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THE FEATHERED FORUM

In This Issue
Bye Bye Birdies
Join the Parrot Patrol
Meet Rio
Meet Naomi
Meet Jake
Education is the Key!
New On-Site Services Coordinator
Volunteer Spotlight Jim Burke
Fun With Healthy Food
Plan for Holiday Boarding

Connect with CPR

About CPR
Recently Adopted
New to CPR
Joining Us Soon
September 2015

Bye Bye Birdies
By Leslie Wieser, President

Bonnie Bell
Bonnie Bell, available for adoption
It's been a difficult month for some of our feathered friends because requests to surrender parrots continue to increase. Why? The reasons vary -- sometimes the reasons are beyond the owner's control, sometimes it's because the bird's behavior isn't easily managed, sometimes it's because the owner doesn't have time -- but the list of reasons goes on and on.

I'm not going to dwell on the issue of parrot homelessness. Instead, I want to praise the people who attend our educational classes and spend the time and energy learning why parrots behave the way they do and how to improve their relationship and co-exist with them. These are the people who are truly committed to providing the best environment possible for their bird and who are doing their research before adopting a bird -- to find out if parrot-hood is right for them.

This month, don't miss our newest class -- Avian Anatomy, on Sunday, September 13, at 2 pm. Also, please help us spread the word about another new seminar, "So You Want A Talking Bird" (Saturday, September 26 at 3 pm or Sunday, October 25 at 2 pm). This one-hour presentation is designed for non-bird owners who want to find out if parrot-hood is right for them, before making the commitment. Call 704-889-2325 to reserve your seat.

Join the Parrot Patrol

Three reasons why our volunteers sign up for a tour of duty:

1.  Devotion to parrots

2.  Answering the call to end homelessness

3.  Personal satisfaction

 

To learn how you can help, simply report for Volunteer Orientation:
  • Sunday, September 27, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, or,
  • Saturday, October 17, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
 
Want to learn to make toys for CPR?

Attend our special Volunteer Toymaker Training on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Help make toys for the resident birds and for resale to support our programs. Please email volunteer@companionparrots.org to register.
 
WE WANT YOU -- TO VOLUNTEER!
Meet Rio: Featured Bird

Rio
Rio, Green Cheek Conure
Species: Green Cheek conure
 
Age: Unknown

 
Rio is an adorable, female Green Cheek Conure. She was recently found outdoors, so her age is unknown. Rio's quarantine family described her as "the sweetest bird on earth". Green Cheeks are relatively quiet for Conures, and suitable for smaller homes. Rio is waiting for a new best friend to find her and love her. She will make a wonderful companion. Watch video and come meet Rio.

Meet Naomi: Featured Bird

Naomi, Meyer's Parrot
Species: Meyer's Parrot

Age: 8 years

 
Naomi is an 8-year-old, male Meyer's Parrot with some beautiful coloration. His first owner had to relocate, and his second owner fostered him for a couple of years before recently surrendering him to CPR. Naomi was used to cats and dogs in his previous home. You can hear him asking "watcha doing?" and calling himself a "pretty bird". Naomi is hoping to find a wonderful new home, where he will be loved and cared for. Watch video and come meet him.
 
Meet Jake: Featured Bird

Jake, Catalina Macaw
Species: Catalina Macaw

Age: 20's

 
Jake is a male, Catalina Macaw (a hybrid), who's in his twenties. He's a gorgeous guy with a long, beautiful tail, who requires a large cage and an experienced, consistent owner. Jake prefers men and you can hear him say "hello" in a deep, bass voice. Jake first came to CPR in 2007 and was adopted, but was relinquished again when his owner was unable to care for him. Jake is making progress training and is seeking a new home where he can get the attention he wants and needs. Watch video of Jake enjoying a shower and come meet this guy.

Education is the Key!
 
If you're interested in adopting a parrot, volunteering at CPR or improving your relationship with your parrot, then these free classes are for you. Learn how to keep your bird happy, healthy and safe. Attend one, several or all.
 
Reservations required, please contact info@companionparrots.org or 704-889-2325. Classes are free, however donations are greatly appreciated.
 
