Rhode Island Parrot Rescue

25/08/2024

❓Looking for a GreaT way to support RIPR❓
We are always running into medical issues with the flock. Whether it's supplements, meds, regular check ups, ophthalmologist appointments, or emergency vet visits we rely on this fund to pull us through.
If you'd like to support our fund you can do so by pressing the link. One-time, monthly, and yearly donations of $10 or more are graciously accepted and very much appreciated.
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

RIPR relies heavily on our emergency vetting fund when medical situations arrive. We know all too well how quickly things can take a turn for the worst with our avian companions. The money received through this campaign is used for emergency medi...

24/08/2024

Introducing ❤️ TIKI ❤️
He’s not afraid to show a little skin, He’s agreeable, quite charming, and he loves to dance!
Tiki spent much of his adolescent life in a high school Ag program and after many years eventually went home with a student.
Well, college - then comes moving into your own home, marriage, and then children………………. Where’d that leave Tiki? Here with us at RI Parrot Rescue.
He has settled in rather nicely. He is still in our quiet, (still unfinished) 2nd large room with 2 others. He is underweight so we are working on that by offering him Harrison’s pellets and recovery formula ( Thanks The Parrot Posse ) along with senior nutriberries, and extra nuts. He’s not complaining!
For more info on sponsoring Tiki: https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities
To adopt from us: https://www.riparrots.org/adoption-program

23/08/2024

💙💚💛🩵‼️Budgies‼️🩵💛💚💙
➡️Lots of really cute budgies⬅️
We have several budgies available for adoption in pairs of 2 or more.
They have each seen our avian veterinarian for a general wellness exams and disease testing. They are eating a healthy pelleted diet and throughly devour their fresh morning chop! Their sweet chirps are very endearing and they are quite amusing to watch.
They gracefully fly to our hands for millet ( their fav reward ) when offered. They currently reside in a large flight cage as a flock. We are familiar with who hangs with who most often.
We do require an adoption application to be submitted. We screen each applicant by phone and if proceeding set you up with a tour. Completion of our Online Adoption Course and a proper enclosure is required for approval. We work with you every step of the way.
*we are now located in West Warwick
Once you’re approved and you welcome your new family members into your home we provide ongoing support through our closed group via FB.
Submit an application here: https://www.riparrots.org/adoption-program

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23/08/2024

WE NEED YOU 🫵🏻
WeekDay volunteers needed!
🟢 Mondays
🟠Tuesdays
🔵Thursdays
🟡Fridays
Wanna see what it’s like to immerse yourself in everything parrot? 🦜
Too much info to list here.
Shift starts at 9a
Click for more info and come meet Trouble! https://www.riparrots.org/form/62501
Get your application submitted today! ✔️

22/08/2024

❓How about doing some good? 😊
We all think about it. It’s in our DNA. 🧬
Well, We couldn’t think of a better way to help a displaced parrot than Sponsoring him or her until they are placed in what we all Hope💐 is their last home.
Parrots live very long lives. 💙 The Count pictured ⬇️ is 44~soon to be 45. He lived in one home for over 4o years.
The Count relies on us for everything! We are his eyes 👀 ( he cannot see), we tend to transport him from his favorite places to and from. He takes several supplements daily along with a prescription CBDA to help with pain. He is on a varied diet of Harrison’s Recovery formula, Senior Nutriberries, Harrison’s Coarse pellets, an array of fresh and freeze dried fruit, Mac Nuts (unshelled), Walnuts (with shell), and oven baked cookies. His diet has always been a challenge & we have come so far! How do we do it?
It takes a village of caring supporters who love and care immensely about our mission and contribute to our causes. The Count would likely not be alive without the support of his village.
Wanna learn more? You can make a difference!
https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities
RIPR would like to thank our monthly sponsors 💙💙👌🏼 We think you’re lovely! 🥰.

22/08/2024

The controversial topic of wing 🪽 trimming

Wing trimming, or feather trimming, is a common grooming procedure performed on pet psittacines to limit and block their flight capabilities while ensuring they can glide safely to land without achieving vertical lift. This practice aims to ensure the bird's safety, nurture dependence during training, and prevent escape or access to hazardous areas within a home such as kitchens or ceiling fans. Understanding the procedure's nuances, including best practices and potential impacts on a bird's welfare, is crucial for pet owners and practicing veterinarians to understand. Counseling clients on the value of flight is highly recommended to avoid habitual grooming practices.

