| Connect with CPR | |
STAY CONNECTED
Please share this newsletter with a friend and invite them to sign up
 Share your stories & find out who's new or adopted MISS A NEWSLETTER? WATCH THE BIRIDES 
GO SOCIAL Use the 'Share' links at the top of this newsletter to let your friends know about CPR |
| 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.
Meet the Birds
At our website
or
at Parrot University
321 S Polk St, Pineville
Visiting Hours:
Mon - Fri 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday Noon - 5 PM Please consider a tax deductible donation. Your gift of any amount will directly help the birds.
|
| Free Classes at Parrot University |
Please RSVP as classes fill quickly. Additional sessions will be scheduled based on demand.
Call 704-889-2325 or email
Parrot 101
Sun, Dec 4, 2 pm
Positive Reinforcement Training
Sun, Nov 27, 2 pm
Wed, Dec 14, 6:30 pm
Avian Medicine
Sun, Dec 18, 2 pm
Avian Anatomy
Wed, Nov 16, 6:30 pm
Sex & The Single Bird
Sat, Dec 3, 2 pm
Check 'Calendar of Events' at
Please Support Our Sponsor
 |
|
Recently Adopted |
We're happy to share the good news that these lucky birds have found new families.
Wiggles, African Grey
Yoshi, Cherry-Head Conure
Tina, Parrotlet
Salsa, Senegal
Our new families often post their stories on Facebook, so please join us. 
|
|
New to CPR |
There are lots of new birds at CPR. Visit our website or stop by Parrot University to meet them and to help them find new homes. Amelia, Blue Front Amazon Maxwell, Blue & Gold Macaw Quincy, female Quaker Riley, Congo African Grey Mango & Phoebe, Cockatiels Zsa Zsa, Cockatiel Ben, Parrotlet Fiona, Parrotlet Peanut & Lily, Parrotlets |
|
Joining Us Soon |
These birds are winging their way to CPR. We'll tell you more about them soon.
Green Cheek Conure
Female Eclectus
Pair of Lovebirds
|
|
|
|
From the Desk of the Dean | |
 | |
Karen Justice |
Report from the AAV Annual Conference
by Karen Justice
In August I attended the Association of Avian Veterinarians annual conference in Seattle WA. Since I first became involved with parrots and veterinary medicine, I've tried to attend this conference to learn what I can from a very technical curriculum. This is one of the many ways that CPR and Parrot U ensure that we're providing you with the most current and accurate information available. Here are some of the highlights of what I learned and experienced.
The pre-conference topic was 'The Cycle of Avian Care: The Aging Patient'. It was a fascinating day of presentations centered on the older parrot. Presentations included discussions on why birds are so long-lived, health and wellness in aging parrots and "old age" health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Two presentations during the main conference focused on why companion birds are losing their homes. While there was nothing new in these findings, it's so encouraging that the avian veterinary community is focusing on this problem. While avian veterinarians have traditionally focused on the medical issues of their patients, in recent years I've witnessed the recognition that behavioral issues are part of a parrot's well-being, that positive reinforcement training is a viable tool in the exam room and this year, that the veterinarian can play an important role in preventing the loss of homes.
As always, I eagerly searched for new information on PDD (proventricular dilatation disease). After a major breakthrough two years ago when a connection between Avian Bornavirus and PDD was discovered, much has occurred. It would be impossible to present the information in a short article but suffice it to say that two years later, researchers are still perplexed by this horrible disease. There is still no accurate test available and no vaccine coming in the foreseeable future. This is of course very frustrating!
Attending the AAV conference provides the added benefit of networking with avian veterinarians from all over the U.S. and from around the world. Also Barbara Heidenreich, Dr. Susan Friedman and Julie Murad of the Gabriel Foundation attend and I am able to spend a little time with each of them for questions and comparing notes! I am fortunate and thankful for this opportunity and look forward to next year's conference. |
| Meet The Birds of CPR | | |
Birds Available for Adoption
Lots of new birds have recently joined the CPR flock. Visit www.companionparrots.org or stop by Parrot University to meet them. And please forward this newsletter to your friends who love birds.
Here are three delightful birds who are looking for special new homes.
 | |
Ben |
Ben
Species: Parrotlet
Age: 6
Ben recently joined CPR with his mate, Fiona, when their family felt they couldn't provide the attention they needed. However, due to marital bickering, Ben and Fiona have now divorced.
Ben is an absolute sweetheart that enjoys the simple things in life -- a good bath and a hearty meal. He steps up readily and just loves head skritches.
