pure perfection. Well, she is. I can’t argue with that. But they also think it’s a great life. They just see that glimpse in our day. A few ask about or comment on how great it is and then look absolutely shocked when I tell them the truth. Cockatoos should not be pets. They should not be bred, sold, or caged. They are wild animals, not domestic. They make the absolute worst pets you can imagine. Sure they are more cuddly than an alligator, but just as dangerous, ornery, and I’m sure there’s something wrong with their Medulla oblongata.

Cockatoos are brilliant with intelligence, beautiful, loving, devoted, loyal, and empathetic. They are sweet and innocent and are much like living with a toddler for the rest of your life. They will literally die for you. Sounds great doesn’t it? Let’s break it down:

Intelligent: Cockatoos learn very quickly how to get what they want. They use negative (screaming, biting, etc) and positive (cuddles, kissy beak, etc) reinforcement better than most trainers. Mine has me perfectly trained to do as she pleases. I met a woman who was giving a small cockatoo hormone shots. Another bird crashed in its cage and she turned to make sure it was okay. When she turned back, the cockatoo chomped down on her face just missing her eye. She needed to be hospitalized and then have surgery. Guess she learned that the cockatoo did not want hormone shots. They also can get out of their cage so quickly that Kings Cages cannot keep up with the skilled ways they develop to escape. Please do not take this as an insult or belittle the strength of the words: They are smarter than you. Outsmarting humans is a fun game. Combine that intelligence with pure power and you better learn First Aid. Not for them, for you. At the sanctuary, a brilliant cockatoo wanted my attention and for me to pick him up. With 11 birds around, I didn’t notice immediately. I still have a scar by my heel where my tendon was just missed. It’s been almost five months. This was not an aggressive bird. In fact, the rest of my visit it’s difficult to find a picture of me without him.

Beautiful: When you change a pattern or it’s mating season or they want to be out of their cage, etc., a cockatoo becomes a prime candidate to pluck their feathers out. Not so beautiful now. I usually get my birds up at 5am during the week. If I sleep in until 6am on the weekend, I am certain to find feathers at the bottom of the cage. This also happens if I wish to nap on the couch when she wants to play or if I decide to go out and come home later or go home and then go back out. Their feathers also have a lot of dander. No, you cannot imagine. I have personally gone through four vacuums in the last few years. Not cheap ones. Name brand good vacuums. This does not include repairs. We’re talking beyond repair, the vacuum is dead. I also use a HEPA filter 24/7 in her room. The dander still travels and is smudged all over. It has been known to kill television sets. Feather Destructive Behavior (FDB) as it is better known in the avian community, is not just about beauty. It is dangerous. Not only is the bird at a higher risk of getting a cut from a fall but they also tend to start mutilating the skin and chewing their chest cavities open. Even if you bird lives through this, the chances of them dying from infection are extremely high. This is not to mention the dangers of them not being able to keep their body temperature regulated well with no insulation.

Devoted: Cockatoos are known to be love sponges. “Velcro birds” is something I’ve heard for years. Keep in mind that although it is flattering to have someone want to be with you all the time, when you cannot, they don’t understand. In the wild, a mated pair of cockatoos are always together. Always. They forage together, play together, nap together. They don’t seem to appreciate personal space nor do they understand it. So when you go to do the laundry, take out the trash, mop the kitchen floor, work on a hobby, your cockatoo will not understand why they are not being included. We know it’s because it is for their safety. They do not. Expect many temper tantrums that will have your neighbors question if the bird is being abused. Oh yeah. With your windows closed, you can hear your cockatoo outside the house. Sometimes, down the block. At the sanctuary Haley and I became quick friends with Peaches, a Seram Cockatoo. She imitates a smoke detector but at a volume I’ve never heard one at. Haley and I could walk outside and up the mountain and still hear Peaches. All the windows and doors were closed. I find nothing more enjoyable than snuggling up with my cockatoo to watch a movie. My couch feels otherwise. She has chewed the couch, the cushions, the end table, and all the buttons off the remote control.

