Iowa Parrot Rescue

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween from all of your friends at the Iowa Parrot Rescue! 🎃

Celebrate safely and if you have any spooky pictures with your feathered friends, please post them below; feel free to add clipart costumes!

10/29/2024

Making progress on rebuilding the roof of the outdoor flight area. A late winter blizzard collapsed it, so we're making it stronger this time. Framing is done! Now we have ro do the mesh.

10/22/2024

Yesterday we sent our four Bluey Budgies-Bandit, Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo to their new home in northern IA! As a surprise addition, they also adopted Maui from the ITAV5 group. They’re already getting along quite well and taking millet from their owner’s hand. We are so happy things turned out as nicely as they have! Happy rest of your lives, little birds.
This makes only three budgies left for adoption.

10/16/2024

ADOPTED! 🎉

This is a courtesy post.
*NOTE-this bird is NOT in our building. If you are interested, contact information for the owner is at the bottom. Do not contact us in regards to this bird please. As always, there is no charge for adopting him or anything he comes with.*

Frankie is a four year old female cockatiel. Her owner had health issues and had to go into a nursing home. She's a very sweet bird and is used to spending a lot of time out of her cage, therefore a home with no predatory pets would be best. She seems to be healthy and in good feather and makes happy little calls. She will come with the cage she's used to, as well as the play area on the top. She doesn't seem to pay any attention to other birds but has likely never lived in the same space as one.
Frankie is located in Rockwell City IA, and Shelly can be contacted at: [email protected]

10/15/2024

We have the best volunteers!! Today, Hannah brought us in some ripe White Queen/Hillbilly heirloom tomatoes right off the vine so the birds can have more variety in their diet. They can be high in acid, so we only feed organic tomatoes on rare occasion.

10/11/2024

This is a courtesy post.
*NOTE-these birds are NOT in our building. If you are interested, contact information for the owner is at the bottom. Do not contact us in regards to these birds please. As always, there is no charge for adopting them or anything they come with.*

Here we have a pair of budgerigars in dire need of help soon. If they cannot be adopted privately, we will need to bring them into the rescue which will likely be more stressful for them.
Virolito (blue) and Tita (white) are both around a year and a half old and were purchased at Petland a year ago. From the picture, it seems Virolito is likely female and Tita is male.
Tita likes to sing and play, but Virolito doesn't really care too much about him. Tita is by far the social butterfly of the pair, and Virolito is more reserved and independent. They both fly and enjoy spending time in their cage, playing with toys and being looked at. They also love to be outside and chirp at the wild birds (always in their cage). They are likely not handling birds, but that doesn't make them any less entertaining. They'd probably like to spend time with more budgies after their medical needs are taken care of.

Virolito clearly has a beak issue going on. Based on her beak and nails, we could be looking at a congenital issue like liver disease or vitamin A malabsorption. The owner has done her best to trim the nails, but the beak is beyond her abilities and she cannot afford to get them to a vet. Tita has been scratching a lot and the owner believes he may have mites, though none are visible on the skin. These two DO need to see a vet but we actually see these things now and then at the rescue, and they're typically pretty easy to treat. We don't really expect they'd have long term needs but they do need to be evaluated by a professional.
A separate area of the house will be NECESSARY for their treatment, if they do end up having mites. Keep this in mind if you have other birds in the household. Easy to treat, but contagious.
They are located in Ottumwa IA and their owner Marisol can be contacted via call or text at 641-387-8305.

10/09/2024

We have some aviary updates, but first have some intakes to introduce…. Thought it was the same bird? THATS because they’re all related! These three Yellow-Naped Amazons came from the same home in which they were bred. Gremlin and Sprout are hatch mates, while Baby is 2 years younger from the same parents.
Sadly their owner has become ill and was no longer able to provide them everything they need to remain happy and healthy. These guys are all still fairly skittish but as they settle in their personalities begin to come out a bit more.

Gremlin is a 16 year old male. He can be your typical hormonal Zon… once he’s got you in his sights and likes you, he will try to feed you and whine for attention. But he can also be destructive and unpredictable at times when he becomes overstimulated.

