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THE FEATHERED FORUM

In This Issue
Bosley's Birthday Fun, Special Event
Meet Keely
Meet Amarillo
Meet Ricky & Lucy
Free Parrot Care Classes
Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition & Teas
Bird Proofing Your Home
New Beginnings: Tech
Volunteer Spotlight

Connect with CPR

About CPR
Volunteer Orientation
Recently Adopted
New to CPR
Joining Us Soon
AUGUST 2017

Bosley's Birthday Bash a Big Success and Special Education Event
ByAmber Rosintoski-Doty

As always, Bosley's birthday was a blast! CPR and the diva herself are so grateful for your love and support and couldn't do what we do without all of you. CPR raised over $3,000 from Bosley's event through donations and raffle ticket sales.

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over, and we're shifting gears into our fall programs. CPR is so fortunate to have Dr. Jason Crean coming October 21, 2017 to speak to us about Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition. The program is free, but seating must be reserved in advance.  Read below to find out more about Dr. Crean.  

I'm very excited about Dr. Crean's presentation, because I am always looking for ways to improve the quality of life of the birds residing at Parrot University and keeping our local bird owners educated on new developments in bird care. I believe nutrition is such a critical part of a bird's overall health and can directly affect our parrot's longevity.  When people express interest in adopting a parrot, we always emphasize the extended life span of these fascinating animals. However, at seminars, I regularly hear that captive parrots aren't living as long as we expect them to, because of silent killers like atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition caused by fatty deposits that build up in the arteries. These buildups are commonly referred to as plaque. As the volume of plaque increases, the artery walls become thicker and thereby reduces the blood flow and oxygen to cells.  

The major contributor to this disease, and others, is the difference in lifestyles between captive and wild parrots. One huge difference between the lifestyles is diet. A wild parrot spends the day getting plenty of exercise while searching for and feeding on a constantly varying diet. On the other hand, a captive parrot depends on its owner for opportunities to exercise and a balanced diet.

There are days I feel overwhelmed by the idea that some of CPR's birds could outlive me and feeling the need to ensure that CPR is taken care of even when I'm gone, but we do everything in our power to give the birds that come through our program the best chance at a long, healthy and happy life. Dr. Crean is a wealth of knowledge on improving your bird's diet, so don't delay, because seating for this event is limited - reserve your spot now!

Meet Keely: Featured Bird

Keely, Available for Adoption
Species:  Major Mitchell Cockatoo

Age: Unknown

Keeley is a female Major Mitchell's Cockatoo. She lived with one family her whole life.  She came to CPR when her former owner became too old to care for her.  She loves to chew on her wood toys, and likes to engage in conversation by bobbing her head while you talk to her. Click to see Keely's video.

 
Meet Amarillo: Featured Bird

Amarillo, Available for Adoption
Species:  Cockatiel

Age: 2 Years

Amarillo is a 2-year old Cockatiel, who we suspect is male. Unfortunately, his previous family had to move out of state, and couldn't take Amarillo with them. This sweet little guy can be a little shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he loves to sing and whistle. Amarillo would make a terrific companion for either a new or experienced bird owner. 

Meet Ricky & Lucy: Featured Birds

Ricky & Lucy, Available for Adoption
Species: Budgies

Age: Less than 1 year

Ricky and Lucy are a pair of female budgies that came together from their previous home. They are both less than a year old, and are the best of friends, so they must be adopted together. Unfortunately, their previous owner developed some health issues that prevented them from being able to care for Ricky and Lucy.  These two sweet birds love making new friends and would be an excellent choice for someone who would like a cheerful companion in their life. Click to see Ricky & Lucy's video.
Free Parrot Care Classes
 
Our free parrot care classes will help you keep your parrot healthy, safe and happy. Please register at info@companionparrots.org or 704-889-2325. Click for class descriptions.
 
Parrot 101 (required for adoption)
Sunday, August 27, 2 PM
Saturday, September 9, 2 PM
Sunday, September 24, 2 PM

Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, August 19, 1 PM
Saturday, September 16, 1 PM

Toy-Making
Sunday, August 20, 2 PM

Avian Health & Wellness  (required for adoption)
Saturday, August 26, 2 PM
Sunday, September 10, 2 PM
Saturday, September 23, 2 PM

Classes are held at the CPR Education Center at Parrot University, 321 South Polk St. in Pineville. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition & Teas with Dr. Crean

Join us for an exciting lecture by Dr. Jason Crean on the exciting topic of avian nutrition!