Types of Wing Trims

1. Standard Method
This approach involves trimming typically 3-7 out of the 10 primary flight feathers at the shaft, ensuring not to include the primary coverts. The exact number of feathers trimmed can depend on the bird's species and the desired outcome, aiming to balance flight landing and safety. Some leave the outermost one or two feathers (9 and 10) at an owner's request although this still blocks flight.

2. **Slim or Skinny Trim:**
This method trims the trailing edge of the primary flight feathers to limit flight without drastically impacting the bird's appearance or natural behavior. This newer practice has potential benefits, including being aesthetically pleasing, customizable flight abilities, normal molt cycle maintenance, and reduced risk of breaking blood feathers.

Species Considerations
The effectiveness and approach to wing trimming can vary significantly between species. For instance, slim-bodied, long-tailed birds like macaws and cockatiels may require more feathers to be trimmed compared to heavier-bodied birds like Amazon and African grey parrots. Some smaller species such as green cheek conures may still fly with an aggressive flight feather trim. Conducting a flight test post-trim is vital to ensure the desired outcome has been achieved, considering the species-specific anatomy and physiology.

Why Wing Trimming Is Performed
Wing trims are commonly undertaken due to misconceptions about their necessity, desires to prevent the bird from escaping, safety concerns (e.g., ceiling fans, windows, and mirrors), fostering the human-animal bond and training efforts, and restricting access to certain home areas. While generally harmless with minimal handling required, the implications of wing trims, such as decreased natural behaviors, potential weight gain, and muscle atrophy, cannot be overlooked. Simply stated, flight is the most natural activity for birds and remains their only form of exercise.

The Importance of Flight for Pet Birds
Flight is an intrinsic part of a bird's physical and psychological well-being. Birds are evolutionarily designed for flight, with adaptations like pneumatic bones, efficient gas exchange systems, and powerful pectoral muscles. Regular flight exercises these muscles, preventing muscle wasting and excessive fat deposition. Flying also stimulates a bird's mental health, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors important for a healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, the limitation of flight through wing trimming must be carefully considered against the backdrop of these benefits. Practices and decisions should balance ensuring the bird's safety and allowing for some natural movement and exercise. Additional research on the physiological and psychological benefits of flight and the detriments of its absence in birds underscores the need for careful consideration when trimming a bird's wings. Studies indicate that regular flight activity supports cardiovascular health, enhances muscle tone, and improves pet bird health outcomes.

Ethical considerations in pet bird care also highlight the importance of environmental enrichment and the role of flight in achieving a high-quality life for captive birds. In some studies, it has been suggested that flying can increase appetite, happiness, and willingness to partake in cognitive tasks. This expanded information aims to provide pet bird owners with a comprehensive understanding of wing trimming, emphasizing the procedure's implications and the critical role of flight in a bird's health and happiness.

References
1. Do Birds Enjoy Flying? An Analysis of Affect Following Flight in Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) YRA van Zeeland, DVM, MVR, PhD, DECZM (Avian, Small Mammal), CPBC, Proceedings AAV Conference 2024
2. https://lafeber.com/vet/flight-mechanics-ethical-concerns/
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287605561_Welfare_Assessment_of_Flight-restrained_Captive_Birds_Effects_of_Inhibition_of_Locomotion
4. https://avianstudios.com/metabolic-bone-disease/development-of-metabolic-bone-disease-in-birds/
5. https://www.dvm360.com/view/silent-killer-atherosclerosis-pet-birds-proceedings

21/08/2024

🩷 We LOVE Kim 🩷
And so does our flock! She’s a lot of fun 🤩. She plays, sings, dances, trains, and gives lots of love to birds and humans alike. Kim has dedicated 7+ years to RIPR & our mission. We are extremely blessed to have her.
Here she is with Nectar 🌸
Help us celebrate Kim🙌🏼🎉‼️

20/08/2024

Observation is Key 🔑

20/08/2024

‼️Adoption Alert ‼️
💚BillyBob has left the building and sang the whole way home 💚
This guy is a lucky boy who will be completely spoiled for the rest of his life. James and Leah adopted 💟 a senior bird previously.
BillyBob has NO idea how lucky 🍀 he is! We can’t wait to see this relationship blossom 🌼
Congratulations 🎉

19/08/2024

We’re back with the Macaws and more

19/08/2024

Monday is always funday here! Morning Showers with Corrie, Guiliana, Rose, and the flock 🥳