Baby is a 14 year old male and the most anxious of the bunch, but is now taking treats and talking to people he knows. He tends to develop strong associations-if you do something that scares him, he has a hard time breaking out of that fear cycle. He will certainly need a very stable home environment with lots of predictability. That said, he has a lot to say when he’s happy and TONS of love to share for the right person. Plenty of patience needed for this boy.

Sprout is a 16 year old female. She’s a timid little bird but quite sweet. Sprout is just going to need lots of time to get used to her environment, then she’s a fairly tame bird. They’ve been here just under 2 weeks and while we still can’t pet or hold her, she is totally non aggressive with anyone.

All three will be waiting a few weeks for the next vet visit here to have their intakes. Until then, we hope to see more positive behavior changes from them and evaluate where they best belong. To see all our birds for adoption, requirements to adopt, and what to expect during a visit here, go to our website at iowaparrotrescue.org/adopt.

10/02/2024

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR AVIARY REBUILD ON FRIDAY!!!

One of our regular, massively hard-working volunteers has been steadily working on demolishing the aviary by himself. Mike picked up lumber today and we need some people to help out on Friday 8-12. We know it's short notice, but any help we can get is GREAT. We'd really like this up before it gets chilly and the weather is supposed to be wonderful on Friday morning. Come at whatever skill level you have... We can guide you. Thanks!

09/27/2024

Meet Pascal! 🦎

Pascal is a male, Southern Mealy Amazon who came into our care from It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources after being rescued from a hoarding situation in Muscatine County. He loves to crow, bark like a dog, and loves interacting with his surroundings. Pascal would do best in a home with stuff going on where he can explore his forever home and learn the joy of snuggles. He enjoys pets through the cage bars but not while he’s on a hand going for a walk-he wants to go places! Pascal is not able to fly, but after a veterinary examination it was noted that his wings are in great shape and the ability to fly may return.

Pascal is looking for his forever family to show him the magic and adventure of the world. If you are interested in giving Pascal the freedom from his tower (his cage), please refer to our website for adoption information! 🦎☀️💜

09/25/2024

Gender Reveal! 🩷🩵

We have a Southern Mealy in our care that was rescued from a hoarding situation. Our feathered friend was examined by a vet and a DNA sexing test was performed.

The results are in, so we encourage you to place your gender guess in the comments below! The gender will be revealed on Friday! 😄

For Girl: Drop pink emojis! 🎀
For Boy: Drop blue emojis! 👔

Bonus Points for those who want to guess this bird's name! It's Disney-themed!

09/24/2024

Budgies for Adoption! 🐥

We have three single budgies and two pairs of budgies looking for their forever homes! Budgies make great companion pets and first-time birds. They are joyful, interactive, and curious. Most budgies live in a flock and will need a large flight cage with lots of space to play and play with their friends. If you are looking for a chirp of sunshine in your life, look no further than these sweet budgies!

Budgies do not require traditional home visits, but the rest of the application process remains the same.

09/22/2024

We’ve had some intakes in the past week and a half… first boy here is Mr Magoo the Senegal. He is at least 32 years old, but being an import, nobody knows exactly how old he is. We do know he is painfully afraid of everything and everyone. His previous owner passed away and left the family to find a safe place for him. He’s going to need someone really committed to teaching him that people are nice and may have to be okay with him not being hand tame. He does talk and has a bit so far. He’s never been around other birds before and is currently living in the quarantine room.

The next group is 4 budgies (yes, MORE!) that were left behind in an apartment in Cedar Rapids when the owner was evicted. The owner thankfully is safe and has a place to go, but wasn’t able to bring the birds with. They were discovered by the landlord and had no good food or water, with probably months of buildup in the cage. They’re good fliers and are used to people. They are very devoted to each other and make up two perfect pairs, so all 4 will go together. Their names are Banjo, Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo. These birds will make excellent apartment birds or additions to a current budgie flock. We think they’re pretty neat.

All of these birds will need to be thoroughly vetted before going home, as none of these birds had good living conditions, air quality, or any human/bird exposure. If you are interested in seeing our available birds or adopting, please see our website at iowaparrotrescue.org/adopt.
Also please consider donating to their care-each bird who gets exams and bloodwork costs about $250, exams themselves cost about $50 and these add up over time especially little budgies. We appreciate EVERY donation and to our monthly donors… you are amazing. We can’t thank you enough for keeping us working and allowing us to help even more birds. iowaparrotrescue.org/donate

09/17/2024

This is a courtesy post.
These boys have boarded here at the rescue before, and we really love them. They are sweeties, typical attitudes.

