Wednesday, Jan 20 The Gabriel Foundation was asked to aid in rescuing 40+ Parrots, mostly McCaws. Here is the post I found about it:

!!!WARNING!!! GRAPHIC IMAGES and TEXT!!!

Written by Gaye Thomasson
Volunteer Coordinator
The Gabriel Foundation

If there is a Hell on Earth for parrots, I witnessed it Wednesday, January 20th, in Pueblo, CO. And if there are parrot “angels,” I personally know them. They work for The Gabriel Foundation.

Yesterday I participated in a rescue of approximately forty parrots, mostly Blue and Gold Macaws (species: ararauna) a number of Green-winged Macaws (species: choroptera), a Military Macaw (species: militaris), two Moluccan Cockatoos (species: moluccensis), and a Bare-eyed Cockatoo (species: sanguinea) from a condemned home in Pueblo. I went with Julie Murad, Founder and CEO of The Gabriel Foundation, Dr. Noel Opitz, onsite Avian Veterinarian, and Karen Vanderhyde, Coordinator of Relinquishments, Long term Foster, Boarding and Sanctuary. I write “approximately forty birds” because as we came on to the scene, there were already four dead birds. And, we donʼt as yet know how many survived through the night. The birds were living a nightmare, to say the least.

TGF was contacted by The Pueblo Community Animal Shelter at approximately 12:00 PM, Wednesday, January 20th. They asked if we would work with them on this case. We offered our expertise. They asked us if we could provide housing and care for these birds. The shelter staff had very limited experience with parrots but knew the situation was critical. We were asked to help. remove the birds from the property, to help to transport them back to the Shelter, to do medical exams, to administer emergency treatment if needed, to create documentation for each bird, and provide fresh food and water for all. It was an experience I will never forget.

The local police and animal control officers secured the house and yard for us. There were big dogs and over one hundred caged pigeons behind the house. There were only a few body parts left of the goats that had once lived there. The dogs had eaten them. The owner, an elderly man who suffered from dementia, had been feeding the pigeons to the dogs. He had been feeding dog food to the parrots.

There was no running water in the home. The toilet hadnʼt worked for five years. Dog feces everywhere.

Six Blue and Gold Macaws in one small, ratty metal cage in a back room inside of the house.

The TGF team entered the cramped outside, unheated, unlit attached aviary, where all but six of the parrots were living. (Mind you, we have had subzero weather in Colorado the past month and these birds have lived in those deplorable, hazardous conditions for a very long time!) When we opened the door, the stench of ammonia, feces and death was staggering. What we saw was heartbreaking: wire cages stacked on wire cages with sick, emaciated birds, piles of bird feces the size of footballs, empty food and water bowls. Dead birds. (Please understand, I am not exaggerating. ) Wearing masks, we took action.

There was only one immediate goal: get the birds out as quickly as possible. Carriers and crates were readied outside of the door. Upon entering the room, we were all stunned at the sight of a beautiful Green-winged Macaw, dead by the door. We had to tend to the living.

I was in awe watching Dr. Opitz and Karen Vanderhyde perform an extremely difficult task. Starting at the front, they worked as a team, gently toweling each frightened bird and placing them in marked carriers.

Cage doors had to be torn back. Perches, made of rough branches and rusty nails, had to be removed to extricate the living as well as the dead. There would be time for tears later.

The calm, compassionate professionalism that these two people and Julie demonstrated hour after hour was remarkable. The assistance from Puebloʼs animal control officers, police, and the animal shelter was exceptional. And, as the birds were crated in their carriers (mates carefully kept with mates), Julie Murad oversaw the meticulous documentation and their placement in safe, warm vehicles. The noise of the frightened birds was deafening.

We drove the short distance back to the Pueblo Community Animal Shelter and quickly set up a triage for Dr. Opitz. The shelter provided us with an examining room, clean towels, stainless steel bowls for water, a room to prepare food. The staff was right there to help out with any request, any need.

They were magnificent. With the medical equipment we brought from the Foundation in Elizabeth, the hours-long shuttling of birds-to-doctor began. One by one, each bird was brought to the exam room, gently toweled and held by Karen, photographed, numbered, examined by Dr. O and documented by Julie Murad. Then the bird was returned to its carrier for its first real parrot meal along with a fresh dish of water.

