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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.
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.
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| FREE Classes at Parrot University |
Please RSVP
Call 704-889-2325 or email
Parrot 101 plus one additional class is required for adoption
Parrot 101
Sun, Oct 14, 2 pm
Sat, Nov 3, 2 pm
Sat, Dec 1, 2 pm
Avian Medicine
Sat, Oct 27, 2 pm
Sat, Nov 17, 2 pm
Sun, Dec 16, 2 pm
Positive Reinforcement
Thu, Oct 25, 6:30 pm
Wed, Nov 14, 6:30 pm
Sun, Dec 9, 2 pm
Sex & the Single Bird
Sun, Oct 28, 2 pm
Check the 'Calendar of Events' at
Please Support Our Sponsor
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Recently Adopted |
These lucky birds of CPR have recently found new families. Join us in wishing the birds and their families wonderful new lives together!
J.J., African Grey
Walter, Cockatiel
Zazu, Eclectus
Big Ben, Cockatiel
Connect with us on Facebook! Our new families often post photos, videos and progress reports about their new family members.
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New to CPR |
Come meet the newest members of the CPR family at Parrot University.
Dusty, African Grey
Jenny, Jenday Conure
Donovan, Amazon
Turlough, Meyer's
Jack & Jill, B&G Macaws
www.companionparrots.org |
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Joining Us Soon |
In Quarantine
Bandy & Bolt, Cockatoos
Bobby, Blue-front Amazon
Maddie, Yellow-nape Amazon
Peppers, Quaker
Two Budgerigars
Waiting in the Wings
Sun Conure
Sunshine, B&G Macaw
Ty, Harlequin Macaw
GiGi, B&G Macaw
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It's Raining Amazons! | |
 | | Karen Justice |
by Karen Justice,
President & Founder
Do you remember earlier this year when I reported that after a drought of African Greys, they were suddenly pouring in?
Well, while we've never had an "Amazon drought", it is now raining Amazons! And with the exception of our sweet and petite Arizona, they're all male! (Irrespective of that fact, two bear the names of Emma Jane and Maddie.)
The testosterone level is out the roof at Parrot University! Lea is so busy rearranging cages that we almost need a traffic director. In her training article below, Debbie Foster talks about managing the environment. Well, we're really trying to do that, but given our space limitations and the number of birds in the program, managing the environment is a real challenge.
If you think an Amazon might be right for you, please come visit Moe, Stormy, Emma Jane, Charlie, Rainbow, Donovan, Maddie, Arizona and soon to join us, Bobby. All are delightful characters in their own way and will be on much better behavior when not in such close proximity to each other. Click to read their stories on our website.
Meanwhile, thank goodness cages are on wheels! |
| Arizona: Featured Bird for October | |
 | | Arizona |
Meet Arizona
Species: Mexican Red-headed Amazon
Age: 16
Arizona is a stunningly beautiful Mexican Red-headed Amazon that delights when you compliment her on her blue "eye shadow". She's a real "hang out with you" bird who loves to watch TV.
Very compassionate, she will inquire "Are you feeling better?" and "What's wrong?". Arizona will also empathize if you're injured with "Ow, Ow, Ow". Watch her video and come meet her. |
| Donovan: Featured Bird for October | |
 | | Donovan |
Meet Donovan
Species: Orange-winged Amazon
Age: unknown
This little fellow is one of the 'puppy mill seizure' birds. When he first arrived, his feather quality and general demeanor led us to think he might be an older parrot. But now that he's had several weeks of a good and varied diet, a few showers and much attention we're not so sure.
This guy looks as though he is smiling all the time! His large, very dark and round eyes sparkle with mischief and interest. These days, Donovan is walking out on his balcony and has also gone exploring a couple of times. With patience and training, he will be a wonderful companion bird! Might you be his special someone? Watch video. |
| Emma Jane: Featured Bird for October | |
 | | Emma Jane |
Meet Emma Jane
Species: Blue-front Amazon
Age: unknown
Emma Jane was found outdoors by her owner nine years ago. At that time the vet felt she was young, around two, so we think she's now in her early teens.
And does she ever act like a teenager! With training she has greatly improved but is still prone to mood swings and outbursts of anger. This is probably justifiable in her mind, because after being told that she was a "she" for many years, Emma joined CPR and found out that she was a "he"! After years of being called a "pretty girl", "she", etc., we'll stay with the female gender -- there's no need to upset her more.
