Recent California Fires and Parrots

As many of you know and some of you have lived through, there have been devestating fires in the beautiful Santa Barbara Area (and others).

November 14, 2008
Phoebe Linden of the Santa Barbara Bird Farm had to evacuate with her birds. Below is some of her story... Are YOU prepared for a disaster?

We evacuated 6:30 - 7pm last night and got everyone out. Praise God.

It was sooooo scary -- one moment, a pillar of flame, the next moment, conflagration. There was no doubt we had to get birds out NOW.

People showed up with trucks and carriers and we were gasp actually prepared, too. Jamie from SBBSanctuary came with large macaw carriers at EXACTLY the moment we ran out of big ones and were getting ready to put macaws in heavy-duty cardboard boxes.

We first evacuated to Barbara and John's house by Old Coast Rd and Salinas -- just got all birds in to a safe and clean garage and at 11:30, we were ordered to evacuate again. Only now, no Harry -- he snuck back to the house in the van to watch stuff. So while Barbara and John evacuated their stuff, I loaded all 60 birds into any car I could find and took off again. Last count, we had five cars full of stuff and 4 drivers, so the car with non-parrots was left behind. (yes, it was the Woodie but surprisingly, Harry was fine with that!). (It didn't burn)

We came to the Kim3 furniture showroom at 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez and Barbara, John, parrots and Ph H stayed the night. It is really nice here -- comfy beds with fine linens, a fully stocked kitchen, bath -- Josserlynn said "hello" all night, Garcia wanted to know if we were OK, etc. The birds are wonderful. Lost a couple of feathers and Harry got a few bites in the heat (no pun intended) of the moments, but everyone ate this morning.

The fire guys won't let us back yet, but I snuck back and saw the house -- safe. But we can see burned houses from every window. Back, front, side - burned and still burning houses everywhere. Don't get me started on the soot.

Harry is hosing down the aviaries and we hope to get everyone back home within the next few hours where they can bathe, stretch their wings and re-adjust.

I'm trying to keep everyone updated but will appreciate you letting people know.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, esp re: respiratory issues which can surface years later.

Phoebe

November 17th, 2008
Dear Friends,

So many of you want to help to Harry and me as we begin the arduous task of cleaning up after the fire. Thank you!!

Even though everything is covered in soot, we take our cue from Percy Lou and the 47 other safe parrots: sing while cleaning. We are sooooo happy to have a home and to be home.

The one most important thing everyone can do -- well, two things -- first, be prepared yourselves! Second, please make a donation to Jamie McLeod's SB Bird Sanctuary (sbbird.org). Any amount is welcome! (Hopefully, they'll get some new emergency carriers with the funds! :) Also, they are caring for many displaced parrots right now!

(all donations are tax deductible!!)

So, the flames are towers roaring down the mountain headed smack towards our back yard. Our friends* are prepping carriers but Harry and I don't know if we have enough time.

A part of my brain is wondering, will I have to decide who to take and who to leave? The columns twirl in the wind. Smoke and ash smack us as we work. Lots of the birds hurry right in to their carriers: they've got the whole "emergency" message!

I load Josserlynn and Garcia in the van, turn, and see out of the smoke,

Jamie McLeod.

Ohmygoddessgoodness, Jamie. The relief I feel -- she's got carriers and she's moving fast -- is overwhelming even now.

The moment I saw Jamie I knew we had a chance to get everyone out. **

Right behind Jamie is Jodi, sister terrific. Linda Wudl! God bless you, bless you, bless you.

Jamie is right - it was a hellish night, but seeing those angels in the smoke provided the yin to the yang.

Please consider opening your heart and wallets to support the selfless work of the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary, a not for profit 501c3 organization where parrots find a flock and much, much more. Any amount is appreciated.

Jamie, Jodi, Linda -- you are my heros! I am full of gratitude for you and confident that your good works will continue and that support will come for you -- as it did for me -- out of smoke and ash.

with love,
Phoebe

*friends on the spot: Barbara and John who stayed throughout, Arnulfo our son/brother, Patty Keller an angel, too, Hiladio the strong and his helper. Elly and Michael!

** Many who know me know that I *always* say, If I had to give an injection to a rhino, I'd want Jamie to be helping me. Her competence is amazing, friends. Just amazing -- this woman can accomplish with non-human species the utterly impossible. There is no one better in an emergency than Jamie. I thank God for her anew. Please help me tell her the value of her specialness.