Loyal: Congratulations! You just married a cockatoo! Yes, that is what it means to them. So when you are with a “threat” (friend, husband, neighbor, child, wife, sibling, repair person) expect to be treated as such. This usually means getting bit yourself. This is your cockatoo warning you that there is danger and to fly away while they defend your love. Then they usually attack the other person. For some reason my cockatoo feels women are more of a threat. Just ask my stepmother’s hand. So from this day forward, you will always have a spouse at home waiting for you. Take it from me, you can tell them ahead of time that you are going to be late. It will not stop them from cussing you out when you get back. If you buy them something to show remorse, they will throw it at your head and continue ranting. You now have a higher power to answer to and they don’t accept excuses. Another good example is Coco at the sanctuary. She took a shine to me and if I stopped petting her, I’d get bit. Not seeing the signs of what was happening, I joined the room for socialization time and quickly found myself covered in cockatoos. Coco climbed up my body slowly maneuvering through the sea of white feathers up to my shoulder. She then reached out and chomped down at the base of my skull. Note: Love hurts.

Empathetic: Cockatoos are sensitive. They pick up on your emotions and react accordingly. If you are angry, you most likely be met with an angry bird. Coming home frustrated and getting bit by a cockatoo who then feels obligated to yell in your face while you hold your skin together usually does not calm one down. If you are sick, you will be bit until you get up. This is because as prey animals, birds hide their illness. They expect you to do the same because they want you to live as well. It is considerate if you really think about it. However, if you are depressed, expect a mutilator. Can you keep your emotions in check all the time? A cockatoo will test your limits.

Childlike: Now is where it gets really fun. You have a cockatoo with the curiosity and needs of a toddler but with great intelligence, and a beak. This means you have a child with a power tool and a foghorn. Can you seriously not see how this can go wrong? They want to play, you need to work. This equals tantrum. This also means everything is a toy. So when your coffee table is reduced to rubble around a very proud cockatoo, you really have no choice but accept it. They do not understand punishment or boundaries. It’s up to you to protect them and not expect them to know better. They do not want to sit still and look pretty on a perch as so many misled people seem to think. They will climb down and get into everything. They want to play. They need to be stimulated. Imagine what a child would be like if you made them sit in “time out” the entire day while you worked. Imagine what they would be like when you finally got home and released them. Expect no less from your cockatoo.

Keep in mind this is all just dealing with the personality of a cockatoo. Physically they need a large cage, plenty of toys to destroy (that is their job in nature), and cannot handle many things people have in their homes. You can no longer use scented items. No candles, perfume, air freshener, plug-ins, carpet fresh, household cleaners, or Febreeze. (I use dish soap to clean everything, even the kitchen floor) You also cannot ever have a ceiling fan on and a bird out. You shouldn’t have them at all. You also need to toss all your non-stick cookware. The temperature needs to be regulated so power outages pose a new fear. Fireworks are terrifying. Plan to be home for every occasion they may be set off in your neighborhood. Most birds hate hats and costumes. Some go as far as to attack when you make a dramatic change in your appearance. So I hope you like that hair color and your facial hair is now there to stay. If you wear glasses, you now always wear glasses. For whatever reason if a bird sees me with glasses and I later wear contacts, they try to pluck my eyes out. I’m not entirely sure what it’s about but it has happened on several occasions. So if you wear glasses, don’t even consider corrective surgery. I did make the mistake at Chloe Sanctuary to wear my glasses every day and then once wear my contact lenses just while going through the room where the birds were caged. Later I returned with glasses and was foolish to think this would go unnoticed. Cecelia, a male umbrella, lunged at my face, ripped my glasses off and threw them to the floor. He made his point as terrifying as it was. Sadly, Lauralei, a female umbrella, thought that was a wonderful game to play. Also keep in mind that even happy cockatoos make loud noises. In play they make a sound as loud as screaming but it is not. So your home will never be completely quiet again.

This is not all there is to know about them but the best I can do in one sitting without writing a book. Please think about what I have told you. This is from my experience and of those I know. If you still feel you can live with this life, please contact a cockatoo rescue. Talk to them. Let them interview you and help you make the choice that is right for you and most importantly, right for the wild animal you want to take into your life. Life changing decisions should not be made in haste. Take plenty of time. This will change your entire life and lifestyle for the rest of your life. Unlike a child who will grow up and leave at some point (you hope), this is forever. Always remember the advice of my great-grandmother, “When in doubt, don’t!”

