Rhode Island Parrot Rescue

25/01/2025

Meet 🌟Charlie and Bernie🌟, the cutest conure duo around! 🦜 These two are inseparable and find comfort and security in each other. They love human attention and will happily show off for treats. 🧡 Watch them light up when it’s snack time!
More info on adopting: https://www.riparrots.org/adoption-program
To sponsor this lovely pair: https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities

23/01/2025

🐦 Ready to unlock the secrets of life with your feathered friend?

Join us for Part 1 of the Understanding Your Companion Bird series:
✨ Five Myths of Sharing Life with a Companion Bird
📅 Saturday, January 25 | 1 PM ET
📍 Rhode Island Parrot Rescue (In-Person & Virtual!)

🔍 What we’ll cover:
What’s love got to do with bird behavior? ❤️
Can birds “just get over” things?
Why “dominance” isn’t what you think it is!
Aggression & why it’s misunderstood.
Positive reinforcement – the key to harmony.

👩‍🏫 Hosted by Sheila Blanchette, Director of Education at RIPR

💲 $25 each or $80 for all 4 parts!

👉 Register now: https://donorbox.org/events/723096

Tag a fellow bird lover! 🦜

22/01/2025

💎Message from the Director💎

As I reflect on the past 11 years of working with parrots at RIPR, I can honestly say that this is more than just a job to me—it’s my life’s calling! ♥️ Every single day, I am deeply moved by the remarkable creatures I’m privileged to work with. Parrots have an unmatched ability to captivate, teach, and inspire, and I am constantly in awe of their intelligence, personality, and the incredible bond they share with the world around them.
For more than a decade, I’ve had the honor of connecting with these magnificent birds, each one unique. The joy I feel when I observe a parrot learn something new or witness a breakthrough in their behavior is indescribable. The trust they place in me is something I treasure, and the relationship we build over time is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s their playful antics, their intelligent problem-solving, or their affectionate nature, parrots bring an undeniable energy and joy into my life that I could never have imagined.
I have spent over 11 years learning from them, growing with them, and being reminded every day of just how powerful and beautiful, and heartbreaking 💔 the bond between humans and parrots can be.
It’s an endlessly rewarding journey that challenges me, inspires me, and fills my heart with gratitude. There’s truly nothing more fulfilling than helping these breathtaking birds thrive, and knowing that I’ve played a role in their happiness and well-being is a privilege I hold dear.
Thank you 🙏🏼 to every parrot 🦜 who has entered my life over the past 11 years and beyond. You are more than just companions—you are my teachers, my inspiration, and the reason I wake up excited to continue this incredible work.
Working with parrots isn’t just the most rewarding job I’ve ever had; it’s a constant source of joy, passion, and purpose. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I love RI Parrot Rescue!

Fly high,
Corrie B

❤️

22/01/2025

⭐️Meet Sydney⭐️
An adorable Goffins cockatoo who has stolen every single heart ♥️ she meets. Sydney is charming, vocal, and very smart.
Sydney is learning 😳 how to forage and target train. She enjoys plenty of free time and is not afraid to take off in flight. She hops and moves quickly through her environment.
This is huge for her. She has BIG confidence ~ even missing one eye 👁️ but, you’d Neva know it. Sydney is ready to begin the next chapter of her life with a caretaker who is well versed on the hormonal challenges involved in living with a companion cockatoo. ⭐️An experienced owner required.
Ready to meet Sydney?
Apply to adopt here: https://www.riparrots.org/adoption-program
To sponsor Sydney: https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities

21/01/2025

➡️1/2 way through National Adopt a bird month!
Here’s the scoop! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

January is National Adopt a Rescued Bird Month 🦜🏠
Let’s talk about something we hear all too often: “I want a baby parrot so it won’t have any of the issues I see in all the parrots at the rescue.”

Our answer to that (besides the obvious “just because it’s a rescue doesn’t mean it has issues”) is: What do you think these rescue parrots once started out as? They didn’t pop into existence as an adult parrot who plucks, bites, and screams!

Then we ask, HOW do you think these parrots developed their “issues?”

The root of many emotional issues such as over bonding, obsessive hormonal behavior, and separation anxiety is… Are you ready? Hand raising the parrot. Yup. When you hand raise a parrot, you are setting them on the path to failure once they hit sexual maturity.

And although many people THINK they want that super lovey, cuddly velcro bird, the novelty wears off when you have a parrot who screams at over 100 decibels when you leave the room. Or when the parrot repeatedly attacks your spouse or 2 year old child. Or when your parrot starts ripping all their own feathers out.

Hand-raising baby parrots leads to an emotionally stressed parrot who develops all the “issues” you don’t want from one of those used-up rescue parrots.