Illinois Community Raising Money To Help Parrots

Illinois Community Raising Money To Help Parrots
Concerned citizens work together to help two free-flying macaws
By Angela Pham Bird Channel.com
Posted: November 12, 2008, 3:00 a.m. EDT

When Del Nejmanowski drove his truck down the rural roads of Carlinville, Illinois, he wasn't alone.

During his scenic drives, two brilliant blue-and-gold macaws would fly majestically above his pickup, devotedly following their owner and providing a splendid show for the neighbors who witnessed the drive

They were free-flying birds, escaping cold Illinois winters in an exterior shelter that Nejmanowski built for them and the other six birds he used to keep. His beloved flock was down to two when he died August 27, 2008, and today they still fly free around the neighborhood where Nejmanowski's house and lean-to shelter once stood. They rarely fly far from their old home where their caretaker used to dwell.

But the plummeting temperatures and icy conditions of winter are threatening the birds, which are best suited to tropical climates. Concern among Nejmanowski's family members and neighbors is growing. They all know that if the notorious animal-lover Nejmanowski were still here, he would want his parrots to be safe, warm and loved, just as he ensured they were when they were in his care.

To read the entire story, please go to Here!

Parrots & Veterans Help Each Other

Dr. Lorin Lindner,PhD, MPH of The Association of Parrot C.A.R.E. joined us recently to talk about Serenity Park Sanctuary, a one-of-a-kind parrot sanctuary and New Directions, situated on VA grounds - helping rescued parrots AND military veterans heal each other.

The Message:through the show was: We owe it to the animals to give back to them in respect.

If you missed this show you can purchase it and/or others relating to Parrots at Animal Talk Naturally


Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Snowball and Irena Schultz Join Animal Talk Naturally Radio Show Again

We had repeat guest and friend, Irena Schulz from Bird Lovers Only Rescue visit us on Animal Talk Naturally Radio Show this week. If you were not able to be there live, I have posted the show in a media player below.

Irena discussed Snowball's research with Dr Patel and how it may well relate to recent studies involving music therapy on Parkinson's Disease patients. We also talked about how the state of the economy has increased the calls and emails from bird owners needing to rehome their birds.

Just click to listen below :-)



If the player does not show up for you, just click on this link for the mp3 version of the show. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/animaltalknaturally/2008/09/09/Dancing-with-Snowball-Show-196.mp3

KoKo Love

Meet our Koko Love.

Koko loves her name, she uses it in most of her sentences. Koko want some, Koko is a pretty bird, Koko UP, etc. She also adds the word "Love" to her name about 95% of the time. Koko Love want love, Koko Love want some, Koko love wanna go out...

Koko is a little love sponge and can't seem to get enough attention after being so neglected for so long. She allows me to have her step up and sometimes she deems me privileged enough to be able to give her some head scratches but when my husband walks into the living room, she will go into the baby bird begging posture and flutter her wings, whistle, sing, bark, meow and say UP until he comes over and gets her. He can give her head scratches, back rubs, kisses and little hugs. Koko thinks the sun rises and sets on my husband.

We have only had Koko for about three and half weeks now and she comes up with things that are always surprising us and making us smile. About the third day she was here, she let out this big heavy sigh sound with an Ahhhhhhh at the end of it like she was just totally exhausted or bored to tears! That same evening when I was holding her she began to make loud yawning sounds and then when on my husband's shoulder, she made the yawning noise again and then said "Koko Love Sleepy". So we put her to bed.

My husband is disabled and has been bed-ridden for the most part for the last 4 years. Bringing Koko into our home has forced him to come out and see her at least once a day and usually twice. You see, we also have a gorgeous Grey named Nick that is totally bonded to me and has bitten my husband on more then a few occasions. While my husband wanted very much to be friends with Nick, for the most part Nick will have nothing to with him unless I am gone and he wants to go to his tree (We have a large manzinita tree we built about 18 years ago in our living room.) or back to his cage from the tree. Then he will allow my husband to come get him and let Nick ride on his arm back to where ever it is he wanted to go. That's it! No head scratches! LOL So, when Koko came to live with us my husband was in shock that a parrot wanted his attention and affection. Tracy Conant Owner of Pampered Avian Rescue was so right about us being the perfect home for Koko!

When Tracy emailed me and said that she thought we should talk about how to get Koko to me I about fell off my chair! We had never discussed us getting Koko since they did not normally ship parrots. However, when Tracy and I had started talking about her work in Parrot Service animals and my husband's disabilities she began to pray about whether Koko should come live with us or was there a better home for her yet to come. Tracy told me that when she prayed about it that she had a peace and joy wash over her and she KNEW we Koko's forever home!

Little Miss Koko Love

Introducing Koko...

