Love Me for Who I AM

This was written by Vicki Knox LeClaire who runs
Miss Vicki’s Parrot Village, Inc

The most heartbreaking things I face on a regular basis revolve around the ‘less than perfect’ birds…not from the birds themselves, but from the humans who encounter them. Here are just a handful of the facts and theories I have about the topic of plucked birds…
1. Don’t feel sorry for a plucked bird to any higher degree than a non-plucked bird. All are captive; all deserve respect, not sympathy. We created the problem, so we need to stand by them. Seeing a plucked bird here, then giving the ‘Bless his/her heart’ is not helping that bird; adopting him/her is.
2. Don’t assume a bird is plucking because he/she is in rescue; that is rarely the case. We have only had two of hundreds, and I am sure other rescues have the same experiences.
3. Don’t assume plucked birds are bored, unhappy, or sick. We don’t see plucked birds in the wild because if they exist, they are plucked out of the gene pool by predators or death; that is natural selection.
4. If your bird is plucking, take your bird to the vet for a full check up, including blood work, to determine if medical causes are to blame. If so, fix them, if not, love your bird as they are. If you are providing a good diet, enrichment, proper sleep, a toxin-free environment, etc. odds are, this is your bird’s ‘normal’. Accepting is and loving him/her as they are is far better for them and you than to constantly be stressing over appearance. Doing this is far less expensive for you than buying every snake oil product out there aimed at ‘fixing’ the ‘problem’.
5. Don’t send your plucking bird to a breeder because you cannot stand how ‘unhappy’ he/she is. Odds are, if you are doing the above, the bird is nowhere near as unhappy as others make you feel the bird is. Sending plucked birds back to breeders is one source of the problem…taking plucked birds into the breeding gene pool that is already messed up, and breeding more birds with the potential genetic predisposition to plucking is only adding fuel to the fire. Mulligan, my M2 that started the rescue was one of these birds frown emoticon
6. Expect it to be a bigger problem in the future. Without the influx of wild parrots into the gene pool and so many breeders not doing their research, we are soon to be facing serious problems from inbreeding. Immunity issues, feather issues, new diseases and abnormalities we have never seen before…hold onto your hats folks…
7. Just love them for who they are. They do it to you every day, just follow their lead

Missing the Ones Who’ve Moved On

Posted on April 15, 2015 by vicktorymom

from the blog : RAY THE VICKTORY DOG

Our beautiful Sunshine…finally in a home of her own.

If you work in Animal Welfare or Animal Rescue, you know the mixed feelings that come with helping an animal heal enough to move forward into a home of their own. There is joy that the animal you have put so much in to has finally found a family and a safe place to land.  There is a feeling of satisfaction at a job well done.  And there is the grief of turning loose of someone who has become so important in your life.  Don’t let anyone fool you…the pain is there….whether this is your first foster/adoption, or your 500th.

There is always that second of doubt that you are doing the right thing.  Will these people love and cherish your friend the way that you have?  Will they be kind and patient?  Will they provide the right care, attention and food?  Will they appreciate the quirks that make this dog, cat, bird absolutely unique?

To be honest, dwelling on feelings like that can become paralyzing.  It is the beginning of a downward slide which can ultimately lead to hoarding.  The moment you stop reminding yourself that this animal deserves a home of their own, is the moment you begin believing that no one can care for them they way you can.  And you begin putting up road blocks and hoops for potential adopters to jump through.  You make the process so onerous that no one could meet your criteria.  You put so many control measures in place that people stop even trying to work with you.  And the animals suffer.

I am extremely fortunate to work or an organization where the animals who live here are welcome to stay here as long as necessary; forever if they do not find adopters.  But our goal…our wish…our efforts are all geared towards getting them into a home.  My former supervisor once said “we want to adopt to the people who want to adopt from us”.  I constantly remind my staff that we are, at best, an orphanage.  Our birds deserve to be a pampered darling in someone’s home.