We placed her in a home for about a year with the instruction that Emma would do best as an only bird. Unfortunately, our advice wasn't heeded and Emma became very volatile when two other birds entered the household. So she is with us again searching for the right home. Emma loves head skritches, on her terms. Her body language is very clear so you will know what her feelings are on any subject at any time. Maybe this beautiful bird will choose YOU! Watch video. |
| The Birds of CPR -- 2013 | |
 | | 2013 Calendar Cover |
Companion Parrots Re-homed 2013 Calendar
The CPR Calendar of "Pin-up Parrots" has just arrived and is available for sale at Parrot University or by mail. All proceeds from calendar sales directly benefit our parrots.
Congratulations to Debbie Foster and Lynda Rettew for producing an amazing product! And, of course, a big "thank you" to all of the wonderful families who sponsored their companion or a CPR bird.
Calendars are $15 each. Add $3 for shipping (mail only).
Calendars can be purchased at Parrot University. Or to order, call 704-889-2325 or email info@companionparrots.org |
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The Resilience of Parrots | | |
by Karen Justice
I never cease to be amazed at what the parrots who join us have survived. While there are aspects of avian anatomy -- such as the respiratory and skeletal systems -- that make them "fragile", they are tough in so many other ways. We marvel at what a change in diet or hygiene, or a little interaction can do within a short period of time.
 | | Bandy & Bolt |
Our "Puppy Mill Parrots" are a perfect example. We have no idea how long they had lived there but these guys were found in deplorable conditions. Not only were they caged with mounds of their own filth, old food and moldy water, but they were housed with dozens of dogs living the same way. An air filtration machine was in their room but it was clogged with dog hair and clearly of no use.
Within a few weeks of converting to Harrison's, consuming LOTS of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc., accompanied by showers and sunlight, all are different birds! Most of the birds have already gone through a molt. Jack & Jill, the B&G's, are very interested in the activity around them and are starting to interact with visitors nicely. And please read Donovan's story above for his progress.
The Cockatoo boys are exuberant about their new lifestyle. We're not sure if their foster family will be able to stand them if they get much better! We'll soon begin the process of separating them as "two 'toos" in a cage are just "'too" much!
Sadly the elderly Cockatiel did not improve and we had to end her suffering. Upon necropsy we discovered that she was fighting pancreatic cancer, liver failure and Avian Gastric Yeast, among other things. Her Jenday Conure companion seemed lonely and depressed for a couple of days, but like the others, she is a survivor!
We're so proud of these birds, and thankful that we can help them on their journey to better lives. |
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Train Away! | | |
by Debbie Foster
 | | Debbie Foster |
I often talk about changing the environment in order to change behavior, both in this column and in the Positive Reinforcement Training classes. Have you ever stopped to think that YOU are part of the environment?
By sheer dumb luck one day, I had a bird step out of the cage from the bottom of the door frame while I was seated in front of his cage. I have no idea why I was sitting in a chair in front of the cage. Maybe I was tired or my feet hurt; it's certainly not something I had done before.
But I thought it was very interesting that I was not having any luck (or at least not making fast progress) while standing and asking the bird for a step-up from on top of the cage, from the top of the door, and any other place I could think of. And now this guy was stepping right up with me seated.
I've experimented with that many times since then and had a lot of success. As you know, we have no way of knowing what a bird is thinking or feeling. We can only observe what the bird does; we see the behavior and it speaks for itself.
So watch the video and add this to your repertoire of things to try at home. Change your place in the environment and see if it produces the behavior that you want.
Remember, keep it positive!
Train away! |
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Volunteer Corner | | | by Lynda Rettew
 | | Jack & Jill, "Puppy Mill" rescues |
Many of our wonderful volunteers have stepped up recently to help with special events. We had several people scheduled to help during the Dr. Friedman event, October 6-7. Debbie Foster and Lindsay Boardman will represent us at the Bank of America volunteer event "Paws and Claws," at Founders Hall on October 11. Taffy and Michael Graziadei and Alan Stein will help Val Vajay at 'Dog's Day Out' in Matthews on October 21. Taffy and Michael have also volunteered to help transport yard sale items for the Bird Mart in Belmont on November 10. We are all so grateful.
We continue to need help talking with people that visit Parrot University on weekends. If you think that you could help with monitoring and talking to people about the birds, please let me know. The only requirement is that you have attended Parrot 101.
In addition to our usual help from volunteers and supporters, we had incredible support following the Puppy Mill rescue that severely strained our resources. Thanks to you, all of the rescued birds received the veterinary and everyday care they needed and they are ready for adoption.
Please watch for an announcement soon, about our annual Volunteer and Supporters Appreciation Event.
Please contact me if you would like to help CPR in any way. Thanks so much.
Lynda Rettew, Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@companionparrots.org |
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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.
The Birds of Companion Parrots Re-homed
Karen Cheek Justice, President & Founder
Board of Directors
Volunteers
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