Koko came into our lives on August 2nd, 2008. She is believed to be about 8 years old and was surrendered to Pampered Parrots Avain Rescue in Airway Heights, Washington.

Koko had been living with owners and co-directors of Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue - Tracy and Bret Conant for about two months. Before being surrendered to Pampered Parrots, Koko had been neglected and left in her cage without much attention or time out to play and explore. That kind of life is like rotting in prison for Grey so Koko proceeded to pluck her self.

Tracy and Brent spent a lot of time with her, especially Brent as even though Koko loves everyone, she ADORES men! What looks like red lipstick on Koko in her picture is strawberries. She had just eaten garden fresh strawberries shortly before she decided to share them with Bret; whom she was madly in love with.

We were not looking for a parrot to join our family of one large Congo African Grey male named Nick, 5 Boston Terriers, a barn cat and several Japanese Koi and a few gold fish. It was all God's idea. One morning as I was feeding and talking to Nick I had said how we really could care for and love one more bird. I had no intention of looking at baby parrots, we had lived and gone that route in the past as well as adopting and taming a few wild caught parrots in our days gone by. It would have to be a special bird, one that NEEDED us and the love, attention and good care we had to offer. Then I was distracted by life and work and did not even think that thought again. About two or three days later, I got an email from my dear friend, Maggie Wright she was circulating about a CAG in Utah that had been in rescue, cage bound for two years. Usually I just re-circulate and cross post these emails to my other bird crazy friends but this time, something struck me. Was I to be Tipper's new home? I felt like God was whispering to me and I needed to find out more and put in an application for Tipper.

I then learned that Phoebe Linden, Gay Bradshaw, Kathy White and a few others were all working together to find Tipper a new, forever home. I emailed my application to Lisa, owner of Utah Critter Sanctuary and then called her on the phone to talk about Tipper. Lisa was very hesitant to let Tipper go to anyone out of Utah so it was not meant to be that he come live us.

Meanwhile, I had been corresponding with Tracy Conant at Pampered Parrots. I had seen the picture of Koko on Petfinders but Tracy had told me earlier that they did not ship birds. I had stayed in touch with Tracy about her work in being a parrot service animal advocate and we corresponded back and forth for a week or two. I had shared with her about my husband being disabled and pretty much bed-ridden. He loves the animals living with us but has always been disappointed that Nick would not let him pet him. We talked about the nature of parrots and how she had a service parrot of her own and how she had help place a few and told me of the fantastic ways these birds kept people from anxiety attacks or PTSS flash-backs. One day she emailed me and out of the blue said, "I think we need to talk on the phone about how to get Koko to you" I was in a state of shock. We had never discussed Koko coming to live with us... She then told me that she had been praying about it and believed that not only would Koko benefit by living with us but that my husband would benefit from having her in his life since she was such a flirt and sweetheart with men.

So, Koko came to us a little over a week ago and I will keep you updated on how she adjusts and how our lives are effected by her sweet presence.

Check back soon....

Of Pampered Parrot Rescue AND Parrot Service Animals

Pamperd Parrots is Christian run rescue that has placed 400+ birds that have come through their rescue since opening their doors in 1999.

*In fact, Dr Jeannie just adopted a wonderful little CAG named Koko from them when we were not able to be Tipper's new family (read Meet Tipper posted July 21st, 2008).

President and co-director of Pamperd Parrots, Tracy Conant is Educated in Bird Behavior Modification, Avian Nutrition, Clicker Training,
Avian Tech, Rescue and Recovery Operations, 15+ years experience,
Animal rescue in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, animal advocate,
Wild bird /raptor Triage and Transport, Holistic avian medicine, movie
wrangler, First aid, toy builder/designer and MORE! She is also an advocate for Service birds!

Below is the article Tracy wrote on the subject:

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

The disabilities that we focus on, using parrots as service animals are the social/emotional limitations one may experience. These limitations can include, but are in no way limited to: interaction with others (e.g. withdrawal ; inability to relate due to paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, obsessive compulsive ideation, negativity; inability to regulate mood and anxiety) and communication with others (e.g., expressing emotions appropriately, expressing needs, following a sequence).
While interacting with others, a bird can aid in many areas. In symptoms of withdrawal, such as found in depression, a bird may provide the extra push to encourage the owner to get out of bed and perform daily functions like getting dressed, personal hygiene or eating. Performing the tasks of caring for their service animal is often enough to help a depressed person to make it through another day. In events of paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, OCD and more, the bird becomes a focus to help decipher what is real and what is not. Watching the birds body language offers a key to distinguishing what is occurring around them, what is safe and what is real. Regulating mood and anxiety is another service performed by a bird by again, allowing the person to focus on the bird. This focus, through direct contact with the bird acts as a mood stabilizer (in addition or replacement of medications) and acts as a calming agent through petting or talking to the bird. This may help mental health patients go places by him or herself, or go places they would not normally go that their mood or anxiety would prevent them from going to before.