One of our criteria at the Parrot Garden that I absolutely will not change is the requirement that people come here to meet the birds.  That allows us to find the best possible match between bird, people and lifestyle.  And many of the people who come do not have the necessary knowledge to properly care for exotic birds.  In a word, they are not ready.  It is our job as caregivers to help them become ready.  To offer the knowledge, resources and skills required to be a great birdie parent.  To that end we have handouts, booklets, and articles to give them.  We send them with food, toys, perching and even sometimes an appropriate sized cage.

We celebrate the adoption. We take pictures to post on social media.  We give the family an adoption certificate.  We exchange email addresses and last minute information about this particular bird.  We tearfully wave goodbye as they back  out of the parking lot.  And all the while a quiet voice in my head is questioning if this is the right home for this bird.  In order to continue to save birds, I have to find a way to still that voice.

And at the end of the day, there is no denying that there is an empty cage,  an open spot, a missing member of our family.  And it hurts.  And it always will.  But the hundreds of successful adoptions we’ve had are only possible because we keep trusting others to help share our load…to make a space for the next incoming bird who needs a safe shelter.

Yesterday two of our long-term residents went home.  To an amazing and dedicated family who have the resources and experience to give them an absolutely fabulous life. I know these kids have hit the jackpot.  But that doesn’t mean I don’t feel their loss, and shed a few tears; missing them.

And today, there are three new birds in our quarantine building.  Birds that desperately needed rescuing.  The only reason I could say “yes” was because of the birds who were going home.  And the cycle continues.  My hope, my prayer, is that someday it will no longer be necessary.

Winning and Losing the War against Breeders from The Squawking Macaw

From The Squawking Macaw
written by Bob Kaegi

Over the past weeks and even years there has been a battle between us in the Avian Rescue Community and the Bird Breeders who continue to add more to the problem we are already aware of, and that is the overpopulation of parrots in the Pet Trade. A battle I may add which we in the rescue community are losing. Some may ask why we are not reaching them. Why are they not hearing us? Some of the answer is Greed, Selfishness, and simply, choosing not to look around and see the devastation they are causing. But there is another reason, one that is more destructive than the breeders themselves.

What could it be?

The answer can be found in what is happening within our own community. The division caused by one or more of these groups who do something that another group or individual doesn’t agree with. There are too damned many who feel they are the self appointed God’s of the Avian Community. There is no right or wrong way of doing things as long as the basics are followed. Proper diets, clean housing, vetting, safe enrichment, home inspections, education, and happy adoptions. As long as all the proper care is being given, what is really all the damned fighting really about?

I have talked too many of those in the “community” and they all agree the problem is simple….. Egos.

There are also too many who think that their way is the only way, or that their vet is the only proper vet. If you don’t follow their “Godly like advise” they will spew venom, and degrade you in whatever manner they can. Mind you there are those who may deserve some chiding because they are simply cons, who are no better than some of the breeders themselves.

Some perform Rescues, off the radar because of those who think they have to know everything that is going on in the community, or are entitled to know everything. Simply put, if they are not controlling it, they will be out to destroy it, along with anyone who supports or is involved in it. I call this Avian Terrorism. Sadly it has become a very real thing.

THIS IS THE REASON WE ARE LOSING THE WAR AGAINST BREEDERS!!!!!!

Many are so busy fighting WITHIN the Community they can’t focus on what really matters. Who would take anyone seriously if they are talking negatively about their own? Hell I wouldn’t…

It is only when WE can truly come together as a community, quit fighting with each other can we focus on the problem at hand. Hell those who are the paid professionals that don’t have our background with exotic birds look at us as a joke because we are too damned busy cutting each others throats. There isn’t a day I don’t read something negative about someone, by someone else or another group who is doing something wrong according to someone else….

We need to fix what is broken with ourselves, before we can make an effort to fix what is broken with anyone else.

There are so many hard working individuals and groups out there doing the “Good Work” and it pains the rest of us seeing them attacked for what? Doing what others preach about, but yet set on the sidelines and comment negatively about. Yes, that is the way to make friends and influence others in a positive manner.