Mina
Avian Enthusiast, Activist, and Bite Receiver Extraordinaire
Training Humans for Avian Acceptance for 5 Years

*Before taking your bird anywhere, please have your companion properly harnessed trained. Also be certain to check your local laws as not all states allow exotics to be taken outdoors and those who do may have restrictions.

-- [Editor: Mina has covered the basics remarkably well. If you still want a cockatoo and are willing to study and learn then contact us about fostering or adoption. You will be tested, your home scrutinized and your sanity questioned!]

Let's Shoot the Poop!

Don Scott — 2012-04-04T14:27:57-07:00

by Mina

Most bird owners are aware that “poopology” is an important part of proper bird care. Put simply, birds are prey animals so they hide symptoms of illness or injury to preserve their lives and the lives of their flock. Makes sense, right? So if your bird acts normal when he/she is sick, how do you know? The proof is in the poop. Yes, your birds droppings do not lie. This is just one reason you want to use paper to line your trays and clean it daily. You need to check for changes in the droppings. So, what are you looking for?

Bird droppings consist of three different factors:

Feces: they are the green part that is usually shaped like a worm. This should have a good shape to it. My birds tend to hold their poop all night and have one very large morning dropping. This makes their first dropping have less shape. The others are normal and that’s important. Now, if your bird is a big fruit eater (like my caique) do NOT freak out if the feces are more brown. What goes in the beak comes out the vent. So much like anything in life, what you put into it is what you get out of it. I have also found that fresh fruit and veggies can sometimes make this have less shape. When you inspect this, always consider what you fed your bird.

Urates: this is the pasty white part of the dropping. It usually looks like your bird ate correction fluid. (Wite-out) This should be white. If this gets yellow, that is a sign of liver issues and you need to go to the vet for a blood work up right away.

Urine: this is the clear wet substance that surrounds the dropping. This should always be clear. Red is an indication of lead poisoning. You cannot get to the vet fast enough if this is the case!

Now, here’s an interesting story of how all this information can steer you wrong. Last week my cockatoo, Haley, had a red tint to the urine of her morning dropping. The second dropping was near it, with less tint. All the others were normal. Naturally I flipped out and felt the need to text local bird friends at 5am. My vet was consulting me by 8am. I emailed him a picture I took on my cell phone and he was confident it would end well since her following droppings were normal. He guessed that the red was blood and was caused by swelling in the cloaca, usually brought on by strain. Strain and swelling in the cloaca can be from constipation and/or mating behavior. I instantly Googled it all and by the time I left work I was ready to have a repeat the following morning and get a referral to Penn University for experts to exam my sweetie pie. When I got home and saw all the other droppings were still normal, I felt a bit better. (in my mind still packing the carrier) Then I remembered one article a vet wrote that I found in my Google-madness. I turned the paper with the dropping over and yes, there was a bright red car ad on the back of my black and white newspaper! The ink had bled through. I drizzled some water on the newspaper around the dropping to be certain it came up the exact same color. After thanking the Universe for the vet who wrote the article advising to check the back of the paper, I exhaled. So as a tip: Make certain the paper is NOT colored on the underside before you wake people at 5am and pack your bags.

The following morning her fresh paper had a dropping that landed where two papers overlapped each other. Her dropping was perfectly clear and normal on one side and red tinted on the other. I took a picture that you can view to show how a perfectly healthy dropping can appear to be a sickly one for you to see.

The New Bird - A Few Guidelines

Don Scott — 2012-04-01T22:07:22-07:00

By Father Don

When you bring a new bird into your home there are several things important to do. Knowing what these are requires knowledge of parrot psychology, common sense, and the ability to pay attention to exactly what is happening. Parrot psychology is different than ours in many ways. We are predators and they are prey animals. Being prey animals they are on the lookout for danger at all times. We as predators are often unaware of the potential for danger and find it difficult to understand why parrots move away, threaten, or refuse to respond to us. They have no hands and prefer to fly away from danger. We often use our hands as weapons. We are hunter gatherers and tend to eat food when it’s available. Parrots tend to eat for 3 hours of the morning and 3 hours just before the sun sets. These are just a few of the differences between us -there are many more examples.