Communicating with others is another aspect of mental health that a parrot service animal can help. Often, it is hard for a person to express emotions appropriately. A parrot, still acting as a focus, can help keep the client from excited outbursts of anger, mania and more. Studies of others utilizing service animals have shown that persons whom are bipolar are able to go into grocery stores, shopping malls or other public places and have fewer outbursts than they normally would have without the aid of a service animal. Using a parrot can open doors of communicating with others by reducing emotional instability through touch, petting and again, allowing a person to use the bird to gauge safe environments. Birds can be specially trained to interact well in crowds and deciphering safety in public areas, thus allowing the client to lead a more active, normal life.

Current clients that have a service parrot are able to go into public places where they were unable to go before having the bird. One severely agoraphobic client is now able to leave their house and do simple tasks like grocery shopping. Another client suffering from severe depression has had their symptoms reduced greatly, in conjunction with medications, and has purpose to get up out of bed every day; suicidal ideation occurs with less frequency. Yet another client, who is bipolar, benefits from not only have fewer ‘lows’ but is able to function in society be keeping extreme anger or mania in closer check. It has also been proven through other service animals that persons having extended illness or surgical procedures heal much faster with elevated moods through utilizing the benefits provided by their service animal.

Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell is a well respected psychiatric professional in the Spokane area and has commented, “I have seen patients whose sole reason for getting out of bed is their service animal. Patients have related to me that but for their service animal(s) they would have committed suicide. These animals actually save and improve lives. Birds are especially suited as service animals and as an added bonus many of these talk, but all communicate well with their owner providing mental stability. Birds are growing in popularity as service animals and I recommend Pampered Parrots as one of the local providers for these birds. They determine suitability of birds for the purpose of being a service animal and place each appropriately.” Dr. Mitchell is a Doctor of Psychology, a National Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Psychiatry and is a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Parrots may be relatively new to the job of service animal, but they continue to be more widely used as their qualities of usefulness are revealed.They continue to improve the lives of those experiencing social and emotional imbalances and troubles with communicating. These birds are not pets, but service animals like dogs, cats, or monkeys and do provide companionship- but more importantly they provide invaluable assistance on the emotional level.

Tracy Conant
Parrot Service Animal Advocate

*More about Koko and Pamperd Parrots to come!

Meet Tipper the Congo African Grey

Meet Tipper

Tipper was born in captivity in 1998, and eight years later relinquished to the Utah Critter Sanctuary & Ferret & Parrot Rescue Shelter.
Destined for the pet trade, Tipper was raised at the nadir of a booming market for hand-fed Grey babies. What happened between his hatching and his surrender to sanctuary is anybody’s guess. Only Tipper knows for sure. He was probably less than 3 months old when he was sold to humans who bought him, a cage, a toy, bowls and food. Less than 10 years later, Tipper has been rejected and passed from “owner” to “owner,” until he finally became homeless.

When he was surrendered into shelter, the people who gave up Tipper told their story of disappointment: Tipper doesn’t act like a well-socialized Grey: he isn’t friendly, he won’t come out of his cage, he’s not playful, he doesn’t talk all that much, he’s easily frightened, and worst of all, he’s a biter. They described how they struggled to get him to exit his cage until they discovered “toweling.” Using a towel, Tipper would be caught by the head and neck in his cage and his wings pinned to his body. Tightly wrapped and held feet up, the panicked bird twitches and thrashes until he is “set free” back into the cage and allowed to kick off the towel. (It is notable that at the shelter, Tipper has never bitten anyone and is considered to be very gentle.)

Unlike many traumatized birds, Tipper is still in overall good health, beautiful, and in excellent, full feather--an “upright and feathered” parrot. For the full story and more, please click HERE

As you will read in the rest of Tipper's story at The Kerulos Center Website, Tipper has come to the attention of many Avian Experts and lovers. We will be keeping up with Tipper and his story here as we learn any news of him finding a new forever home and over-comes his life of being cage bound and mis-understood.

Stay tuned!

Everything You NEVER Wanted To Know About Cockatoos

This post is taken from the "mytoos.com" website

"That which does not kill us makes us pull our feathers out......."

Are you thinking of getting a Cockatoo?? Do you REALLY know what you are getting into?