Is it not enough when those who are trying to learn are jumped on and attacked for asking a simple question? But when someone steps up to help another bird, or birds they are attacked for doing such. It is no wonder they will not reach out for help.

We have no chance at winning the war outside of our own community until we can quit fighting amongst ourselves. We are all different in our making, and thinking. We will not always agree on everything that we do, or even how we do it. But as long as the focus is on the mission (i.e. the birds) and we are following the basics for their proper care, what does any of this matter from within?

I’d rather be focusing on the breeders, and groups who still continue to promote breeding, for the pet trade, instead of conservation, and caring for what already exists in the many Rescues and Sanctuaries. That is the battle worth fighting………..

Nothing else really matters… Or should matter.

Squawking Macaw 2015

Disclaimer: As the author of the Squawking Macaw the sharing of the material is allowed, but by doing so it is NOT a promotion, of any group, person or product. It is to be used for educational purposes only in its entirety. The Squawking Macaw does not endorse any entity other than that in the content for purposes of the article.

Adopted vs Purchasing a Baby Bird…..the misconception!

I have seen many comments on this subject and it is clear that there is a misconception that Adult birds in a rescue need more bird education to adopt rather than just purchasing a baby bird. This is absolutely not true! It is in fact just the opposite. A baby bird is going to require a huge amount of time to even have the hope of reaching maturity and not having behavioral or health issues. Babies taken from their parents too early are more likely to develop behavioral issues like biting, plucking, screaming…and the list goes on. Babies should not be weaned for quite some time, some species require a year or more. So that two month old baby being sold as weaned??? Most likely a baby is going to have issues just from forced weaned to early.  It is also very important that birds have annual avian checkups. No matter if it is a baby or an adult parrot, everyone needs to do a huge amount of research to even begin to understand a birds wants and needs. Taking a parrot into your life at any age is a huge commitment. There are sacrifices that must be made if you are going to provide for them and meet all their needs.

Birds in rescues are not there because they just happen to be bad or have issues. Most of the time birds end up in rescues due to being purchased as a baby and then the owner was not prepared for what happens when they become adults. Birds are messy, loud, require special diets, loads of mental and physical stimulation and they will chew whatever they can get their beaks on. They require regular avian checkups due to the fact that they hide illness so well. There are many things that are toxic to them and so you must remove and quit using many household items. The list is very extensive and most do not take the time to learn and educate themselves prior to bringing home the bird. These are the main reason birds are given up, they were just being birds and the humans were not prepared for it.

The reason there are so many birds in rescue now is due to the lack of education prior to someone purchasing the baby birds in the first place…. impulse shopping! Now I do understand that there may be other circumstances where a bird is given up to a rescue, but the majority of cases are just that the human is having issues dealing with the bird being a bird. All Baby birds are sweet and cuddly, but as they mature so do their personalities and they are not going to always be that sweet baby you brought home. In fact they are most likely going to do a lot of changing especially when they reach hormonal maturity and then what? That sweet lil baby bird you brought up may decide they don’t even like you. Especially if you do not have the prior education to understand the emotions and changes that they are going through. Hormones can be dealt with and those who truly understand parrots know it is an annual occurrence and how to get the humans and bird through this very difficult times.

Rescues do require a person interested in adopting to fill out a questionnaire which does ask if you have bird experience.  And I have seen where some believed this was because the birds in rescues are bad and require more work than babies….this is completely an ignorant statement. They ask because they want to make sure that you have the skills, knowledge and commitment to give a bird what they truly need. Their greatest desire is to make sure that should you adopt from them, that the birds is going into a loving educated home and the bird will have his best chance of staying there forever. Birds that are shifted from one home to another are more likely to develop behavioral issues… like trust. Birds are flock creatures and since we become their family they do not understand being given away especially time and time again. Rescues want to make sure that they are giving the birds in their care the best possible chance of this not happening. Pet stores and breeding facilities that just allow you to walk in a purchase a baby without any questions….as long as you have the desired amount of cash….how much do they truly care about that babies future? Not one bit! It is all about the cash to them and nothing more.