There are certain basics that apply in nearly every situation. It is important not to give the bird too much attention when they first become a part of your family. This is especially important if the bird has a rough time of it recently. Dazed and confused by the move, the new surroundings, the new people, a change in diet and a new schedule, they need time to get their bearings. It is even worse if they do not have their original cage with them, no matter how bad that cage may have been. It is often a good idea to leave the cage door open and just go about your business as would normally without making a fuss. If they show any interest in you then respond to it but be careful not to move too fast.

There’s one other reason but you should avoid spending too much time with a new bird. A parrot will expect you to give them the same amount of time as when you first brought them into the home. Unfortunately, most people spend a large amount of time with the bird the first few weeks it is in their home and then begin going back to the daily routine of their lives. This leaves the bird feeling, at the very least, left out. This is not the beginning of a good relationship. Buildup to spending as much time with the bird and you plan to spend with that each day for the rest of its life. That being said, most birds require at least 2 hours of attention today and more time playing by themselves. If you can’t do that you shouldn’t have a bird. No one wants a biting, screaming companion; and no bird enjoys screaming and biting. We know normal bird behavior from biologists who have done fieldwork.

There are many aspects to bringing a new bird into your home. The two mentioned above: leaving the cage door open and giving them a proper amount of attention are important. It will save you much grief if you keep them in mind. Also be aware that each bird is a study of one and that you may need to modify some guidelines depending on the bird in your care. Be careful though and take action with care, the early days in your relationship are the foundation of the future.

Love and understanding are two tools best used when a new bird comes into your home. With those who your guide you cannot fail.

Website Updates -- "New Stuff"

Don Scott — 2012-04-01T21:44:04-07:00

We’ve got tons of content to add and we are doing that daily.

Here are the latest updates:

New articles:

Saved from Blindness. A true story of a couple who discovered that UV reptile lights were blinding their birds.
Gaining Perspective. A short article on understanding your parrot.
Don’t Trust Polly, Polly is a Mean Bird. Our perspective taints everything it touches, much like food color added to water. This article helps us to break free of our “food color” addiction.

In our Blog:

Website Updates (this post)
Blood in the Feces? Don’t be fooled.
A Thank You to Boxers and Birds

Various pictures added to articles and minor content changes.

Blood in the feces?

Don Scott — 2012-04-01T17:02:23-07:00

Blood in the feces? There are several things to consider when you believe that something is wrong with a parrot’s droppings. You should know if they have been eating beets or cherries or another food that discolors poop.

Another thing that might frighten you is completely harmless. Be sure and check the other side of the newspaper where you found the unusual color. It might be ink on the other side as in the picture below.

It does look like blood but it is from the print on the other side.

Remember that checking the poop daily is our obligation as concerned parrot parents!

A great big Thank You to Lisa from Boxers and Birds

Don Scott — 2012-03-30T23:36:33-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of playing Santa Claus with our flock here at the sanctuary. Lisa from Boxers and Birds gave us a big box of toys and the cages are all ready for the morning with surprises. It’s going to be a party in the morning for our babies.

Thanks for all the cages that you donated and everything that you have done for us over the years.

Thank you, Lisa!

We loved you, Pebblez. -- Mina

Don Scott — 2012-03-29T16:21:27-07:00

First I would like you to take a minute, just a minute, to send love out to Dan and Deb. They were the parents of our sweet Pebblez, who unexpectedly passed away on 3/28. No matter what your beliefs are, you must believe in love if you are reading this newsletter. Pebblez came to us in bad shape and was improving in their care. I did not meet Pebblez personally but did have the honor of meeting Dan, Deb and Willamina (their cockatoo). They were the kind of people that you would invite directly into your home and know you would feel comfortable in theirs just upon meeting them. Their eyes glowed with the love of Willa. My eyes are swollen as I type this from the grief I have at their loss.

