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Tip of the Month |
It's hard to imagine cold weather and turning the heat on when it's in the 90's outside, but that time of year is just around the corner. Every year my African Greys remind me that I need to start the humidifier in their room. I usually forget, but they start scratching more and more. My dearly departed Cheeko used to start pulling his down feathers out.
Winter heating is very drying and at a minimum you will need to increase showers, particularly with powder down species. Humidifiers are wonderful for providing moisture to the environment and for keeping our birds comfortable.
PLEASE remember to clean your humidifier regularly as they can be a source of fungal respiratory infections. Clean and disinfect the complete unit at least weekly to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and dispersing it into the air that your birds breathe.
Karen Justice
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| About CPR | |
Companion Parrots Re-homed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission
The exclusive mission of Companion Parrots Re-homed is to accept companion parrots from unwanted, emergency or crisis situations throughout the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, area and to facilitate through training and education, new adoptive homes for these sensitive and intelligent birds.
at Parrot University
Pineville Towne Market
Visiting Hours:
Monday 10 AM - 4 PM
Tues-Fri 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday Noon - 5 PM
securely with PayPal
Free Classes at PARROT UNIVERSITY
Check 'Calendar of Events' at
Parrot 101 for Kids -
Sat. Sept. 18, 2:00 pm
Avian Anatomy -
Sat, Sept. 25, 2 pm
Parrot 101 -
Sat. Oct. 9, 2 pm
Volunteer Training -
Sat. Oct. 9. 4 pm
Please call 704-889-2325 or email to RSVP
Support our sponsor
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| Meet Dr. Irene Pepperberg in Charlotte, Oct 16-17 | |  Hello Fellow Parrot Enthusiasts
Ask just about anyone with a companion parrot about Alex and they will instantly tell you that Alex was an amazing African Grey parrot studied by Dr. Irene Pepperberg for over 30 years, known for his language abilities which were comparable to a 2 year old child. Alex had the problem-solving skills of a 5 year old child, a vocabulary of 150 words, knew the names of 50 objects and could count to seven when he died on September 6, 2007.
Companion Parrots Re-homed, Parrot University, Discovery Place, Inc. and Carolina Veterinary Specialists are pleased to present Dr. Irene Pepperberg, research scientist and author of 'Alex & Me' on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 5 pm at Discovery Place. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Pepperberg speak about her life with Alex and other African Grey parrots and her research into these fascinating creatures.
The training method Dr. Pepperberg used with Alex (the model-rival technique) holds promise for teaching autistic and other learning-disabled children. You can also use this technique to work with your own pet bird. Parrot owners already know that their bird does not simply mimic sound. This is your chance to hear from THE expert that parrots can actually perform simple forms of the same types of complex cognitive tasks as young children. Also you will hear how Dr. Pepperberg compares and relates what a parrot, such as Alex, could do in laboratory to what parrots actually do in the wild (find food, avoid predators, and handle intra-flock interactions).
This presentation will help you understand your own pet bird's behavior. If you're not already reaching for your wallet to order tickets, perhaps you will once you learn that an independent filmmaker will be working over the next year to develop Dr. Pepperberg's book, 'Alex & Me', into a motion-picture screenplay. The world needs to see this story on the big screen, but -- you can hear it for yourself on October 16th. The nominal ticket price of $25 helps supports Dr. Pepperberg's research through The Alex Foundation. During intermission Dr. Pepperberg will be available with The Alex Foundation merchandise.
