The Parrots’ Umbrella

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.

08/07/2025

The Rockstar Rescue Tour visited with some of The Parrots’ Umbrella today, and they brought so many wonderful, much needed donations that are going straight to our foster homes and clients. More photos later! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!