Next, I would like to address something no parront ever wants to think about, Necropsy. A necropsy is an autopsy of an avian companion to determine their cause of death. Do you know how to prepare your bird for this test? I understand that this seems gruesome but if one of your flock were to suddenly and unexpectedly pass away you would need to know why to protect the rest of your flock. Not all of our beloveds will pass when it is convenient and it may happen when your vet is not available. The instructions are simple: you need to wet your birds body down with water and keep it cold. Some websites will tell you to use soap to get the body wet since their feathers will naturally repel the water. You can use dish soap if this is a problem. Thoroughly wet the body down and then wrap in a bag and place in your refrigerator until you can get it to the vet. If you live far from the vet, you should use a cooler to transport.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Dan and Deb as well as every member of TCS at this tragic and sudden loss.

In Memorial -- Pebblez

Don Scott — 2012-03-29T16:15:06-07:00

Pebblez passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 28th.

Pebblez had serious internal issues. The primary problem was arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. Many captive birds are fed a horrible diet consisting mostly of seed and feeding them seed is like raising one of your children solely on Snickers bars. This usually leads to death from fatty liver disease and other serious complications. Pebblez had a severely enlarged pericardium (tissue surrounding the heart) and peritoneum (tissue surrounding the liver). The entire venous system had lost resiliency. Two aneurisms formed and burst flooding the air sacks with blood and the digestive system. There was nothing that could have been done for him. Our avian veterinarian, Dr. Jenkins of Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in San Diego, said that running diagnostic work on Pebblez probably would have lead to his immediate death. How can we deal with such tragedy? Prevention is the best medicine: feed your bird the proper food, see that they get proper exercise, know the signs of illness, and have yearly veterinary examinations. No one should care for a bird who cannot follow this protocol. When we received Pebblez in November of 2010 he was already on his journey to death’s door and our standard examination does not include radiology due to lack of funding. When will the public wake up?

For more on Pebblez click here.

We love you, Pebblez

Website progress

Don Scott — 2012-03-15T14:33:20-07:00

With all the behavioral “anomalies” around here from mating behavior, the website has been slow going. Today I am working on getting our newsletter signup on to the site and links to our forms. I also hope to have the time to work some on the learning center. All this depends on the mood of the birds!

At the end of the day I managed to update the Learning Center with some videos; links to the classes, books, intro to parrots, and articles. I cleaned up the front page and added the link to sign up for the newsletter.

Feather Destructive Behavior and Haldol

Don Scott — 2012-03-14T16:21:08-07:00

We’ve had great success with Haldol at the sanctuary. 7 of 7 birds have positively responded to the drug. Even our Murrieta, a CAG, has responded to it and is now mostly feathered.

In my experience the most difficult thing about administering the drug is titration to effect, getting the dosage right. Most of the chatter that I have heard in online forums complain that their birds are “zombies.” If that is the case then they are giving too much Haldol to their birds. Our vet, Dr. Jenkins, gets the starting dose right based on weight but then we need to adjust that dose according to what we see in behavior. As the Manual for Parrot Behavior states that the dose should be adjusted by .01ml up or down for two days depending on their behavior. When you get the balance right then you have an active bird who doesn’t damage their feathers! Getting the dosage right means right for today, right according to what you see today. The dosage may change considerably. This is especially true of mating season. Out of mating season Chloe is usually on .12ml in the morning. In mating season right now she is at .17ml twice a day! Her mood is fine and she appears happy.

In my experience the dosage must be watched closely and adjusted constantly. It can’t be that hard to do…I do it for 7 birds and I am not superman...

Mating Season

Don Scott — 2012-03-12T15:39:21-07:00

It’s umbrella mating season around the sanctuary again. Oh fraptuous day! This is a time when I often want to fall on the ground and worship Dr. Susan Friedman for her LLA and LLP courses. Without the professional course in applied behavior analysis I would be going down the proverbial creek without a paddle. How do you shield two female umbrella cockatoos who act like 14-year-old girls thronging around the latest heart throb, from the sexiest male cockatoo in the world? They don’t even seem to care that his name is Cecelia. It’s like that song A Boy Name Sue by Johnny Cash, you grow up strong when they make fun of your name.

Each bird’s needs must be addressed and the safety of all concerned kept in mind. Frankly, it’s a tangle…

When will the season end? It never seems to follow a clear pattern.

Our new website

Don Scott — 2012-03-09T17:26:02-08:00

Moving is a pain in the rear. Even moving a website.