Parrot 101
Sunday, September 20, 2 pm  |  Saturday, October 17, 2 pm
 
Avian Health & Medicine
Saturday, September 12, 10 am  |  Sunday, October 11, 2 pm
 
Avian Anatomy (New)
Sunday, September 13, 2 pm
 
Positive Reinforcement Training
Saturday, September 19, 2 pm  |  Sunday, October 18, 2 pm
 
Sex & the Single Bird
Saturday, October 3, 2 pm
 
Fun with Food
Sunday, September 27, 2 pm  |  Saturday, October 31, 2 pm
 
Toy-Making
Saturday, September 19, 11 am  |  Saturday, October 24, 11 am
 
Special Presentation: So You Want a Talking Bird?
Saturday, September 26, 3 pm  |  Sunday, October 25, 2 pm
 
Classes are held at the CPR Education Center at Parrot University. Click for class descriptions.
 
New On-Site Services Volunteer Coordinator
 
Jim with Marco
CPR is proud to welcome Jim Alexander to our leadership team. Jim has assumed the new volunteer role of On-Site Services Volunteer Coordinator. You may know Jim as the friendly Visitor Services Representative who works on the weekends and who is also the proud owner of a wonderful African Grey parrot, Marco, who was adopted from CPR. He will be managing and coordinating the many volunteer activities that occur on-site, such as Toy-making, Bird Cage Maintenance/Detailing, Visitor Services Representatives and more.
 
Would you like to join our great team of volunteers and help the CPR birds? Click here to complete our Volunteer Interest Form and we'll contact you with more information about the many opportunities available.

Volunteer Spotlight on Jim Burke

Jim with Jill
Jim with Jill the Blue & Gold Macaw
Jim Burke began volunteering for CPR in July 2014. When he's not volunteering at CPR, Jim is a Natural Resources Extension Agent in Gaston County. Jim discovered CPR through a volunteer at a habitat steward training program. He has always been interested in wildlife and began volunteering at the Raptor Center in 1998.
 
Stop by Parrot University most any Saturday morning and you'll find Jim target training the birds and working to socialize them. Jim enjoys working with the birds to increase their chance of getting adopted. When asked which bird is his favorite, he replied "no favorite, I like them all!" One of Jim's most memorable volunteer experiences was the first time Jake, a Catalina Macaw, stepped up on his hand. He finds Ms. Bosley, a Blue & Gold Macaw, to be his biggest challenge, because she has a strong preference for women, so it has taken more time to build her trust. Jim's advice for bird owners who want to train their birds is to "be patient".

When Jim isn't working with the birds he can be found doing odd jobs like food preparation, loading the dishwasher or light maintenance on behalf of the birds. Jim is a true gem for CPR. Both the birds and CPR benefit greatly from Jim's efforts. Thanks, Jim!

Tip of the Month: Fun With Healthy Food

Birdie Mash
Nutritious birdie mash made for the CPR parrots.
Feeding a variety of healthy, high quality foods to our feathered companions is an important part of responsible parrot ownership. Finding the preparation time can be challenging due to our busy schedules, but making a mash mixture in advance can help alleviate the time constraint. Freezing the mixture into ice cube trays makes it easy to reheat individual portions and serve them on the spot. When reheating in the oven or microwave, stir the mixture to make sure it doesn't have hot spots that could burn a hungry parrot's mouth.
 
The possibilities for mash recipes are endless and making them can be a lot of fun. Almost any parrot-safe food can be added, from veggies and fruits to nuts and grains. If you're interested in learning more about cooking for your bird, food flock psychology, and what NOT to feed your parrot, then please join us for 'Fun With Food' on Sunday, September 27, at 2 pm. Your bird will thank you for attending! 
Plan for Holiday Boarding Now

Boarding Rooms at Parrot University
When you make your holiday travel plans this year, remember that Parrot University offers safe and secure boarding for your feathered loved ones. Both private and communal rooms are available and you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that your birds are being cared for by the knowledgeable and caring staff at Parrot U. It's the next best thing to birdie camp.
 
Be sure to make your holiday boarding reservations early, as spaces fill up fast.

Click here for information.

Please call 704-889-2325 if you have questions or would like a tour of the facility.

Please send comments, suggestions, and stories to info@CompanionParrots.org. Thanks to everybody for your support!

  

The Birds of Companion Parrots Re-homed
Board of Directors
Volunteers