There is also a lot of controversy over the fees charged by rescues. Nobody seems to question a breeder or pet store requiring payment though. Here is a fact that some may not be aware of. A legitimate rescue makes sure every bird coming in is seen by a qualified avian vet…this can be a couple of hundred dollars or more depending on what tests need to be done, species and where the bird is coming from. A rescue then must provide cage, proper food, toys, mental and physical stimulation for each and every bird and continued vet care. All of this can run them hundreds of dollars monthly per bird. Many times the fee charged for adoption does not even cover the initial vet fees. Rescues are NOT making any money! What they are doing is making sure that each bird is well taken care of and is placed in a home with the best possible chances for that bird to have a happy life. They are taking in these precious Feathered ones that others have cast aside and hoping they can make a difference for them.

Bottom line is the reasons rescues are full now is NOT due to the birds being bad or anything like that. It is because these precious creatures are so misunderstood and there is a lack of education prior to people purchasing them. Most people are not willing or understand the commitment needed to provide for these babies for 30 plus years and so.

Take the time to educate yourself properly on what these precious creatures need. Visit your local avian rescues and take a look for yourself. Volunteer at the rescues, ask for the education. Do your own research from many many sources. Talk with an Avian vet. Education is key into helping ease the burden on the Avian Rescues. There are literally thousands and thousands of birds in Rescues just waiting for someone to adopt them. To think that these are all bad birds is just ridiculous. They are just birds being birds and waiting for someone to look at them and see them for the beautiful creatures that God created and accept them as they are.

Let one choose you and you will forever be thankful you did. I have 11 all adopted and they are the most loving babies ever!

Love from one Moluccan Cockatoo to Another….

AMY LYNN NEEDS OUR HELP!
Amy Lynn is a Moluccan Cockatoo that is currently in the care of Diane Dwyer in Chalk River, ON, Canada. She came to Diane in desperate need of help. There was barely a place, anywhere on her body that was not “self-mutilated”. Amy Lynn has now been to her first vet appointment and the results are staggering. She is suffering from heavy metal poisoning – most likely from the chain that is currently lodged in her stomach. Here is a picture:

If that were not bad enough, somehow, it appears that almost all of her toes have at one time been broken. That is pretty tough for a creature that has little choice but be on her feet 24/7.
Amy Lynn is on injections for the next 10 days to try to stop the leaching of the metal into her system. With a great deal of luck, the chain will pass though but that is a big unknown at this time. Regardless, it as to come out of there somehow and she is going to require a lot of vet care. That, as we parrot lovers know, becomes very expensive, very quickly. (So far over $500 plus travel expenses etc.)
Bill, the Moluccan Cockatoo happens to be in the position to help. Bill is a legendary “carver”. Anyone who shares their home with a cockatoo (or any parrot) will understand. Her “Mom”, Diana Slater of the Too Crazy Birdy Hotel provides lots of wood around a window in her bird room for Bill to chew to her heart’s content. Here is what it looks like when it is a work in progress:

Diana saves the “carvings” for Gail, the Artist. Gail and Bill work well together as Gail can always see the design that Bill had in mind. She paints them for Bill and the result is amazing! The first collaboration was “Bill’s Selfie”

Bill has also created a Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo perhaps a rendition of her friend Billy:

And also a Galah, probably inspired by Joey, who stayed for a few weeks at the Too Crazy Birdy Hotel:

With the love and blessing of Bill, Diana, Gail and F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. these three pieces of original cockatoo artwork are to be offered for auction to benefit Amy Lynn and Diane Dwyer of Second Chance Parrot Shelter.
Bidding will start on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and run until Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 6 p.m. and will be administered from the F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. Facebook page – Feathers in BC
To follow Amy Lynn’s story go to Diane Dwyer’s Page