Finally, we moved the birds to rooms, transformed into bird sanctuaries, for the night. A quiet night. Full crops. Safety. Warmth.

All of the birds that we saw are physically suffering. They are malnourished and have numerous advanced infections. That they could even breathe and live in the rancid smelling aviary is beyond belief. All of these birds must have a great strength of spirit to have survived this horrific ordeal.

One of the last birds to be examined broke our hearts: She, of course, suffered the maladies that the others did. Dr. O lifted the towel to examine her feet. One was gone. Completely gone. As Dr. O looked at the other foot, one of her little toes fell off. Rotten. The team changed focus and tended to this beautiful birdʼs little legs. She was given antibiotics and painkillers. Wrapped in clean gauze with antiseptic, she was returned to her carrier. Will she survive? We donʼt know.

But now, once again, we ask for your help. Tomorrow, the remaining live birds will be transported from the Animal Shelter in Pueblo, Colorado, back to Elizabeth to be cared for, according to the search and seizure warrant, by The Gabriel Foundation.

As you know, we are at capacity. These birds cannot be around other birds. We are taking extreme caution to minimize contact with this flock. We don’t know what infectious or contagious diseases they may have. We are currently looking for another building in which to house them; one with heat, a kitchen area with floors and walls that can be regularly washed down. We are seeking volunteer help to tend to them once they are in their new lodgings. We will need dozens and dozens of cages. Big cages. Cages these birds have never known in their entire lives. They will need fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seed, every day. We will need storage containers and bins for food amd rolling carts.

The Gabriel Foundation needs money now for all of the immediate and ongoing medical expenses, including lab testing, surgeries,and whatever treatments their tests reveal. We have estimated the minimum medical costs for each bird at $250. Up to a dozen of these birds will most likely require surgery as soon as their conditions are stabilized.

And, of course we will need toys. Lots of toys. These birds have done nothing for years except sit in their cramped cages, tails bent, naves plugged. Waiting. Waiting.

As dear friends of The Gabriel Foundation , we hope that you will find it in your hearts to financially help TGF in this time of need. Your donation will make an incredible difference. These beautiful parrots were once cared for, but time took its toll on their ownerʼs health, and all of his animals suffered. We can make the future lives of these parrots better. The need is urgent.

Here is how you can help today:

1) Go to The Gabriel Foundation®, CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE, SECURE ONLINE DONATIAON NOW;
https://thegabrielfoundation.org/donate.php

2) Donate by mail, directing your contibution to:

Pueblo Rescue 2010
c/o The Gabriel Foundation
1025 Acoma Street
Denver, Colorado 80204

3) Download copies of this message and pass it to friends who care about the welfare of all living creatures and who may be willing to financially assist these birrds; and/or

4) Forward this message to friends and family who also might be able to make a valued contribution.

And now, you can join all of us at The Gabriel Foundation as we cry for this forgotten flock.
With my deepest thanks.
Gaye Thomasson
Volunteer Coordinator
The Gabriel Foundation
39520 County Road 13
Elizabeth, Colorado 80107
T: 303.629.5900 x 235
F: 303.646.1351
The Gabriel Foundation®

Toxic Non-Toxic Plants and Trees

You may not realize it, but many things in your home, could be harmful to your bird. For instance, most household plants are toxic to birds.

While an Oak branch seems like a strong, durable, choice for a perch, it is Toxic to Parrots, and Parakeets.

There are millions of plant species out there. It’s unlikely, you’ll find a full list of Safe/ Not Safe Plants any where. I have put together a few charts of, some of the more common, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants and Trees on my site.

You can also, look at charts of Toxic Non-Toxic Food, or  a list of Toxic Chemicals.

By keeping safety in mind, you might have a “Life Long Companion”, rather than, a “shot term pet”.

Diet, is another thing to keep in mind, but I’ve already covered that, on a few other posts.

Take good care of your “Fid”!!

jaytee

The Monk Parakeet

The Monk Parakeet is also known as Quaker Parrot, or Gray-Breasted Parakeet.

