Rescuing two parrots and terrified!

[Bleeding.Heart]

Hello, my name is Chloë, and I am soon to be a new first-time parrot owner. A good friend of mine belongs to a parrot rescue organization and a seizure of fifteen birds took place today. However their organization was already full of unwanted birds and if they did not have a place to foster these animals, they would be destroyed. So I offerred to take one... and apparently I am getting two!

If all goes well, I will be fostering an "Orange Wing Amazon" and a "Black Cap Conure". The Amazon, "Marty" is apparently in very, very bad shape. His feathers are oily because he stopped preening properly and the woman who kept them was a heavy smoker. He is discoloured and my friend suspects he is "broken inside" because he has had at least six homes in his life. He's very lethargic and "sad" she says. The conure, "Jade" must come with him because she is his best friend in the world.

The kicker about all this is that I do not know a single thing about birds and I am petrified of the idea that I will be caring for these poor things. I know I can always go to my friend for advice but she is very busy at the moment, trying to find a place to put all these birds.

I'm wondering what I can do to make these birds comfortable and relaxed once they arrive. They came from a very smelly, dark, dirty place (foot-high piles of feces and rat carcasses dirty). They will be staying in my room, where I can close the door to keep my cats away. Should I keep the room dim, or bright? Should I give them access to fresh outside air right away or wait? Should I cover them, or let them look around?

I'm sorry for the long ramble, but I am SO nervous. I know that anything I do will be an improvement for them, but I very much want to do the best for them. I heard Marty loves red grapes so I am armed and ready with red grapes a-plenty. Ack!

 

[HRH Di]

First, welcome to the forum!

Second, you are getting major karma points to taking these birds into your home. Kudos to you!

Third, try to find a copy of Parrots for Dummies. Excellent book for the novice parrot guardian. Great to have at hand when you need an answer quick!

These poor babies are going to need a lot of love and patience. I assume the rescue organization has taken them in for a check up at the vet or will "sponsor" you to do so. They will be a wonderful resource for you so ask questions. Also ask here. We love to help new parrot families.

What sort of "supplies" are you getting with them? Toys? Food? Cage?

Lastly, we really, really like pictures.

 

[madparrotwoman]

Hello Chloe and welcome. You must be a special kind of person (as all parronts are) to take on two very needy birds like this. This is a wonderful thing you are doing and in time the birds will reward you in their own way but time and patience is of the essence in this case. A good diet, love, kindness and sactuary is what they need the most. If it's information you need you have come to the right place as we have that in abundance here along with other members who will have experience with these particular species and also with rescues. Don't fall into the trap of feeding a seed only diet, these birds will need a varied diet which can consist of seeds but they also need a daily supply of fruit and vegetables, nuts and pellets too if finance allows. This diet will help bring these birds plumage back to condition. You could also supply the birds with a bowl of water at the bottom of their cage/s to allow for bathing, this will also help with the feather condition. Speak sofly to the birds to begin with and approach slowly and trust will be built on these foundations. The book Di suggested is a highly recommended one so you might want to consider getting yourself a copy.

We are here for you Chloe, please know that and good luck

 

[Cecilia]

Welcome to the forum! I have been in your situation before. I had rescued 4 birds all at once last min. and boy or boy was it scary. You said they will be staying in your room... I suggest you let some natural light in your room and leave the cage partially cover more so uncovered but give them a spot in the cage they can hide till they get comfortable. I had 4 adult cats and about 7 kittens when i rescued the birds, and that's not to mention the 5 dogs. LOL I'm crazy I know. (3dogs and 1 cat were mine all others were rescues. I have been doing animal rescue for about 6yrs. as a hobby) anyhow do not let the cats in your room for about 4-5 days let both the cat and the birds get used to the new sounds and scents in the home before allowing the cats to get close to the cage. (not too close, don't want to frighten the stressed out birds more than they already are..) I suggest covering their cage at night so they feel more secure. Remember fresh food and non-chlorine water every day, as well as a decent sized bowel for them to bath in. If you need any help or have any other questions please feel free to ask. There are many people more experienced in birds than I am. =) Good Luck!

 

[antoinette]

A big welcome Chloe, to a very infomative forum, super members and great posts.
Chloe, you are a very brave girl and I salute you, for taking in 2 birds. :1218:
Research as much as you can, and ask questions, remember no question, is a stupid question, if you don't know the answer.
Let us know when the birds arrive, I'm so excited for you, you are going to experience the joy and pleasure birds bring to ones lives. :emoticonc
Good luck

 

[Bleeding.Heart]

Thank you so much everyone! I am so grateful for the supportive responses.