Parrotlets are suitable for apartment or condo living. This little guy will make a wonderful companion.
 | |
Zsa Zsa |
Zsa Zsa
Species: Cockatiel
Age: Unknown
Zsa Zsa is a female cinnamon-pied Cockatiel. Recently, a gentleman mowing his yard spotted her on the ground in the path of his mower! This lucky girl is now with CPR.
Zsa Zsa has an absolutely resplendant crest that she loves to display. She's a shy little girl, but her trust of humans has greatly improved thanks to her cage mates, PJ and Nonnie. Shower days are a thrill to her as she just delights in the mist.
 | |
Ralph |
Ralph
Species: Amazon
Age: 24
Ralph is a female Yellow-Naped Amazon, who joined us after her only mom was moving to retirement housing. She's cute, funny and vocal with an enticing voice. She talks quite a bit and has a nice repertoire of songs, including 'God Bless America'. She's not fond of children, so an adults-only home is recommended.
Ralphie will quickly make up her mind about whether or not she likes you and make it very clear with her actions. (We haven't yet told her that she is a "she" so please call her "him" when visiting!) Watch the video.
|
|
2012 CPR Calendars | |
 | |
Smile for the camera! |
Thanks to everybody who's purchased our 2012 calendar. They are going fast but still available.
This year's calendar features some of CPR's rescued and re-homed parrots within the theme 'Birds at the Beach'. Like the 'out-take' pictured here? Then you'll love Debbie Foster's striking and colorful photographs every month of the year. The calendar pages also include Parrot University class schedules and helpful tips.
You can help support the birds. All proceeds from calendar sales go toward medical care for the birds of CPR. You will enjoy this calendar all year long, plus they make wonderful holiday gifts!
Calendars are just $15 each (add $3 each for shipping if ordering) and can be purchased at Parrot University, or to order please call 704-889-2325 or email info@companionparrots.org. |
| What's New at Parrot University? | | Please support our Sponsor
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE -- NOVEMBER 19 & 20
Parrot University is holding a Holiday Open House to thank their customers and kick off the holiday season.
Please plan to visit Parrot U on Saturday, November 19 from 11 am to 4 pm and on Sunday, November 20 from noon to 4 pm. Refreshments will be served and there will be special sales throughout the store. It will be a great way to get an early start on your holiday shopping for your birds. And you can meet the Birds of CPR.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION -- SAVE THE DATE
 | |
Karen & Leslie with Masai tribesmen |
"Preservation of African Wildlife -- Impressions from our safari experience"
Please join us on Saturday, January 7, as Karen Justice and Leslie Wieser share photos and stories of their recent African adventure.
Seats are limited so please call 704.889.2325 or email to parrots@parrotu.com to RSVP.
Look for more information in our next issue and see more photos on Facebook
FREE PARROT CARE CLASSES
The schedule of FREE parrot care classes for November and December is posted at left and is also available at www.parrotu.com (go to 'Calendar of Events'). To RSVP, please call 704.889.2325 or email to parrots@parrotu.com.
MORE...Besides education and the best selection of parrot supplies and accessories, Parrot University also offers Grooming and Boarding services. Private and Communal boarding rooms are available. Holiday weeks fill up fast so reservations are recommended. Get the peace of mind you deserve. Click for more information. |
| Tip of the Month | | Shower Perches
by Lynda Rettew
 | |
Eli on his shower perch |
Have you considered a shower perch for your parrot? Many of them really enjoy a trip to the shower with you and it can be a special bonding time.
In Parrot 101 class at Parrot University, we talk about the importance of at least two showers weekly, soaking all the way to the skin. If your bird is molting or feeling especially hormonal, even more frequent showers can help. Powder down birds (Grays, 'Toos, 'Tiels) can especially benefit from showers.
Every bird will enjoy it in different ways. My Amazon Eli, doesn't like water sprayed directly on him, so we bounce it off the wall behind him. Our daughter's Amazon accompanies her every morning and then hangs out in the shower afterward playing and singing. Our little Caique prefers a bowl for baths but still enjoys sitting on the shower perch, enjoying the steamy air.
Before you consider a shower for your bird, please consider this very important information: Double check that your perch is securely attached. Always use tepid water -- a parrot's skin is very thin and will scald easily. NEVER use any type of soap or shampoo -- use clear water only. Don't force your bird to shower -- you could seriously damage your relationship with your bird and create a fear that will be hard to overcome.
Make sure your bird has a nice warm place after the shower, because it will take a while for all those feathers to dry out (never use a blow dryer). Discourage any possibility of flying until they dry out, because it could cause a crash landing.