Bird Shelter Operations – Part 6 – What Is Needed

From The Squawking Macaw by Bob Kaegi

Building Must Haves:

Facility large enough to safely house and secure all birds.
Electric, Ventilation, Air Conditioning or Large Fans for air flow, Heat, Running Water, Bay or Overhead Doors.
Rooms for Vet Care and Exam areas.
Room to set up several temporary Triage Areas for emergency Intake at time of Disaster or Seizure Operations. Areas should be separate rooms for each exam area. Areas can be cyclone fence areas with fencing covered by tarp material to minimize cross contamination from exam areas to exam areas.
Quarantine Areas, or Hot Rooms for Isolation of Ill birds.
Operations Office Areas.
Bathrooms.
Stationary Tub(s) for cleaning of equipment
Showers and Locker rooms are helpful.
Kitchen and or Food Prep area w/ refrigerator, freezer, and food storage. (This must be a separate area away from any birds or bird areas).
Visiting Area’s for Animal Owners if Disaster Operations.

Animal Supplies:

Animal Carriers.
Proper Sized Cages and Crates for housing. Tables for use of holding crates and cages at proper height.
Perches, Food and Water Bowls, Newspaper.
Tables for Crates to be placed on for easy cleaning around and under tables.
Large, Medium, Small Hook bill Food, Finch, and Dove Food. Pellet is preferred.
Fresh Fruits and Veggies for daily feeding.
Nuts and other treats.
Toys if available, or can be gathered later.
Bird Stands for daily exercise or out of cage time handling. After initial seizure.
Newspaper for Cages
Cage Tags and Marking System
Cordless Dremel Tool for Toenail, and Beak Trims

Office Items:

Laptop Computer, Printer, Internet Access.
Printer Paper
Name Tags
Clip Boards
Pens
Paperclips
File Folders
Colored Tapes Vinyl Electrical tape
Computer Label Maker
Permanent Markers
White Boards and Markers
Rolling Filing System.
Legal Pads
Folding Tables
Folding Chairs
Note Books

Cleaning Supplies:

Rolling Garbage Cans and Garbage Bags
Spray Bottles
Shop Vac Cleaners
Bleach, Vinegar, Hand Sanitizers, Antibiotic Dish Soap
Dumpster Delivery, and Pick-up,
Push Brooms, Mops, Mop Buckets, Utility Buckets
High Pressure Washer
Paper Towels

Medical Supplies:

Human and Avian Medical Supplies.
Shoe Covers
Vinyl or latex gloves
Tyvek Gowns for Hot Rooms,
Hair Covers
Masks

Tools and Misc. Equipment:

Assorted Screwdrivers
Assorted Pliers
Assorted Wrenches
Wire Ties

Operational Procedures

Set Chain of Command (Should Be Posted where all can see)

Leaders in Command structure should be based on type of Operation, and Training.

If the Operation is a Seizure. The command structure is as Follows:
Investigating Humane Agent
Lead Veterinarian
Shelter Manager. The Shelter Manager should have a minimum of 5 years Experience with Birds and have ICS 100, ICS 200, and NIMS 700 certification, or have Co-Shelter Managers that have either.

During Intake Operations there will be as many teams as permitted.
Each team will consist of the following:
1 Veterinarian, 1 Vet Tech, or Assistant, 1 Photographer, 1 Scribe.
Veterinarian will treat Bird with the Technician or Assistant.
Photographer will Photograph each bird along with its intake ID Number
Scribe will take notes as described by Veterinarian for each case.

Runners will shuttle Birds to either areas such as Housing Unit, Quarantine, or Hot Areas for more serious illnesses.

Housing Unit Care givers will feed and water birds and observe birds in a given area.

If the Operation is a Disaster all the above procedures will remain the same with the exception of Investigating Humane Agent. The lead will be the Shelter Operations Manager.