Di, I am apparently getting all kind of supplies with these birds - two cages (the one for Marty has spaces big enough for Jade to squeeze through so she must have her own), good pellet food, and a few toys. I bought a bunch of fruit and vegetables for them too - red grapes, snap peas, watermelon, blueberries, oranges. Are any of those harmful for birds to eat? The birds were apparently fed only peanuts, so I am a little worried that they won't switch over to the pellets readily.

The birds were given some kind of blood testing to see if they carried communicable diseases and they all passed, amazingly, and the Humane Society vet will be assessing them. I'll likely take them into a vet for a more thorough checkup afterwards. And I will for sure get that book you mentioned!!

Cecilia, you are definitely not crazy - well, if you are, then so am I! I have four rescued goldfish, two without eyes and two that were left here by our home's previous owners, and my cats are both rescues. I feel sorry for just about everything.

Madparrotwoman and Antoinette, thanks very much for the kindess and tips. I never thought about getting a bath tub for them but that is a great idea - no doubt it would feel good after being in such a filthy place. I have no concept of how big these guys are - I'm sure I can rig up some kind of makeshift birdbath for them once I see them.

Thanks again guys and you bet I will have some pictures for you when they arrive! I bet they will be a little bit sad though, poor Marty especially sounds a dreadful fright

 

[Spiritbird]

Welcome here. We will support you throughout this event in your life. Just try not to show your anxiety around the birds because they will feel it too. Takes lots of confidence and patience. Are you fostering? Perhaps this organization could get your an experienced volunteer to help out. What state do you live in??

 

[Bleeding.Heart]

Hi Spiritbird, thanks for the welcome

I had heard that birds are very sensitive to energies and whatnot, so I am going to be careful to be very calm and openminded around them and not let my fear show. My friend, Melissa, is very active in the organization and would probably be my "go-to" person for any help I need, but I'm sure the organization will be able to help me out...

I live in Manitoba, Canada.

 

[madparrotwoman]

Something else I failed to mention, you mention taking them to a vet to get them checked over, he/she may suggest certain suppliments to boost their vitamin/mineral intake or they may not, either way a bit of sunlight and fresh air will do them the world of good. Winter is not that far away so try to do this now while it's still possible. They don't need to be outside, just near to an open window or door allowing sunlight and fresh air into the room.

I am really excited about this and can't wait for updates on how they are doing.

 

[HRH Di]

Pretty much all fresh fruits and veggies are safe for parrots except:

mushrooms
avocados
fresh onions (actually, I've heard conflicting info about onions, so I just avoid them to be on the safe side)

Parrots also shouldn't ever have caffeine or alcohol, so no nibbles of the Hershey bar or sips from your coffee. Limit or eliminate junk food such as chips and candy and dairy products, since birds don't naturally ever eat dairy. However, most birds looooove cheese and yogurt, so a tiny bit for a treat is okay but just once in awhile.

You might also want to check any houseplants you have against a list of toxic plants. Here's a link with a pretty good list...Safe and Toxic Plants for Pet Birds List, poisonous and toxic plants for pet birds, safe herbs for pet birds, safe flowers for pet birds, safe garden plants for pet birds, safe garden flowers for pet birds, safe seeds to grow for pet birds, safe hous

You're going to be amazed at how much a clean, bright, loving home improves their health and general outlook.

One little note - to make clean up easier, get a few feet of plastic floor runner - the kind that go in hallways. Most home improvement stores have it that can be purchased by the foot. Put it in front of their cages under the doors and under their play perches. This will save lots of heart ache over cleaning poo off the carpet/tile/wood floor.

I'm really excited, too. Please promise to keep us updated.

 

[Mel]

Wow Chloe you are an amazing woman to take these poor little guys into your home. Welcome to a fantastic forum. You have so many people here at your fingertips ready to help. Great advise given so far as SB said try not to show any anxiety around your birds - they pick up on your mood so easily, if you are relaxed, calm and confident it will help them feel realxed and secure. Just remember almost any problems are fixable with time, knowledge and patience. Looking forward to sharing your journey.

 

[bogo1]

I agree with all said and would add this thought. If these two are best friends make sure the first few days that you assess both rather than individual birds in terms of readiness. I am explaining poorly but having cared for a lot of really traumatized animals I have found that mutual survivors tend to form especially powerful and sensitive bonds to the point that what affects one affects both. I guess what I mean is introduce new experiences based on the seeming readiness of the more timid bird. If the rest of you understand what I am talking about and can say it better please do. I just (working with traumatized raptors ) have found that flock readiness is a better indicator than the readiness o curiosity of a single more confident bird. Forgive me for introducing something this advanced when you are trying to get your arms around the basics but you are doing something very courageous and this little concept can increase your chance of success.
Barbara