Click for parking location or map to Discovery Place Private Dinner: Saturday, October 16th at 7:30 pm. Meet Dr. Pepperberg at a private dinner at the Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant, 401 N Tryon St. Seating is limited to 25 people. Enjoy a 3-course meal, your choice of beverage and a chance to personally meet Dr. Pepperberg. Event is $100 per person ($50 tax deductible, with proceeds to benefit The Alex Foundation and CPR). Call 704-889-2325 for reservations.  Book Signing: Sunday, October 17th from 1-3 pm. Dr. Pepperburg will be signing copies of her book 'Alex and Me' at Parrot University, 321 S. Polk St. in the Pineville Towne Market. Limited copies of 'Alex & Me' will be available for purchase at Parrot University. About The Alex Foundation: The goal of The Alex Foundation is to support research that will expand the base of knowledge establishing the cognitive and communicative abilities of parrots as intelligent beings. These findings will be used to encourage the responsible ownership of parrots, conservation and preservation of parrots in the wild, and veterinary research into the psychological diseases and care of these birds. Through these efforts The Alex Foundation, and the memory of Alex, will live on and will accomplish its mission to improve the lives of all parrots worldwide. To learn more about Dr. Pepperberg and her work visit www.alexfoundation.org |
| Emergency Budgie Rescue | |
Dottie, Pattie, Smoky & Nancy |
As part of its mission, CPR tries to take in any birds abandoned at Charlotte/Mecklenburg Animal Control if at all possible. On September 2, we were contacted about six budgies that had been dropped off. They were dropped off in tiny, filthy cages that hadn't been cleaned for weeks. All six (four males and two females) are obese. Their nails were severely overgrown. Two of the males suffer from "splay leg" which makes it difficult for them to perch, as both legs extend out from their bodies to the sides, instead of down. The birds' ages are unknown.
 Click to see the "before" photos on our Facebook page.
The budgies are currently quarantining at Karen's home, as all of our quarantine homes are full. They're in clean cages and have been groomed. Understandably, they're all very nervous and frightened. Veterinary exams and tests are being performed. We won't evaluate whether they're hand tame until they get settled in and calm down. Our focus will be to get them on a good, nutritious diet and get their weight down.
Charlie & Sandy |
We are in need of assistance for these poor guys in several ways. A quarantine home is needed. Financial assistance is greatly needed as their veterinary bills will be higher than usual given their condition. And of course, they will need and deserve a wonderful, loving permanent home.
Charlie and Sandy are the handicapped pair and are in a separate cage. Dottie, Patty, Smokey and Nancy appear to be a bonded group, but will be observed while in quarantine to determine if they can be split into two groups.
Please contact us if you can be of any assistance.
Check out the requirements for Quarantine and Foster homes --
Click here then scroll down to the bottom of the 'Volunteer' page.
Follow the budgies' progress on our Facebook page during the coming weeks. |
| Meet More Birds | | | Birds Available for Adoption
Scarlet Macaw Gabby | Gabby
Species: Macaw Age: 4 Gabby is a very petite scarlet macaw who was found in awful circumstances a couple of years ago, where she was housed with another macaw who wouldn't let her eat. Her physical condition was shocking: her keel bone was sticking out, her chest was concave on either side, and she was severely plucked. We weren't sure she would survive. After being treated by our vet, she went into long-term foster care with a very experienced foster family (they were featured in last month's volunteer story). They have treated her gently and respectfully and she has come a long way. We feel that Gabby can't handle the energy level at Parrot U, so she'll stay with her foster family until she is adopted. Gabby now eats well, likes treats, enjoys a head skritch, has learned to play with toys, and says 'Hello' on command. Her foster mom reports that she is the easiest bird to care for, that she's ever had. Gabriela stays on top of her cage, happily playing, until it's time to go back to bed. She only poops in two places, so newspaper placement eliminates a lot of cleanup.
If you think you might be the person to give Gabby her forever home, please contact Parrot U. An appointment can be arranged for you to meet Gabby and her foster mom.
Goffin's Cockatoo Jesse | JesseSpecies: Cockatoo Age: 8 Jesse is a male, Goffin's cockatoo, one of the smaller cockatoo species. He's just full of himself and doesn't know he's not the size of a macaw. Jesse has a sweet voice, and calls out, "Hell-o-o-o-o-o?" to people to get their attention. He's been going through training recently to learn how to target, step up and wave. After working hard, his favorite thing is to dance a little to blow off steam -- and he can really shake his tailfeathers!
