Feathered Forum readers and Facebook friends will select the CPR Bird of the Month for October. Just go to our Facebook photo albums and click the pink Cockatoo album cover to see the candidates and vote your favorite.

Voting starts today and closes at midnight on Friday, September 23. Winner will be announced on www.companionparrots.org and in next month's Feathered Forum with a new video. Please help us celebrate the birds!

Not only does Parrot University offer free Positive Reinforcement Training classes to help you develop a more rewarding relationship with your bird -- and not only does Parrot University trainer Debbie Foster publish monthly "how to" articles with video demonstrations -- but did you know that the birds of CPR have gone back to school too?

Debbie is doing marvelous work training the birds. We're seeing birds getting adopted who we didn't think would -- and Positive Reinforcement Training has made the difference in changing their lives and giving them another chance.

Positive Reinforcement (or Applied Behavior Analysis) is training which allows the subject the choice of participating and the opportunity to earn a reward. The training gives the subject information on what it can do to earn the desired outcome (reward). For our companion parrots, this training can be applied to overcome behavior problems, to teach tricks and to help the birds cooperate with transport and their own medical care.

Current trends in animal training focus on kind and gentle strategies that create desired behavior and reduce undesired behavior. Debbie thinks Positive Reinforcement is so popular right now "because it's a win/win situation for both parties -- it produces stronger results and that produces stronger relationships."

"I realized we needed to do something to get birds adopted faster, so I decided to volunteer some time during the summer [2010] to train some of the birds. Karen thought I demonstrated a talent for this and sent me to train with some amazing people at Cockatoo Downs in Oregon. That class literally changed my life. I also took a class this winter and will take another one this fall with Dr. Susan Friedman, a leading expert".

"My favorite day of the week is the day that I train at Parrot U. I spend the rest of my week either thinking about what worked or planning what I can do next. I think there are four birds who are now calling me "Mama". When I walk into Parrot U, the place erupts -- Lea is sure they know which day of the week is training day. They can't wait to work and beg me to pick them first."

We asked Debbie about her greatest accomplishment. "I have a lot of things I'm proud of, but my very favorite is that Buddy, the Umbrella Cockatoo, now gets to come out of his cage and train."

Debbie is looking forward to further developing her skills and to working with current and potential bird owners who attend the classes at Parrot University and also with The Birds of CPR.

Watch the training videos of Buddy and many other videos on the Resources page at www.companionparrots.org.

The next free Positive Reinforcement Training class at Parrot U will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 2 pm. Space is limited to please RSVP to 704.889.2325 or parrots@parrotu.com.

--Paula Randolph

The fourth annual Companion Parrots Re-homed calendar will hit the streets around October 1st.  Due to donations by the generous people who sponsored parrots, all proceeds will go to help the birds.

The big question is -- what will this year's theme be?  It's the best-kept secret in town! So far, only the photographer has seen all of the pictures. And which lucky birds will be our pin-up parrots of the month?  Stay tuned.

We've already received our first calendar order, from a woman in New York who has never been to Parrot U. Our fame is spreading! Help us sell a record number this year.  You know it's for a great cause!

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

Cockatiel Flock

Cockatiel Flock

Species: Cockatiels

Age: Unknown

Known as the 'Animal Control 7' these teenaged retired breeder cockatiels are a wonderful group with some great personalities. Sadly, after serving their owner well, they were thoughtlessly tossed aside. They're delightful to watch and listen to. Hand taming shouldn't be expected. They're hoping for a few good retirement homes where they can just be themselves. Potential adopters should consider homing at least two or three from this group.

Sandy & Ginger

Sandy & Ginger - a love story

Species: Budgies

Age: Unknown

Sandy originally lived with Charlie who passed away recently. Both had splay legs and were great buddies and Sandy seemed lost without his "brother". Ginger is an older, all white, beautiful budgie with a nice personality. We crossed our fingers and placed their cages close to each other and watched. After a few days it seemed like they wanted to be together, so eventually Ginger moved in under close supervision. These two are adorable together and have settled into their new lives. Comes visit and see them talk and preen each other. 

Click to meet more wonderful birds that are available for adoption. You can read the birds' stories and watch the videos.

Thanks to donations and volunteer support from people like you, these birds are now in a safe, caring place, waiting to meet their new families.  Please consider a tax deductible donation in any amount, to help support The Birds of CPR.

Click to Donate