Myiopsitta monachus monachus – nominate subspecies
Myiopsitta monachus calita – Mendoza Grey-breasted Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus cotorra – Paraguayan Grey-breasted Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus luchsi – Luchs’s or Bolivian Grey-breasted Parakeet

The Monk, originating from S.E. South America, is becoming a very popular pet, in the US. Bird lovers are finally realizing this HUGE PARROT, in a tiny body.

The monk has a terrific ability to mimic sound, and human speech. While the speech may not compare to the African Grey, or some of the Amazons, It’s thought, by many, to be in the top 10 Speaking Birds. Although the speech may not be quite as good, the personality, more than makes up for it.

Many of these larger birds, just kinda hang out. They don’t have a great need to interact. The Monk, on the other hand, wants to be the center of attention! What ever your doing, include ME. What’s that your eating? I want some. Not to mention, the playfulness.

Think of Spot playing fetch. That’s a kiddie thing to the Monk. He can be taught to play basket ball, put his toys in wagon, and move them elsewhere, put together puzzles, and dis-assemble just about anything, including the lock on his cage. And speak (although, they will imitate your dogs bark) doesn’t mean rrruufff! These guys are capable of a very large vocabulary.

The Monk, in nature is very social. They build intricate nest structures, referred to as condos. These condos may occupy dozens of pairs. The Monk is the only Parrot that builds a nest.

While your off to work, the Monk needs to be kept entertained. Keeping the radio, or TV on a low volume, will make him think he’s got company, but toys are a must. Toys will give your fid a physical playmate. Again, they’re very active. The toys will keep them occupied.

The Monk requires a special diet. The Monk is prone to Fatty Liver Disease. (FLD). Obviously, high fat content in diet. Many seeds are high in fat. Stick to a pellet diet. Many fruit seeds are toxic to your fid. Don’t guess which, avoid all. There are also many chemicals that can be toxic to your fid.

The Blue Monk Parakeet is quickly rising in popularity. There are many other mutation varieties, not as common, and a bit more costly, if you can find them.

The young babies take a bit of extra care, wether raised by parrents, or parronts. When raised by “parronts”, each groth cycle is extended by a few days-to a week.

Your Monk will need a place to call home. Most commonly, called a cage. The monk may live to 25-30 years. Make him as comfortable as you have space, and can afford.  Minimum cage size being, 18x18x24. This is a pretty tiny space to spend 20-30 years. Again, as large as you have space, and can afford!!!!!!

This is just a brief summery of “The Care, and Needs of the Monk Paraket”.

There’s a lot more info @ jaytee’s Quaker Parrots .com.

Maybe you want to start wit my FAQ page.

I’ve been working on my site, jaytee’s Quaker Parrots, for a while now. I realized, there’s a small number of questions, that most people ask, so I put together a page called FAQ. On this page you’ll get many questions answered about the Quaker Parrot. Also known as the Monk Parakeet.

Through out my site, there’s a great deal of info, covering many different topics.

Please, grab a drink, sit a spell, and learn about the Quaker Parrot.

Here’s the list of FAQ:

• 1 What does a Quaker Parrot look like?
• 2 Are Quaker Parrots illegal in some States?
• 3  What is the personality of the Quaker Parrot?
• 4  What is the Quakers Life Span?
• 5  Is The Quaker known to have health issues?
• 6  Quakers speaking ability?
• 7  Do Quakers make good pets?
• 8  What is a good diet for the Quaker Parrot?
• 9  What kind/ size of cage should a Quaker have?
• 10 What about Quaker’s nesting habits?
• 11 Quaker Parrots’ Breeding Habbits?
• 12 How much do Quakers cost?
• 13 Is my Quaker Parrot Pregnant?
• 14 What are the differences between Male and Female Quakers?
• 15 What are the differences between Green and Blue Quakers?
• 16 Where does the name “Quaker Parrot” “Monk Parakeet” come from?
• 17 Where did the Blue Quaker, and other Quaker Mutations come from?
• 18 Where can I learn more about Quaker Parrots?

I just spent hours re-doing  my “Healthy Food” page @ jayteesQuakerParrots.com

You’ll find a wealth of information there.

I created a few charts on Toxic , Non-Toxic Foods for Parrots.