Shower perches are available at Parrot University, of course! When you shop at Parrot U, you help support the expenses of caring for the Birds of CPR, so we thank you. |
| Happy Endings -- Ann, Suki, Shirley & Christie | |
 | |
Ann, Suki & Shirley |
By Karen Justice
This is a story of TWO happy endings. I first met Ann Helms several years ago through a mutual acquaintance. As I grew to know her it became evident how deeply bonded she was with her flock of three. They had entered her life during her marriage to Floyd, who is now deceased. Ann has health issues that make it difficult some days to get going. She freely admits that knowing her babies need feeding and cleaning gives her the incentive to get up and push through the pain each day.
Over two years ago she had to make the difficult decision to end the suffering of her precious Quaker, Crystal. Ann took the loss much harder than I first realized. Once the depth of her grief became evident, Lea and I cooked up a plan to try and help. We had a 'naked' Quaker named Suki that we asked her to foster. While it was slow going at first they bonded and Suki eventually became a member of the flock.
 | |
Christie |
A year later Ann once again lost one of her original flock, a Cockatiel named Curly Jr. We acted quickly this time to fill the void and Ann took home Christie, a Pineapple Conure. Ann says that while she is a very nippy little thing, she loves her anyway.
Suki and Christie are very lucky little girls to have found such a loving, doting mom. I am fortunate to frequently observe the joy they bring into her life. The senior member of the flock, Shirley, grudgingly admits he is happy to have them around also! |
|
Positive Reinforcement Training | | | by Debbie Foster
 | |
Debbie with her Buddy |
I'm currently involved in an eight week webinar with Dr. Susan Friedman, one of the pioneers of applied behavior analysis. This is a type of psychology which is related to the training of any creature, from the simplest organism to humans. Simply put, any living being can be trained.
When people attend my Positive Reinforcement Training classses, they hear me say that there is no random behavior and that behavior doesn't exist in a vacuum. However, one of the most often-heard remarks at Parrot U is that "my parrot _________ (fill in the blank with any undesirable behavior) FOR NO REASON".
Scientific research and Dr. Friedman would say that this is not the case -- that behavior exists because something precedes it and something follows it.
This class has caused me to step back and re-think things many times over. I hope this information will let you do the same thing.
One of the most memorable things I've taken from this class is that if you change the environment you change the behavior. That is a powerful statement -- both elegant and simple. And yet, it can be profoundly difficult for us to grasp.
So here's my challenge to you. Pick one behavior that your bird does, that you would like to change. Step back and act as an impartial observer. Then answer these three questions.
1. What happens immediately before the behavior?
2. What purpose does the behavior serve? Another way of asking that is, what is the reward or payoff for the parrot? What happens immediately after the behavior?
3. What would I like the bird to do instead?
The first two questions allow you to identify the environment surrounding the behavior, which allows you to think about changing it. If you'll pardon the pun, I hope it gives you a bird's eye view. The final question allows you to concentrate not on what you DON'T want -- but on what you DO want. It totally changes the way you think about things.
I would love to hear from you after you answer these questions. Let me know if you were able to change the environment in order to change the behavior.
Train away!
Want to learn more? Reserve your seat now for the next Positive Reinforcement Training Class -- free at Parrot University on Sunday, November 27, at 2 pm.
|
|
Volunteer Corner | | | NOVEMBER 2011
 | |
Judi Johnson |
Judi Johnson - you are a star! Thank you, Judi, for agreeing to begin our 'Shadowing Judi' program to train volunteers who are willing to commit two days a month to look after the Birds of CPR. Judi has already worked with one volunteer and has three more scheduled in November. Training sessions will be scheduled on two Sundays. During the first session, Judi will focus on cleaning, and the second session will focus on feeding.
Interested in this training? Please contact me at volunteer@companionparrots.org. Parrot 101 class is required before attending this training, so please check the schedule on the 'Calendar of Events' at www.parrotu.com if you haven't already had the benefit of this class. The next class will be held on Sunday, December 4 at 2 pm.
Thanks to all our volunteers who help by visiting the birds regularly to help socialize them, and who shop at Parrot U to support the store, which in turn supports the program.
If you're interested in volunteering, please contact me at volunteer@companionparrots.org.
Thanks to everyone for your support.
Lynda Rettew
Volunteer Coordinator |
|
We'd love to hear from you. Please send your comments or suggestions to info@companionparrots.org. Thanks to all of you for your support.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
The Birds of Companion Parrots Re-homed
Karen Cheek Justice, President & Founder
Board of Directors
Volunteers
|
|
|