Dr. Jason Crean
Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition & Teas
October 21, 2017
11:00 am and 3:00 pm

Dr. Jason Crean is a biology instructor at the high school and university level. He is also an avid aviculturist, specializing in the propagation of green aracaris and white-backed mousebirds. Dr. Crean serves as the President of The Avicultural Society of Chicagoland, First Vice-President of the American Federation of Aviculture and operates the Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition group on Facebook. He often speaks to avicultural groups, and acts as a consultant to zoos and other institutions regarding animal husbandry and education programming. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching by President Obama in 2009, the 2010 High School Science Teacher of the Year by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He has also received awards from the National Science Teachers Association, National Association of Biology Teachers and the Illinois Science Teachers Association.

Seating is limited, so please register early by contacting  info@companionparrots.org or 704-889-2325!
Bird Proofing Your Home
By Muriah Bottemiller

It is important that our feathery companions get plenty of time out of their cages.  Some cages come with a play gym built into the top of the cage, and there are also a wide variety of free standing play stands available.  However, you must be cautious of home hazards any time your bird is not in its cage.
It is relatively easy to train your bird to stay put on a play stand, but, just like mischievous children, there is no guarantee that they will behave.  It's also possible that something may spook them and cause them to flutter to the floor.  This is why it is critical that you always supervise your bird while it's out of its cage and be sure you "bird proof" your home.

Just like you would do for a toddler learning to crawl, you want to make sure your home is as safe a place for your bird as possible. Here are a few easy things you can do to ensure your bird is safe: Never have ceiling fans on while the bird is out-they can easily fly up and be injured or killed by the blades. Make sure your bird does not have access to house plants.  Many house plants are poisonous to birds and were most likely sprayed with harmful pesticides before you bought them.  Keep your bird off the floor and away from cabinets, closets, drawers, purses, or appliances. Parrots love to explore and check out everything by putting it in their mouths, but it's far too easy for them to get a hold of something harmful if allowed to roam freely.  It may feel like you are restricting them, but really you are keeping them safe and healthy (and keeping your possessions safe from curious bird beaks).

Contact us at CPR if you have any questions about bird proofing your home.

New Beginnings: Teca, Before and After
By Jennifer Drummond

Teca before adoption
Teca is a 5-year old male Congo African Grey. He joined CPR when his  previous owner developed allergies and could no longer care for him.  His favorite pass time while at CPR was hanging upside down like a bat.  He enjoyed head rubs and would talk to get you to come visit him.  

Teca in his new home
We caught up with Teca's new family, and they provided the following update: 

"Teca's feathers have come back in and he is a happy little guy. He barks at people when they come over and talks so much.  He loves scratches and will give kisses for treats!"  Take a look at Teca's before and after pictures, Wow!  We're so happy to hear he is doing so well.  Many thanks to the Prows family for the update!

Click here to see photos of other birds adopted through the CPR adoption program. 
Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy Whitesides
By Jim Alexander

Wendy Whitesides with her parrot
Wendy is chair of CPR's important Education Committee. This committee is responsible for conducting the free classes offered by Companion Parrots Re-homed.  These include Parrot 101 and Avian Health & Wellness, that are required as part of our adoption process, as well as our various supplemental classes including Fun with Food, Toy Making and Avian Behavior & Training.  In addition, Wendy is a master parrot toymaker.

I asked Wendy what inspired her to become a CPR volunteer.

"One day I was having lunch in the plaza with my husband and I noticed the "Parrot U" sign. I thought it was a bird store, and we decided to check it out. We were met by Lea Waller, who explained the mission and vision of CPR. I bought new perches, signed up for Parrot 101 and the rest is history. Parrot U/CPR has changed the quality of my parrot's life.  I learned so much and felt compelled to volunteer in whatever capacity they needed me."

If you're inspired to become involved in the CPR volunteer effort, please contact me at volunteer@companionparrots.org
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Please send comments, suggestions, and stories to info@CompanionParrots.org. Thanks to everybody for your support!

  

The Birds of Companion Parrots Re-homed
Board of Directors
Volunteers