*NOTE-these birds are NOT in our building. If you are interested, contact information for the owner is at the bottom. Do not contact us in regards to these birds please. As always, there is no charge for adopting them or anything they come with.*

Jasper (black cap caique) and Marengo (white belly caique) are 2 and 3 year old male bonded birds.

Both birds are very playful and love to fly around our house. They love to play and know several commands including target (to come to certain places) and roll over. Both birds love to hop and play fight.

The birds eat apples and grapes regularly, with most of their diet being pellets. Jasper loves all things people food and really loves to try drinks (he always wants the coffee!). They enjoy treats and walnuts.

Jasper does tend to be bite our 11 year old daughter so a family with slightly older kids might be best. We have a dog and have had no issues with both being out with us together. The birds were recently at the vet for their exam and had their claws trimmed.

Located in Cedar Falls

Contact Amanda at [email protected]

09/17/2024

Happy National Bird Day!

Tell us about your pet bird(s)! Do you have any special things planned to celebrate your birds today? We'd love to hear about them!

09/16/2024

More happy news... THREE of our birds went to new homes this past week, including two longer term residents. Scooter DYH, who has been here for 3 years, went to go live with Oscar Ekkie in hopes that his person can teach him the joys of a loving home. Chiquita DYH and Kilgore BFA went yesterday to live with their new bird sibling Milo. Kilgore has been here for 11 years and has strictly been a hands-off bird. He arrived as an import with zero information, so it was going to be a gamble. His new owner is experienced and willing to take the risk. Wouldn't you know, he's stepping up for her already... Chiquita is a loudmouth as expected but really enjoying being spoiled. We couldn't be more happy for them! Tomorrow, we send Moe IRN home to be worked with. Yay for them!

Lastly, we got two care packages from our Amazon wishlist from two separate supporters. Included were yummy treats, new medical equipment for the QT room, extra cool toys for Zons, trash bags for QT, and of course... ten ultra-squeaky duckies just for Keno!!! Thank you to our friends who sent the gifts.

09/13/2024

We're pleased and proud to announce that Iowa Parrot Rescue has again received a grant from Doris Day Animal Foundation. This grant, in the amount of $20,000, will be used strictly for medical expenses.
Many of our incoming birds arrive with medical problems, some severe, and many of our longterm residents are developing issues as they age. So, we're grateful to Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) for their continuing and crucial support.

09/13/2024

Meet Teegan! 🫖

Teegan is a feisty 39-year-old male Triton Cockatoo who arrived at the rescue in 2012. Unfortunately, Teegan has bounced around to 9 different homes within the first 5 years of his life, so he is anxious about going to his forever home. Teegan is a very animated bird who loves to sing, dance, talk, and interact with people around him. He is a toy/perch shredder and loves to play! Teegan needs to have a male owner with no children in the house to scare him, and he is wildly aggressive with women. He is not aggressive towards other birds but struggles to connect due to his high energy. Teegan is very talkative and has a large vocabulary. His favorite things to say are, "Hi Teegan" "Buh-Bye" and "Wow". Teegan is a great eater and is in great health. With time, patience, and a seriously experienced owner, he could become handleable and find his unicorn home.

If you are interested in learning more about Teegan, please check out our website, iowaparrotrescue.org/adopt!

09/11/2024

Merchandise and Avian First Aid Kits!

Suppose you are interested in purchasing an Iowa Parrot Rescue shirt but could not do so in the initial order… we have received a second shipment of 75 shirts in three colors: red, grey, and black, and they are ready for pickup at the rescue or to be shipped to you. T-shirts are $25 with $10 shipping and proceeds go to supporting the rescue program and veterinary expenses.