19/08/2024

Getting excited 😆 for our live shower feed this morning

16/08/2024

🌟Meet Bernie🌟 and her buddy Charlie! Since Bernie has settled in she has been adamant about displaying attention seeking behavior. (In a very cute way) Her face will have you wearing your heart ♥️ on your sleeve. We won’t even mention her cute little dance moves.
This pair has quickly become a Volunteer favorite ! 😍
They were both unbelievably loved in their previous home. They found themselves here through no-fault of their own when their moms needed to move out of state.
Parrots, yes even the tiny ones like Bernie can live 25+ years. It is truly a lifetime commitment!
Bernie and Charlie have lots of time and love to give. They are endearing to watch and a lot of fun to interact with. They are very well behaved and execute flock calls impeccably throughout the day.
These cuties love their toys and shower time too. Could you be the human they need to rescue them?
Submit an app here: https://www.riparrots.org/adoption-program
To Sponsor Bernie and Charlie while they await adoption: https://www.riparrots.org/home/sponsorship-opportunities

*pic taken after shower time!

15/08/2024

This is Christine's Chop Shop gift bundle that was crafted specifically for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue.
When purchased, it will be shipped directly to the rescue with a card identifying the donor. This bundle consists of a large Daily Maintenance for large birds, Sweet Treat/Veggie Bites Combo and a large milk thistle seed, we've even tossed in a few of our Hy Bombs for The Count. The retail value is $94 and is deeply Adiscounted to help support rescue.
Our flocks favorites available in our very own bundle! Check it out!

This gift bundle was crafted specifically for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue. When purchased, it will be shipped directly to the rescue with a card identifying the donor. This bundle consists of a large Daily Maintenance for large birds, Sweet Treat/Veggie Bites Combo and a large milk thistle seed, we'v...

15/08/2024

🤩Very good reminder 🌟

DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
The saliva of mammals such as cats, dogs and even humans is dangerous to our feathered companions?🤤⚠️
Our saliva, as well as the saliva of other mammals, contains what is known as ‘gram-negative bacteria’.
Gram-negative bacteria are a specific type of bacteria that can cause infections throughout the body.
E.coli is an example of a ‘gram-negative bacteria’. This type of bacteria can be present in our bodies and in normal amounts is harmless. Our bodies are well equipped to fight and protect against the infections caused by these bacteria.
Parrots on the other hand DO NOT have any gram-negative bacteria present in their systems and cannot fight these infections. 🤒
Care must be taken to avoid spreading potentially harmful bacteria to your parrot, whether it's not allowing them to share your utensils or not trying to re-enact that scene from Lady and the Tramp.
We also advise that other pets are never left unsupervised with a parrot because of the many risks involved including the spread of gram-negative bacteria on their bodies and in their saliva.
Leave it to the parrots! 🦜😍

15/08/2024

🎉Hello squawkers!
A little birdie told us we are in need of a few things around the rescue!
Here’s an Amazon wishlist we created for our flocks shopping needs:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/244T0MLIHK0YY?ref_=wl_share

💙The Count would like to thank you in advance for the walnuts and Mac nuts!

15/08/2024

Preening.
Fun 🤩

Grooming is a natural behavior of all birds. Preening is the act of straightening and cleaning a bird’s own feathers with the beak, while allopreening is when a bird helps groom another bird. Preening behavior in pet birds may especially be witnessed after a bath, in an attempt to groom unruly human hair, or rarely on certain toys. When does your bird show preening behavior?

14/08/2024

❓Looking for a GreaT way to support RIPR❓
We are always running into medical issues with the flock. Whether it's supplements, meds, regular check ups, ophthalmologist appointments, or emergency vet visits we rely on this fund to pull us through.
If you'd like to support our fund you can do so by pressing the link. One-time, monthly, and yearly donations of $10 or more are graciously accepted and very much appreciated.

RIPR relies heavily on our emergency vetting fund when medical situations arrive. We know all too well how quickly things can take a turn for the worst with our avian companions. The money received through this campaign is used for emergency medi...