Volunteers:

Volunteers will be used as often as they can be, and in areas where they are best suited. Only after they have been vetted in to the system.
All Volunteers will sign in and out on days they are scheduled.
Volunteers will be assigned an area, and will only work in the assigned area. If they are in an area they are not supposed to be they will be removed, and will not be allowed to return. This is to ensure the integrity of any court case remains in place.

Confidentiality and Social Media Agreement to be signed by Everyone volunteering. Anyone breaking this rule may be terminated, and may be charged with a crime.

Bird Shelter Operations – Part 5 – Expect the Unexpected

From The Squawking Macaw by Bob Kaegi

While I have done everything to include all aspects of what to expect, and what goes on behind the scenes of an operational emergency shelter, it is impossible to cover each and every item. Things happen that cannot be expected to happen. So expect the unexpected.

What I can tell you is if you are going to participate in an upcoming operation that is planned, the best thing I can tell you is rest well the night before if possible. Although I have never been able to do so, as I play every possible scenario through my mind. Eat a hearty breakfast or meal beforehand. Depending on the size of the operation, there may not be a lunch, and dinner may end up being very late.

Dress comfortably; I prefer EMS or Tactical Pants with lots of Pockets, no shorts. Comfortable Socks and Shoes are a must. No Flip flops, or open toed shoes. Besides the fact that you will be on your feet for hours, things get dropped, including syringe needles when things are moving quickly. I again prefer a tactical boot. A long sleeve cotton tee may be more preferable to avoid scratches.

Also you cannot be prepared for the things that you may see that will indeed upset you. Lean on each other your teammates. Talk, share but do not hold it in. Cry if you must. No one who is there is going to judge you. They are there to do the same job. If you have any empathy of animals in distress this will be where it will hit you.

In A Disaster

Things will get out of hand fast, and you may be working to operate without a lot of support in the beginning. I recommend a disaster kit that you can deploy yourself, to at least get started until help arrives or you can get to a shelter that is in operations. You may want to find out if there is a predetermined animal shelter in the event of a disaster in or around your local area. Contact your local Emergency Management Agency, and ask, they may ask you to come in and get signed up to become a disaster worker before you may be allowed to help. Again get the training under your belt that was written in the very first article.

But again first and foremost be sure you and your family and companion animals come first in a disaster, you will be no good to anyone else if you have to worry about your own family.

So Again Be Prepared for Anything, Adapt and Overcome.

Bird Shelter Operations – Part 4 – Security and Safety

From The Squawking Macaw by Bob Kaegi

 

Again we will discuss the criminal case portion of a shelter operation. After the main primary operation of a raid or criminal case there will still be ongoing parts of an operation that must be handled with a great deal of security.

If you are working in a shelter, you should know everyone in there working with you. If someone is there that doesn’t look like they fit in ask the Shelter Manager if they belong .You may see lawyers on both sides of a case, or others there looking in on the Operations. If you are questioned about anything, do not answer; state that you are just a volunteer caring for the birds. The Humane Agent or Shelter Manager should be the only one talking to any visitors.

One of the most difficult parts of dealing with a case is the Media / Social Media Craze. It is and will always be the job of Broadcast Media to get information, from anybody, and everybody dealing with the case. While they get paid to do their job, as a volunteer it isn’t your job to discuss anything. If you find a camera or microphone in your face, the only response you should have is “no comment”, or” I can direct you to the Shelter Manager “.

Social media is another area you should steer clear of in making any comments of what you hear, or see in the shelter; in some instances you may be asked to sign a media confidentiality agreement. Take it seriously, as anything you may say could land you in front of a judge, and may destroy the very case you as a participant you are a part of. Find out what is within limits or off limits before sharing anything.

Also depending on the case, security of the shelter may come into play. It is important to remember; each side has their supporters, and will do anything to assert their opinions. They may do anything they can to cause trouble for staff and volunteers alike. I have witnessed a shelter being watched, and those who would like to intimidate those who are trying only to take care of the animals in need.

In a Disaster

At some point the family may arrive to either collect their bird or even just want to visit. First they should sign in, and provide some identification; also they need to have some proof of address where they lived in the affected area. They should also be able to provide photos, and or anything that shows proof of ownership.

