The Parrots’ Umbrella

10/05/2025

Fly high, Dr. Goodall. You will be dearly missed.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, but in her loss there is also hope—a powerful reminder of what she stood for and what she still calls us to do.

Jane saw the suffering caused by captivity, ignorance, and human indifference—but she also showed us compassion, wisdom, and the courage to fight for what’s right. She taught us that every being has its place in the wild, that true respect comes from understanding, and that our actions can change lives.
Now, it’s our turn. It’s up to us to stand up for wildlife. To protect habitats. To reject the pet trade.
To speak for those who cannot.

Dr. Goodall, thank you for leaving us more than memories—you left a path forward. May your spirit inspire every rescue, every release, every moment of kindness toward our wild companions. 🌱🕊️

09/30/2025

Hey everyone!
Reminder that if you applied online to adopt, please check your spam/junk folders if you haven’t received a response!
It appears that some of our emails aren’t going to your inbox!

09/21/2025

Every bird parent should know:

WAYS TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION TO BIRDS / PARROTS.
There are 4 ways to administer medication to your birds
Adding medication to drinking water
Adding medication to soft food
Adding liquid medication (Suspensions / Syrup)
Medicating through Injections
Adding medication to DRINKING WATER
Adding medication to water is the oldest and easiest method to administer medication to birds. The idea is that when the birds drink the water, it will also drink the medicated water.
This method is not reliable or safe. Some parrots will refuse to drink the medicated water when they sense the change in color or taste. They may go without water for 4 – 5 days, and the parrot is at risk of getting dehydrated.
The sugar in the medication spoils quickly in water, thus promoting the growth of bacteria very quickly.
Adding medication in SOFT FOOD
By using this method. The medication can be hidden in the bird’s favorite treat or food. Sometimes the birds sense the change in taste and avoid eating the food.
Adding LIQUID MEDICATION (Suspensions / Syrup)
They can be added to water / soft food. The advantages and disadvantages are the same as in the case of medicating water or soft food. Use of liquid medication is the best method of medicating birds, as it can be administered directly to the beak with a precise dose. But care should be taken when administering medication directly beak, to avoid aspiration. Medicating through INJECTION
This method of administering medication through injection is the most effective way of medicating the bird; it is very effective and quick in action, best used in cases of emergency.
This method of medication has its own drawbacks as it is painful to the bird due to repeated pricking, as it causes a lot of stress to he bird.

09/15/2025

Just don’t feed peanuts. As someone who’s held a bird while they died from aflatoxin poisoning, just don’t. There are so many other options for treats.

Look what we found inside a peanut shell - scary right? We do not feed peanuts to our flock and this is one of the major reasons - mold.

🩺 What is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and attacks the lungs and air sacs.
Some signs to watch for:
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Tail bobbing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Weight loss

Treatment can take months and requires expensive antifungal medications — and sadly, some birds don’t survive.

Safe Treat Alternatives

• 🌰 Human-grade raw nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts (freeze for freshness)
• 🥦 Veggies: carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, leafy greens
• 🍓 Fruits: apples (no seeds!), berries, grapes, pomegranate
• 🌱 Sprouted grains & legumes for a nutrition boost
• 🧩 Foraging toys stuffed with healthy pellets or dried herbs

09/03/2025

A single budgie is a sad budgie.

In a study looking at how cage size and flock size altered steretypies in budgerigars, the most common parrot in captivity, researchers found that budgies housed with multiple conspecifics (not just in pairs) in larger cages showed the lowest number of stereotypes and preening behavior.

1. Polverino G, Manciocco A, Vitale A, Alleva E. Stereotypic behaviours in Melopsittacus undulatus: behavioural consequences of social and spatial limitations. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2015;165:1430155.

08/29/2025

Do you recognize any of these birds and their moves? 😎

08/25/2025

Don’t stroke your parrot!

Parrots are not feathered mammals

As people, it’s natural to see the world through a “mammal lens.” Herein lies the rub: parrots are not mammals. They experience life and respond to it very differently.

When we make decisions for them based on our instincts as mammals, even with love in our hearts, those choices can sometimes miss the mark for their health and happiness.

❌ Example: Thinking a parrot wants a “cuddle” like a dog or cat.
✅ Reality: Many parrots show affection with gentle preening or by simply choosing to be near you. Forced cuddles can cause stress or hormonal issues.

❌ Example: Expecting them to “calm down” if ignored, like a child having a tantrum.
✅ Reality: As prey animals, parrots may scream louder or pluck feathers if they feel their flock is absent or they feel unsafe.

This is why working with avian veterinarians, behavior specialists, and training experts is so important. They help us bridge the gap between mammal instincts and parrot needs.

Over the next few Monday posts, we’ll explore more ways our “mammal thinking” can clash with parrot well-being and how that awareness can create healthier, happier lives for our birds.

What’s one thing your parrot does that makes you realize they see the world differently than we do? I know you have stories!

08/10/2025

This is why we don’t get back to calls and emails right away.

Rescue is NOT Retail and here’s why that matters

One of the biggest misconceptions we face in animal rescue, whether it’s parrots, cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, ferrets, or reptiles is the idea that we operate like a store-type business.

We don’t.
And we can’t.

Here's why rescue doesn’t (and shouldn’t) follow a retail model and why we ask for patience, compassion, and partnership instead of consumer convenience:
🔸 We don’t sell animals.
We are guardians, ambassadors, advocates, rehabilitators, and matchmakers. Our focus is on welfare, not inventory turnover. Each life matters deeply and uniquely.
🔸 We don’t work “normal” hours.
Rescue often means 3 a.m. gavage feedings, receiving late night ICU kids, vet transports that take all day, and emergencies, not full-time availability to answer non-urgent questions about an animal’s adoption status. We're not being rude, we're triaging lives, cleaning enclosures, doing feedings, answering emails (usually “late”), doing fundraising, preparing educational materials, etc.
🔸 There are no guarantees or even “forever” homes.
Unlike buying a product with a receipt and return policy, adopting is a long-term commitment based on relationships of trust and education, not transactions. Things can and do go wrong, and we need to be here to help with that, too.
🔸 We are mission-driven, not profit-driven.
Every decision, from who adopts to how and when, is made in the best interest of the animal, not to “make a sale.”
🔸 We have limited resources.
Space, time, medical care, and trained foster/volunteer help are finite. This means waitlists, evaluations, and sometimes hard decisions.
🔸 We don’t operate on demand.
We can’t create animals to suit preferences. We work with those who need help, and what they’ve survived, often trauma, neglect, injury, medical issues, to mourning and loss of their families.
🔸 Our work continues after adoption.
Education, support, and community are part of the commitment. We don’t just "hand over the animal" and move on.
🔸 We advocate for the voiceless.
Which means sometimes, we say “no.” Not to offend but to protect.