13/08/2024

‼️Adoption Alert ‼️
Rocket has officially left the building to
Join his brother Rupert, his mom Amanda and dad Dan in his new home!
What a cute family they make 💚🧡💛
Rupert and Rocket will both have companionship once again. How sweet it is!
🟠We’d like to thank Amanda and Dan for providing a fun filled, enriched life for these two very special parrots and choosing to adopt vs shop!
➕Adding a new bird to your flock can be a fun educational experience.
🔸We encourage flock behavior as much as possible here at RIPR. 🔸We love to work with applicants from all backgrounds and knowledge. If you’re thinking of adding a bird to your flock we ask that you have the following information on your flock:
✔️ yearly wellness exam dated within the last 12 months
✔️ disease testing for PBFD, avian, polyoma virus, & psittacosis
✔️submit adoption application
✔️ prepare to make multiple visit to ensure a great fit
For more info on adoption visit riparrots.org

12/08/2024

We’re back!!! Shower 🚿 day with the flock! The trio is now in their own aviary!

11/08/2024

⬇️⬇️ This is the definition of a successful adoption appointment 📅
Rocket (our Sun conure - if you’ve followed us a while he was with Groot until she was hospitalized)
Rocket has been pretty lonely ever since . 💔 Rose, our Animal Care Manager graciously stepped up to foster Rocket. Rocket is more confident and playful in a home setting and began to interact more. Rose worked with Rocket on his step up skills and helped build back his courage to fly and be carefree.
Amanda and Dan ⬇️⬇️⬇️ came across Rockets profile and immediately felt the need to reach out. They recently lost 😞 their conure of 31 years and little Rupert (their GCC) is lonely. They were besties.
❣️The meet a greet went amazing❣️We couldn’t have asked for a better first impression! We are thrilled that the boys seemed to love just being in the same room! They allowed interaction together on the same human, kisses, flight time, it was really incredible 🧡
Rocket will be joining his new family VerY soon and we are thrilled for both him and Rupert! Wonder what mischief these boys will find to get into?
Stay tuned for more of their journey!
❓Did you know parrots are social animals and do better in pairs of flocks?

11/08/2024

⬇️⬇️ Caption this ⬇️⬇️

We will start:
“Hey Count, I’d like to join you, this looks fun!”
“Is there room for 2?”
“My name is Tico, can we hang?” No pun intended 😳😂

The count spends 6-7 hours daily is his personal sauna room! He loves the sun. It keeps his old bones feeling great! Tico decided she’d like to join him today! How cute?

11/08/2024

❓Did you know❓
The foods that a parrot eats will literally determine his experience, physically and emotionally, throughout his life.
Here’s an outstanding article by Pamela Clark! Great read!

Parrot nutrition is a special area of interest for me and one about which I am fairly passionate. The foods that a parrot eats will literally determine his experience, physically and emotionally, t…

10/08/2024

Our Toos are always busy!
Love Nectar, Mojo (boarding) Harley, JB, and Yuki lol
😆 they had a blast 💥 chewing all that wood. 🪵

10/08/2024

The Count. Afternoon snooze! 💤

10/08/2024

➡️When it comes to keeping our feathered friends healthy and happy, the importance of perch variety cannot be overstated!
Perches are not just resting places; they play an important role in a bird’s physical and mental well-being.
In the wild, birds naturally perch on a variety of surfaces, which helps to exercise different foot muscles. By offering perches with different textures and diameters, you mimic this natural environment, preventing foot fatigue and pressure sores. For example, natural wood perches provide an uneven surface that encourages foot flexibility and promotes natural gripping behavior.
Cement or mineral perches are especially beneficial as they naturally wear down your bird's nails and beak, reducing the need for manual trimming. This can be great for birds that don’t get as much time to wear down their nails through natural foraging and climbing activities.
In addition to physical benefits, variety in perches provides essential mental stimulation. Offering perches with different textures and shapes helps keep your bird engaged, preventing boredom-related behaviors like feather plucking. It also encourages natural behaviors such as climbing, balancing, and chewing. For example, rope perches offer a flexible surface that can be shaped differently, adding elements of play and exercise.
By providing a variety of perches, you're not only creating a physically enriching environment but also fostering mental and emotional well-being for your bird. The diversity in textures, shapes, and sizes ensures your feathered friend stays engaged, healthy, and happy. So, mix it up and enjoy watching your bird flourish in a comfortable, stimulating space!

09/08/2024

Our new M2

08/08/2024

Shake it up!! 😂

08/08/2024

Our lovely Bare eyed Too

08/08/2024

Good Reminder 🎉🫶🏼

A gentle reminder to all who have parrots.....so many getting out these days😔 Be aware ......prevent Fly-Off's! It's our responsibility to keep them safe.......Once gone, they might not be seen again😔