Ontario Parrot Rescue » ontario parrot rescue

Spring Survival Guide

Nancy Daniels — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:05:42 +0000

Our busiest time at the rescue is fast approaching. Spring typically gets my phone ringing off the wall by panicked people ready to give their birds up.

I have written an article with some tips in hopes that it will help some people get through this difficult time of year with their parrots.

Please feel free to share the link and pass it on to anyone how might benefit from reading it.

It is a PDF file that can be downloaded directly by submitting your email and clicking the link on the right hand side of this page..

Thanks,

Nancy

Ella – Umbrella Cockatoo

Nancy Daniels — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:15:21 +0000

Ella is a 14 yr old female umbrella. She is exceptionally social and very sweet. She has been going to anyone here and loves lots of attention. She would probably be best suited to someone who is home all day. She has some plucking issues that we are hoping we can get her to overcome.

How To Tell If A Rescue Is Real Or a Scam

Nancy Daniels — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:11:01 +0000

Times are getting frightening with places like craigslist and kijiji and free websites. People can post anything and claim to be just about anything. We have had many upset people come to us after they have given up their parrot to someone they thought was a rescue asking for our assistance to help them get the bird back. However once you have given up your parrot, specially without a contract it is too late to do anything. There are many inexperienced and unscrupulous people out there also just looking to get a bird for free for many reasons. Some may have been turned down from adopting after reference checks or failed the adoption process or they do not have the birds best intentions in mind. Most are resold for profit or used for breeding. Some are even sold to labs for animal testing! There are also many animal horders out there that pray on classified ads try to collect as many dogs, cats or birds as they can. This same thing applies to dog and cat rescues as well other animals. The best place to get a reference for any rescue is through the local bird club, dog club etc. There are a list of birds clubs posted on our links section to assist you in this process.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you determine if the rescue is legitimate or not:

real parrot rescues do not need to advertise they will take in birds on kijiji, craigslist, livedeals or any free advertising space
a real rescue will be able to provide a vetrinarian as a reference and should have their vet information available to you
a real rescue will not phone you and offer to take your bird after seeing it advertised somewhere
real rescues usually have a paid for website and do not use freebies such as tripod, bravenet etc
real rescues should have parrot care information on their websites
real rescues should have pictures of successful adoptions posted on their site
real rescue do not claim to keep the pets offering it a “forever home” They are looking for a few free birds, hording or end up selling them or are just trying to find a way of obtaining them without having to pay for them or go through the home visit or reference checks of a real rescue
real rescues will allow you to come and meet the birds and see their home
real rescues do not operate in apartment buildings or in the center of large cities like downtown Toronto or Scarborough.
real resscue will not only take a certain type of bird or refuse certain types of birds
real rescues will not refuse to take your bird under any circumstances (with the exception of communicable diseases but should still offer their assistance)
real rescues will assist you in trying to keep your bird instead of placing it in the rescue if that is something that you are interested in
real rescues will have forms that need to be filled out
real rescues are usually involved in the avian community, bird clubs, organizations etc

It is so important to check out the rescue before placing your parrot. I personally know several animal abusers that are posing as rescues on the free classified sites, some have gotten their charity status making them look legitmate. Make sure to get references from outside sources, not those given to you by the rescue, it is easy enough to get a friend to speak for you.

Make sure to speak with their vet, and animal clubs in the area. They are a great resource. Don’t become a victim of a scam.

Ricco – Double Yellow Headed Amazon

Nancy Daniels — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:48:17 +0000

There is no history on Ricco as he was rescued after the death of his owner. He is estimated to be between 20 and 25 yrs old. Although the family has not seen the bird in years they recalled childhood memories of him singing and talking well. He was found if very horrific conditions as he cage had not been cleaned in months at least. We have thrown out his cage as it wasn’t worth saving and was way too small for him. After several baths he has cleaned up nicely and looks like a normal bird again.

Lupee – Green Quaker

Nancy Daniels — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:38:01 +0000

Lupee is a 6 year old female quaker. She has laid several eggs but behaviour changes are being implemented to stop this type of behaviour. She is a sweet bird, talks well and also sings. She came to the parrot rescue from a very stressful family situation. The family would love to have kept her but due to all the issues they felt it was best to find her a new home.

Tigi – African Grey Parrot

Nancy Daniels — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:20:04 +0000


		Tigi African Grey Tigi is a 2 yr old Timneh African Grey. He has been abandoned by his owners. He is a little timid and slightly plucked as he is nervous around other birds. He is very sweet and gentle with people. He would do well in a home without other birds.

Spike – Blue and Gold Macaw

Nancy Daniels — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:48:52 +0000

Spike
Blue and Gold Macaw
Spike came to us as a baby.Spike has scissor beak and had his scull crushed in an attempt to repair his beak by his breeder. He is doing wonderfully now. However he requires regular beak work to keep it from getting worse. Luckily there was no brain damage. Due to constant medical attention Spike will not be available for adoption.

Indy – Blue Fronted Amazon

Hailee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:18:39 +0000

Indie
Blue Front Amazon
Indie is about 10-12 yrs old and we are told he has a bit of a mean streak. We picked him up in Stratford, Ontario and he was a living doll on the way home. We will keep you updated on Indies progress. Indie is still doing very well here. He doesn’t like to be picked up except on his own terms but does like the occassional head scratch. Due to his issues in two other homes he will remain here with us.

Esther – Green Wing Macaw

Hailee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:53:49 +0000

Esther
Green-winged Macaw
Esther is a 5yr old Greenwing Macaw. She has been plucking and stopped talking since the age of 2 when her owner brought home a new wife. She was with her original owner until she was 4 yrs old as they tried to keep her. She was put on antidepresants since she first started plucking. In her second home she was weaned off the antidepresants but continued to pluck and became quite phobic. She wouldn’t allow anyone to touch her When we went to rescue her she was terrified and would thrash around in her cage and would bite to escape. It took quite a while to get her home and stable. Once Ester arrived here we talked calmly to her and started to touch her gently. We treated her as though she was not phobic and integrated her within the family immediately. Within a week she was stepping up and started to speak! She is a permanent fixture here now and she will step up for anyone. She gives great kisses and loves to admire herself in the mirror. She is also learning new words and loves to be around the other birds. **Update – Esther has found her singing voice and loves to entertain us in the evenings. She has also learned to play a few games like fetch. She will now step up for anyone but watch your buttons as she is a button thief! Esther will never get her feathers back due to folicle damage. Many attempts have been made with negative results. But she is a happy and healthy bald bird!

Gumby – Hahn’s Macaw

Hailee — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:36:46 +0000

Gumby
Hahn’s Macaw (Red Shouldered)
Gumby will be 4 in June. He is a high energy, playful little fellow. He can nip when someone moves quickly around him. He is well trained and has been on an excellent diet. As with Max he was given up due to family issues. Both birds came from the same home but do not care for each other so seperate homes would be best. ** Update** Gumby still requires a bit more work as he can be quite agressive.