Most people not familiar with large parrots fail to see the "Big Picture"

Beautiful and Cuddly:

These are the words normally used to describe one of natures most unusual parrots, the Moluccan Cockatoo. It's unusual in that it's one of the few "lap birds , and acts more like a dog than a bird sometimes. As babies, Moluccans so easily touch your heart that it's hard to walk away from them without taking one home. Their liquid eyes look like black pools of inquisitiveness as they carefully study your facial expressions, and you seem to be able to look right into their very souls. Both Moluccans and Umbrella cockatoos possess a sweetness that few parrots can match, for awhile. As all good things must come to an end however, so goes the sweetness as these babies mature. This is not to say that there will be a complete change, but the odds are great that the 'Too you'll wind up with years later is not the sweetness and light you brought home. Do all birds change? No. Will most change to some degree? You'd better believe it! And it's these changes that sometimes drives owners to rescues.

One of the most mentally and emotionally complicated parrots to deal with, the Moluccan is more than a handful for all but the most dedicated parrot lover.

Few people can provide for the many needs of these special birds. Proof of this is the fact that most parrot rescues are full of Molluccan and Umbrella cockatoos, and the newspaper classifieds across the nation are full of "for sale" ads for these birds.

The strangest circumstances can cause these parrots to become self mutilators or complete terrors to their owners. Lack of interaction, wrong foods, bad placement, improper cages and many other factors can contribute to a "problem" cockatoo.

Volumes have been printed in many languages attempting to resolve these "problems", and many are helpful. But a lot of psychobabble has been printed also. So as we continue to read and study everything we can get our hands on, many Moluccans and Umbrellas (along with some other 'Too species) continue to self destruct. "Nature" however, doesn't read books.

The bottom line is that there is much more than meets the eye when considering a parrot such as these. Many pet stores and breeders only want to sell birds, and if forced to tell the truth, wouldn't be able to sell nearly as many as they do now.

As the popularity of these 'Toos increase, the truth is much harder to find. This is why I recommend talking to long term cockatoo owners. (A short term owner hasn't had the time to see the end result). Find as many owners as possible and do your research from places that have no vested interest in the selling of parrots or parrot products. Also talk to the many parrot rescues. They will normally give you the real low-down on this species and you may possibly want to adopt instead of purchase. Do the research you'll really need in making your decision to purchase one of these wonderful but taxing creatures..

BECAUSE....

Like a childless couple that THINK they know what having children would be like, (but don't really have a clue until they've arrived), many parrot owners find out the hard way also. Oh sure..... they're wonderful and smart and entertaining. But depending on the species, a parrot can take up more time, cause more aggravation, and completely drive you nuts in a matter of weeks! That's why there are so many parrot rescues out there. Is it the birds fault? Absolutely not! It's the owners fault for buying something that he or she hasn't researched thoroughly.
(and both WILL suffer the consequences )

Right up front.. I don't think large cockatoos should be kept for 90 years in a cage. These majestic creatures deserve to be free as God intended. Now, that not withstanding, I know its just not gonna happen. Also note that I do not accept advertising. Most Dot Com Parrot sites are paid for by parrot products companies. This means that the site must be pro parrot, but more importantly "pro ownership" which in turn means that you don't always get the entire picture about parrots and parrot ownership. They cant afford to tell all the negative aspects because they'd lose their advertisers. Heck, I'M pro parrot, but I'm NOT pro ownership for every Tom , Dick and Mary that has a few bucks, or who are just bored and are looking for something to do for a couple of hours a day. There are a few good "sponsored" websites out there, but you new people don't have a clue as to which is really telling you the truth. That's why I built this site. Start here and use the info I provide to help you weed out the bad breeders - pet stores - web sites - and the many other aspects of the cockatoo business. (You're going to need all the help you can get. ) So with that in mind....... Please read the rest of this information and many articles and letters at www.mytoos.com

You will be glad you did!

Bird Lovers Dance

Most of you know of or have seen Snowball, the Dancing Cockatoo.

Today, March 4th, 2008 at 2:30pm Eastern time, you can hear Snowball's best friend and care taker, Irena Schulz of Bird Lovers Only Rescue on Animal Talk Naturally's Weekly LIVE internet radio show. Simply go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/animaltalknaturally when the show is live.

The call-in number for this show is 646.595.4693 when we open the lines for questions.

Irena rescued the now very well known Cockatoo, I fell in love with this amazing bird for more than just his amazing dancing abilities but because he is doing much to bring awareness on three important issues:
1)The cognitive abilities of animals
2)The nature of birds
3)Bird rescue.

If you missed the live show, you can listen to the recording right here!