As UK behaviorist Greg Glendell states:
‘The process of hand-rearing has adverse effects on the behaviour of African grey parrots when they mature (Schmid, Doherr and Steiger 2005)… [T]he hand-rearing, or what we might more accurately call parental deprivation, sets in place a behavioural time-bomb with a 2- to 5-year delay in behavioural problems. Indeed, according to Schmid, et al. the maladaptive behaviours of hand-reared birds appears to be largely in proportion to the amount of parental deprivation they have experienced. Where birds are part-parent raised (not removed from the nest until at least 8 weeks old) they suffer fewer behavioural problems as adults than those which have been solely hand-reared from the day of hatching. In addition to adverse behavioural issues caused by hand-rearing, there can be adverse physical effects including osteodystrophy (Harcourt-Brown, 2003, 2004).’

Even if you buy a baby parrot, chances are, it will grow up to have “behavioral issues” simply as a result of being hand raised and then placed in a human home.

Parrots are extremely complex creatures. They are wild animals trying their best to adapt to an entirely inadequate environment (our homes). We have taken an animal hard wired to live in a large flock, have lifelong relationships with one another, reproduce, fly, and forage for food… And stuck them in a cage in our living room, often alone.

There is a lot working against a captive parrot, young or old.

So, no, buying a baby parrot will not guarantee you “a perfect parrot.” The idea of a baby parrot being a clean slate is a myth. The Perfect Parrot doesn’t exist. You are bringing home a complicated, intelligent, completely wild animal for whom you will need to alter your lifestyle. All parrots, whether a baby or adult, will need a person who understands a parrot’s natural behavior and instincts. Every parrot needs to be trained, fed, and housed properly for the entirety of its long, long life.

There are too many homeless parrots who need you. Adopt, don’t shop.

21/01/2025

Wanna know how to keep your parrots diet top notch? Harrison's Bird Foods that’s how! Organic, extruded pellets that maintain their natural color which are appealing to birds that see ultraviolet images.
Our flock loves Harrison’s pellets!
With the dedication of our staff and help from The Parrot Posse we now have our flock almost completely converted to Harrison’s. This is not only an achievement ~~
This is the direction every parrot owner should be taking. Make nutrition important!

17/01/2025

Great read 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
🔴RED🔴
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AJYkATnuK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Health concerns - are you feeding colored food to your bird?

Red 3 is a synthetic food colorant found in hundreds, if not thousands, of processed foods, particularly candy and other sweets. The dye has been linked to a range of serious health concerns, particularly for children (and birds).

Recent research further underscores the dangers of this chemical dye in food. A 2021 study by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found that synthetic dyes like Red 3 are linked to a greater risk of behavioral difficulties in children, including decreased attention span and memory problems. (Could this synthetic dye be adding to your bird's behavior problem?)

Red 3 has been singled out as a particularly harmful food dye because studies show it causes cancer in animals.

“Today’s action by the FDA marks a monumental victory for consumer health and safety,” said Cook. “For years, Red 3 remained in food products, despite growing evidence linking it to health problems, particularly in kids (what about your bird?)

“This ban sends a strong message that protecting the health of Americans – especially vulnerable children – must always take priority over the narrow interests of the food industry.”

Red 40 and Red 3 are not the same; while both are synthetic food dyes that produce a red color, Red 3 is currently banned by the FDA in food and beverages due to potential cancer concerns, while Red 40 is still permitted for use in many food products.

16/01/2025

🦜Office help is the best help!
Miss Merlyn!

16/01/2025

😊Happy 😊 birds all around!
Why?
Just look at the HUGE delivery of toys our flock received from The Parrot Posse. This should keep our beaks busy for a bit! Gwen, Harley, and Baby excitedly checking them out as we type!
Our flock is feeling spoiled ~
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 💕 for your continued support. You help make it all come together. Each month can be a bit of a struggle but with your help we always have hope! We love you POSSE! ❤️❤️🙌🏼
Thank you once again for your services, your time, your donations, and the undying support of our flock!

15/01/2025

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Food?

Absolutely. Overfeeding is a common issue among parrot owners, often stemming from the belief that their parrot isn't eating enough. However, parrots are grazers by nature and may only eat small amounts at a time throughout the day. When food is continuously replenished or human foods are added to the mix, it can lead to overfeeding. This excess can cause health problems like obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular issues. It’s important to understand that more food does not equal a happier or healthier parrot.

Why Is It Not Good to Always Have a Full Bowl?

Keeping a parrot’s bowl perpetually full may seem like a caring gesture, but it can have unintended consequences. Parrots are intelligent and naturally wired to forage. When food is too easily accessible, they lose this mental stimulation, which can lead to boredom and behavioral problems such as feather plucking, excessive screaming, or aggression. Furthermore, many parrots will selectively eat only their favorite foods, often bypassing the healthier options. This can result in nutrient deficiencies despite the abundance of food.

What Is Considered Too Much?