If you were unable to purchase an avian first aid kit, they are ready for pick up and shipment. FOUR KITS ARE LEFT IN THIS ROUND! Keeping birds and children out is made easy with each kit's safe breathable lockbox. The kits include nail trimmers, gloves, syringes, alcohol wipes, gauze, q-tips, blood clot powder, saline, vet wrap, hemostats, a flashlight, electrolyte mix, and antibiotic ointment. Having these kits on hand will help you prepare for those unforeseen events. They are $55 with $12 shipping. $5 local drop-off within Muscatine and the Quad Cities is still an option.

Email us if you would like to get your hands on an Iowa Parrot Rescue official t-shirt or an Avian First Aid Kit!

09/11/2024

Just a little note on parrot names. That big bird with the long tail is a MACAW, not a "macall", "mccall", or "macow".

That really smart talky bird is an AFRICAN GREY, not an "amazon grey" or "Alaskan grey".

That amazon with the scarlet forehead is a RED-LORED AMAZON, not a "red lord" or a "Lord amazon".

That cute little bird with the orange cheeks is a COCKATIEL, not a "cocktail".

Does it matter? Well, yes, Mark. Oh, your name is Mike?... Whatever.

09/08/2024

Hi, it's Mike. Just wanted to reassure those who have been asking...I'm still here! I've handed much of the daily work off to Sarah, our manager, and Kaitlyn, our summer intern, as well as our board and all our great volunteers. This is necessary if IPR is to continue. After all, I'm 75 years old, and well past my "sell by date".

But, I'm in the shelter feeding etc two or three days a week, and am only 50 yards away any time Sarah wants to consult or needs an extra hand, and am always happy to see visitors or answer questions.

I wont be going anywhere anytime soon.

09/06/2024

Meet Hercules (Herky)! 🏛️

Herky is a male, orange-wing Amazon between 30 and 40 years of age. He arrived alone at the rescue in 2011 and has been looking for his forever home. Herky is a beginner-friendly, quiet, and introverted bird looking for a slow-paced lifestyle. He loves spending time outside in the aviary and is always up for a bath. Herky will only step up on sticks and would prefer to go to a home that allows him to adventure and explore, with minimal handling. He can fly around, despite his poor eyesight. Herky is a silly and quirky bird who stands like a human when he is excited and struggles to take quality pictures (terribly unphotogenic).

If you are interested in learning more about this sweet boy, please check out our website (iowaparrotrescue.org).

09/04/2024

This Friday, Sarah went to pick up this handsome man named Paco. Paco is a male wildcaught blue and gold macaw who has been owned by his person for the last 43 years. Unfortunately his dad needed a double lung transplant. His dad is doing better, but Paco needed a safe place to land long term. So far, he’s showing that he needs lots of patience to be friends though he will take treats happily. Paco will need a thorough vet visit as usual, especially considering his projected age makes him a senior.

09/03/2024

We love sharing about all the special bird species in our care.
We'd love to hear about your dream pet parrot species! Have you owned your dream bird or are you still looking forward to owning one? Tell us about it in the comments!

08/28/2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Lots of great things have been happening around the rescue recently, including vet visits, intakes, and adoptions

Medically Cleared Intakes 🩺: Ready to Find their Forever Homes!

Budgie Family 🗣️: Budgerigar Parakeets
Dizzy 😵‍💫: Cockatiel
Kii & Dandi 🦁: Blue and Yellow Indian Ringneck PAIR
Mac 🧀: Scarlet Macaw
Mealy (Not Named Yet) 💚: Southern Mealy Amazon
Moe 🎺: Indian Ring Neck
Oscar 🎬: Eclectus Parrot
Vincey 🖼: Blue and Gold Macaw

Adopted Birds 🥳:
Finnegan 🦈: Timneh Parrot
Peanut 🥜: Blue Fronted Amazon
Scarlett ❤️: Eclectus

08/25/2024

Here's a nice article about the birds we took in last week from the neglect seizure. It originally was written by Andrea Grubaugh of the Muscatine Journal, and has been picked up by other papers in the region. We're posting this by permission from the Journal and the writer.

What’s news in the bird world? Our dream scream team is here to tell you. Iowa Parrot Rescue and It Takes a Village in Muscatine IA have teamed up to get 7 birds to safety and comfort after ITAV triaged and housed them until it was legal to transfer. This rescue was an ordeal for ITAV… Here’s ...