Remember, animals may have been left behind during the disaster, and Humane Agents or AC’s may have had to remove them.  They may have also been running the streets so making identification maybe difficult, and or tying them back to a certain address.

Things are not as always clear cut in a disaster, however when dealing with the media and social media the principles are the same, direct the press to your supervisor, Public Information Officer, or Disaster Operations.  Don’t post anything on social media about what you are seeing, that is what the Public Information Officer is for, they will make sure information they want out there is posted.

The security and safety is very important not only for you, but for that of each animal you care for, this is why it is important not to talk about anything you see or hear in the shelter.

 

Bird Shelter Operations – Part 3 – Ongoing Operations and Support

From The Squawking Macaw by Bob Kaegi

Now that the primary operation has ended we will go into the daily portion of caring for the birds or animals on a daily basis. While this may seem like a monotonous task, there are many things that still and must happen. Cleaning the cage or crate will give a care provider an opportunity for us to make observations on how well a bird is adjusting. During this time you may see the inner bird come out, and get to make an observation of its character. Also be able to tell if there are things to watch for in its physical and emotional care. Again, I say while these birds are evidence, they still need compassion. If you’re not already interested in birds, this may not be the place for you.

Let me also make note that if you care for only Cockatiels at home, you may be a little out of your league dealing with a group of Amazons or Cockatoos. Try to stick with what you know if possible, however be willing to learn along the way.  If you have questions, simply ask someone with that knowledge.

This is where you will give of yourself and become more than just a caregiver but a provider of love and understanding.  Birds will act out in fear, and stress. But once they get to know you, and understand you are there to meet their needs they will always come around with people they like. Remember though they still may be stressed due to their new surroundings. Yes they will push your buttons, very much like the ones at home. No sooner than you clean their cages they will take great joy in demolishing it. It’s okay, they are just being birds.

Part of providing for them also covers medical care that has been prescribed by the acting Veterinarian. You may have to dress in a Tyvek suit, booties, gloves, and a mask to care for the sickest, or ones that have tested positive with an illness. They will be in what may be referred to as a Hot Quarantine, or Cold Quarantine areas. They too need to be cared for, but in a manner that is safe for all. You may be required to restrain birds daily to medicate them either orally, or with syringes.  So again if you are not comfortable with it say so.

There are also going to be the times where we give our best efforts we still lose some we will care for. Despite our best efforts, and those of the Vet staff we cannot fix every problem. Sometimes the damage has been too great, or gone on so long to make a positive difference for all. It is when these times occur that you may feel like that you cannot go on. I understand, but it is in these times I feel more compelled to work harder to make sure the others make it out. Everyone we care for deserves something better, than what it has been given.

YOU are that opportunity to start a new beginning for each and every one you care for. After all the hard work is done spending time with each bird is helpful to them and therapeutic for you. Time out on a play stand is good for those who can be easily handled.

At some point grooming besides a shower may be needed. Trimming Beaks and Toenails are very important. This is something that won’t be part of the Intake Procedure unless it is involving the Health and Safety of the bird. If you have not done it before, you may want to assist in holding the bird while someone else does it, or you may want to watch and learn as it is being done.

Once a week a thorough cleaning of crates, and cages should be done with a power washer. This may require having extra crates, and cages, which is something I always suggest. Doing this on a weekend while there may be extra volunteers is always helpful. It is also a great time to get to know the others who are working the operation, and can be made fun by having a cookout, or pizza party. Remembering that you are part of a team makes things go smoother.

I find this part of any operation the most fulfilling because it is the most unselfish thing I will do for another being. I take great joy in making another birdie friend, and ensuring it that not all people want to cause hurt and pain. Hopefully this will be the stepping off point for a better future for each of them.