You’ll find a list of Toxic Foods to Avoid, and why.

Here’s a small exerpt:

“Birds do not have the natural enzymes to break down dairy products. While a SMALL amount of Low-fat cheese, or yogurt won’t harm your pet, a large amount could!!”

Learn much more about your Parrot’s diet, health, care, and so much more. Just Click Here.

jaytee

I’ve been away for a while. Legal, and medical issues. You don’t really need the details. I’m back!

I’ve been working on my photos. I rebuilt my pics page on my website. I added larger, clearer images.  I hope you enjoy what you see.

Over the past year, I’ve gotten pics of wild quakers. Most look like the standard green, grey, and blue everyone’s accustomed to, but I got some rare shots you may enjoy.

Please take a look at my images page.

I always have my camera, on the lookout for the next great shot.

They don’t come everyday, but I’m always ready.

Here are a couple pics I put on my site.

Hi, I'm SMOOCHES

Come on in, the waters warm

It's a Comune Thing

I just discovered that, some people think Quakers get “PREGNANT”.

Pregnancy is most common to mammals, but not always the case. I know of sharks, and snakes, that incubate their eggs in a woom-like setting. The eggs develop, and hatch inside the mother. The young continue to grow, then the mother delivers live-birth. This would be a very simple explanation of pregnancy.

Most birds, reptiles, and amphibians lay their eggs in some sort of nest. The incubation, and hatching take place “in the nest”, not “in the mother”. These “nests” can vary greatly, depending on species. A few examples are: stick nests, rock ledges or formations, buried under the sand, hidden in under-brush, just to name a few.

As far as I know, all female birds lay eggs, fertilized, or not.
Quakers DO NOT get pregnant!!!!!!!!

Birds, in general, including Quakers, are susceptible to egg binding.

Egg Binding is a situation where the egg cannot be passed. In most cases this can be fatal. A couple symptoms are, the female at the bottom of the cage acting strangely. Very little movement, feathers fluffed, tail moving erratically. See a vet NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Learn more about nesting and breeding, at jaytee’s Quaker Parrots.

The BLUE QUAKER is one of many varieties of mutations, of the quaker parrot.
Some of the more popular varieties include Yellows, Yellow-faced, Cinnamon, Albino, Lutino, and Pied.
These mutations happen, by breeding two quakers with stronger of a desired Gene together. Do this with another pair. Then breed the offspring with the strong Gene. repeat if necessary.

This is SMOOCHES, a Blue Quaker, enjoying “Bath Time”.

Read in more detail about Quaker Mutations @ my website. Maybe you need supplies for your bird, parrot, or any other pet.

The care of your FID means Health, Nutrition, and Food are #1.
Your parrot’s diet should be mainly pellets, followed by fruits, vegies, meats, and starches.
There are a few cautions here:
Most fruit seeds and pits are toxic to parrots. Allow them the fruit, but not the seeds/pits.
Many birds are susceptible to “Fatty-Liver-Disease”. Keep fats and sugars to a minimum to prevent early termination.
Starches, such as rice, pasta, and breads should “NOT BE WHITE”. Stick with Wheat, Whole Grain, Rye etc.. If it’s not good for you, it’s BAD for your fid!!!!!
Birds in general, are lactose-intolorant. Birds seem to love dairy, but they don’t have the natural enzymes to digest it. A low fat yogurt, or cheese is a nice treat, but keep it to a minimum.
There are a few Toxic Foods You should be aware of.
Here’s a short list to be wary of.
TOXIC!!!!!

APPLE SEEDS CHOCOLATE ALCOHOL

AVOCADOS FRUIT SEEDS & PITS CAFFEINE

You can get more info @ jaytees Quaker Parrots

Are you considering bringing a bird into your flock? Do you already have a bird(s), and looking for more info?
I found a few Books, and E-zines that are very informative.
I also put quite a bit of info on my site. Go there and have a look around!!!
Charts comparing parrots could help decide which one is right for you.
If your considering a new bird, you might think about adoption. There are thousands of birds out there, that have lost their homes/parronts for what ever reason. Many of these un-homed birds still have decades to live. PLEASE think about Adoption!!!!!
jaytee