Click here to meet more wonderful birds that are available for adoption and to read their stories. |
| Name the Newsletter Contest Winners | |  And the winner is... Kim Anderson's entry of "FEATHERED FORUM". Congratulations, Kim, for submitting the winning name and thanks to everyone who submitted entries. After much deliberation, the judging committee decided to award $15 Parrot University gift certificates to Lisa Thornton, Jean Varner and Thea Barbato who all submitted runner up newsletter names. We hope you'll enjoy reading your monthly issue of "FEATHERED FORUM". |
| Update: 'Small Birds -- BIG LOVE' adoption program | |
4 Budgie & 4 Cockatiels have been adopted
Cockatiel Thia | Four Budgies and four Cockatiels have already been adopted during the first 45 days of our 'Small Birds - BIG LOVE' fast track adoption program. And more donors have contributed to the scholarship fund.
The program includes scholarships to cover the adoption fee and a fast track to adoption. Click to read about our sweet budgies & cockatiels who need loving homes and please tell your friends about our small birds. |
| At Parrot University | | CLASSES
Class at Parrot U |
Check the 'Calendar of Events' at Parrot University for listings of free classes in parrot care. Classes are designed to educate current and potential owners and cover a variety of topics in parrot care and behavior. We now have a class designed just for kids about basic parrot care. The class, for ages 8 through teens, covers habitat, food, grooming, how to handle your parrot safely and why birds need toys. During the class, participants will also make a toy that they can take home. The next Parrot Care for Kids class will be held on Saturday, September 18 at 2 pm.
Avian Anatomy will be offered on Saturday, September 25 at 2 pm.
Parrot 101 will be offered on Saturday, October 9 at 2 pm. Volunteer Training for event volunteers will be held on Saturday, October 9 at 4 pm. The class includes learning how to set up at an event, working with the public and what volunteers can expect.
Please call 704-889-2325 or send an email to www.parrotu.com to reserve your seat for any class.
ALSO AT PARROT U
Help Wanted - Part Time
Parrot University needs someone to work part time, who can be cross trained to clean the store before opening, and also to work the retail part of the store.
The cleaning is a very demanding job. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented and hard working. Please call 704-889-2325 if you are interested. |
| Volunteer Corner | | Special Thanks...
Volunteers at Pet Expo in May |
Special thanks this month to John Potter and Stephen Platte for representing us at Arboretum Petco during their National Adoption Day on August 21. Both of these gentlemen have covered several events for us over the last few months, and we are most grateful.
Petco has national adoption days one weekend per month. We would very much like to have representatives at as many stores in the Charlotte area as possible. If you could donate 3 hours a month to help us at a Petco store, please let us know. This month's weekend is September 18-19. We contact our volunteers mostly by email to ask for help as needed, both for Petco events and other happenings.
We encourage everyone who represents us at events to take two classes. One of the classes is designed specifically for volunteers and covers how to work the special events. The next one will be offered on October 9 at 4 pm. We also hope all our volunteers will take Parrot 101, so they will be familiar with CPR policies about adoption and basic care of birds.
Join us at Founders Hall in uptown Charlotte on September 15 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. We're participating in an adoption event sponsored by a group of Bank of America employees, Animal Advocates for Reform Federation (AARF).
We will also be promoting CPR at the Wesley Chapel Fall Heritage Festival in Union County on October 2. If you happen to be there, please come by to say hello.
Lynda Rettew
Volunteer Coordinator
[Ed:] Lynda was featured recently in an article in the Charlotte Observer. Click to go to the inspiring story of how Lynda and David adopted their feathered family from CPR, including two special-needs birds. |
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We hope you enjoy our newsletter. Thank your for your continued interest and support.
Karen Cheek Justice, President & Founder
Board of Directors
Volunteers
and especially The Birds of
Companion Parrots Re-homed
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