Hopefully behind the scenes you will start receiving toys and other treats from the many groups who meet the needs of the many who have become caught up in these sad situations, and you will get a chance to play Santa Clause for a needy bird. There are several groups who respond to such needs at these times. Make sure to donate, or participate in auctions that these groups do which help with birds in need.

In a Disaster

All the above is still the same except that your charges are not part of a criminal case. However it is now when those looking for their loved ones may start showing up to claim them. Follow security procedures which will be discussed in the next part before allowing anyone contact with any bird in the care of the shelter.

Bird Shelter Operations – Part 2 – Disaster Response / Raid Response

From The Squawking Macaw by Bob Kaegi

This is where we go into the response methods in removing birds, or animals in either element of a Disaster, or Criminal Case. In a Criminal case most times there is already a Shelter, or Temporary Shelter that has been put in place. Once the warrant has been has been served, depending on the situation, all who are responding to the crime scene will already have certain directions and orders to follow. They will be given tasks they must follow. Some of these people will remove birds or animals from cages and be placing them into transport cages or carriers, a photographer will take photographs, and each cage will be given an Identification number. Animals that may appear to be ill will be removed first and a priority will be given. These are the ones who are to receive immediate veterinarian care first, much like a Triage Area.

Birds and animals that are paired up or caged together should try to be kept together to reduce the stress of the animal, they usually share the same ID number with a, b, or c and so on attached to their records. Depending on the number of animals to be removed, several transports may be required, with again priority given to the sickest, and most stressed animals first. In a criminal case remember you are handling evidence, but also handling a living breathing being. It is possible to be professional, and compassionate.

Make sure during the removal that all paperwork remains with the carrier until it reaches the shelter. Like any response there will be areas called staging, at the primary scene or response scene, and at the shelter. There will be many swift moving things occurring around you, with lots of noises, and orders being given, make sure you focus on your task only, unless otherwise told by the operations commander on the scene. That will usually be the Humane Agent or Animal Control Officer. While on the scene you may see other aspects of different agencies working the scenes, so be sure to stay out of their way, they will be collecting other evidence in the case.

Shelter Operations and Triage

During the day of operations, and while the animals are still being removed, some of the most critical care animals will be arriving for care. Depending on the size of the operation, there may be several exam areas set up to start a general exam and start care of the animals that start coming in
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A Vet Care team will do primary exams, and treat animals coming in. The team will consist of the following members.

The Veterinarian: who will do the primary exam.

Vet Tech: or experienced person to assist in restraining the animal during exam.

Scribe: who will take notes and record the Veterinarians findings during the exam and make notes of any medications prescribed on the animal’s records. Also keep a record of the team personnel.

Photographer: Photograph the animal, for ID purposes and or anything the Vet finds important to the case.

The team will work and stay together as a team until all animals have been examined.

Once each animal has been examined that animal will be handed off to a runner, and will go to the section of the shelter that has been cleared by the veterinary team. The animal will move on to Hot Quarantine, Cold Quarantine or General Population areas. (We will describe this later in a future part of the series).

The animals will be then placed in their prospective housing be it cages’ or crates. At that time they will be fed, and watered and also be observed be Animal Care Staff in the shelter to ensure they settle in without any issues. Should there be issues, they need to notify someone in the veterinary team immediately.

This will continue until the Primary Operations cease.

(On a personal note this is the most difficult day for everyone involved to deal with. It is very fast paced, and you will see things that you wish you didn’t have to ever witness. You may witness death, and need to take a moment. This will not because of anything you have done wrong, but because things went on in the case of abuse and neglect for too long. Again as in the first segment, this is not for everyone, and can be heartbreaking for a few, but joyful for others who made it out. You will have been a part of that escape.)

In a Disaster Operation

Many of the things such as Vet Triage and basic shelter care will be the same, it is important to maintain as healthy environment as possible for all involved. The biggest difference is that the animals are not going to be treated as evidence. BUT… Disasters occur without a lot of warning, so things move just as quickly, and without everything being prepped as neatly as one would like. So keep that in mind when responding.

Next in the series – Ongoing Operations and Shelter Support