The definition of "too much" varies based on the parrot's species, size, age, and activity level. A general guideline is to provide about 10-15% of their body weight in food daily, including pellets, fresh produce, and occasional treats. This translates to approximately 1 to 3 tablespoons of food for smaller birds like cockatiels and budgies, and 10 to 15 tablespoons for larger parrots like macaws. However, these measurements are not absolute, as the type of food and the parrot’s activity level play a significant role.

How to Know If You’re Feeding Too Much

One of the easiest ways to identify overfeeding is to check for leftover food at the end of the day. If your parrot consistently leaves significant portions uneaten, you’re likely offering too much. Another indicator is weight gain. If you can no longer feel your parrot’s keel bone (breastbone) or notice fat deposits around their chest and abdomen, they may be overweight. Behavioral signs, such as a lack of interest in toys or foraging activities, can also signal that your parrot’s environment is overly food-centric. Parrots that are overweight often show reduced energy levels and may struggle to fly or move around as they normally would. Routine weigh-ins with a gram scale can help you track their weight and compare it to the healthy range for their species.

How Can I Tell If They Are Underweight?

Underweight parrots will have a sharp, prominent keel bone, indicating a lack of muscle and fat. Their overall body condition may appear frail, and they might show signs of lethargy or weakness. If your parrot’s weight is below the healthy range for their species, it’s important to consult an avian vet immediately to rule out underlying health issues and adjust their diet accordingly.

What Is a Good Way to Find Out How Much Your Parrot Eats in a Day?

To determine how much your parrot eats, start by weighing their empty food bowl. Then, fill the bowl with food and weigh it again. At the end of the day, weigh the leftover food and subtract this amount from the initial total. This will give you a clear picture of how much your parrot consumes daily. Repeat this process for a few days to get an average and adjust their portions as needed. Keep in mind that food type and activity levels have significant effects, so adjustments may be necessary.

Avoiding the Human Food Trap

Many parrot owners fall into the habit of offering human food when they think their bird isn’t eating enough. While the occasional bird-safe human food, such as plain vegetables and fruits, can be a healthy treat, regularly offering unsuitable human foods is a dangerous practice. Foods high in salt, sugar, and fat—like chips, cookies, fried items, or processed snacks—are not only nutritionally void but can lead to severe health problems such as kidney damage, heart disease, or even toxicity. Chocolate, avocado, and caffeine, for instance, are highly toxic to parrots and should never be offered.

Another issue with the human food trap is that it disrupts a parrot's balanced diet. Birds may become picky and refuse their essential pellets or produce in favor of these high-calorie, low-nutrient "treats." Over time, this can result in malnutrition and a host of secondary health problems.

To avoid this, set clear boundaries. Stick to a diet of high-quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and controlled portions of seeds or nuts appropriate for their species. If you want to include human food as an occasional treat, research safe options and offer them sparingly. Educate yourself on toxic foods and ensure everyone in the household is aware of these risks. Remember, your parrot’s long-term health depends on consistent, nutritious feeding practices!

15/01/2025

Grab your popcorn 🍿
And Sweet 🍫 treats 🍪 while you can!
All proceeds directly support the birds in our care!
Delivery in time for Valentines Day!! 🥰

Our group is having a fundraiser and you can help!

15/01/2025

The devastation in California is terrifying and so, so heartbreaking 💔
It is imperative that all pet owners have an emergency 🆘 evacuation kit ready to go just in case. We have a great article on how to assemble an evacuation kit for your parrots in the event you need one.

If there is an emergency, it’s vital to ensure the welfare of your feathered friend. It’s critical that you have everything you need in case you need to treat your parrot for wounds, or to remove them safely and quickly from your home. 

13/01/2025

Keep our feathered friends safe!

10/01/2025

👋Hello EveryBirdy........
I'm Skye! I'm the Sexiest Blue & Gold north of the Mason Dixon! I'm known to stop and listen to the music. I love hearing the humans sing. I'm also fairly photogenic, as you can see.
I'm in search of a companion/friend to share my life with. I've shared my life with other flock members and that's how I prefer to keep it.
Would you happen to know a macaw looking for a friend? Check out the adoption info, submit an application, and come meet me!
Click 👉 https://www.riparrots.org/adopt-1

To sponsor Skye while he's here: https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities

&goldmacaw

09/01/2025

📌Another Exciting visit!
This time, we made a business meeting fun 🤩
Nancy J.- History Professor at Brown University and President of the American Society of Environmental History is writing a book on the history of African Grey Parrots. This was Nancy’s 1st time visiting us at our new facility. She brought her son Wes along for the excitement. I mean, who isn’t entranced by parrots?
We have to admit, the visit was incredible. It’s refreshing to speak to those who are dedicated to the plight of companion parrots and understand the role they play in our ecosystems.
Thanks for loving parrots! 🦜
Just look at the happiness in these photos!