Volunteer Work

[anbrownucsd]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to volunteer my time at a local (San Diego) Parrot Rescue Center. I was not intending to do work that included training. I logically assumed that I could help with events, or even help clean out cages ect.

I was told that in order to do this volunteer work I would have to attend three seminars on parrot education (3 hours each, only on some Saturdays) and then become a member (which costs money per year). THEN I could help clean out cages. After taking 12 seminars I could help with educational events, and foster a parrot (which I am not able to do anyway).

Is this normal?

Thanks

[KDK241]

I'm not sure. That does seem like a lot. I know for the rescue I volunteer at they require you to take the orientation and a bird care class that you have to take within 45 days of starting and costs $20. That's it. You can take other classes if you want to that they offer but it's your choice. And you don't have to become a member.

[anbrownucsd]

Yea, it kind of sucks because membership costs 25 dollars and the classes are 15 dollars a piece, if you are a member. This means that to volunteer (even just clean cages) I would have to spend $70! If I wanted to help out with educational events or actually work with the birds it would cost $205, if my fiance wanted to help too it would cost us $410!!

I really wanted to help out the rescue over the summer when I have time, but their policies make that impossible for me!

[KDK241]

That does seem like a lot, especially to volunteer somewhere.

[birdsnreps]

try to get in with the san diego zoo instead. im sure they have parrots, if i remember correctly. if they are like our local zoo, their bird departments are always short volunteers, most people wanna volunteer with the mammals and stuff. the zoo is the BEST place to volunteer!! i would kill to get hired as a zoo keeper full time!!

not only is it loads of fun, but you make your own hours as well :)

[Lori~D]

There is no way in Holy you-know-what I would pay someone to clean cages. That is what the term "Volunteer" means. If they want you to take classes to help clean cages then they can "give" you classes. Sorry, I think not. I just dont get some of these rescue organizations. I realize its hard to get money for a situation but its also hard to get good help.

[catschair]

Hey, you can come clean my aviary for free. Most of the birds are "rescued", and then we can write up a certificate that Dr. CatsChair has trained you in the care and feeding of re-homed fids.

(worth a try.....J/K!)

[birdsnreps]

Originally Posted by catschair

Hey, you can come clean my aviary for free. Most of the birds are "rescued", and then we can write up a certificate that Dr. CatsChair has trained you in the care and feeding of re-homed fids.

(worth a try.....J/K!)

i know, right!! you wanna come clean up after my 60 birds too?? you will also get free bonus lessons on feeding and socializing baby birds too!! LOL

[Ashling]

Do they NOT want people volunteering for or fostering their parrots?? lol... but seriously, to make it that hard.
Or maybe this just weeds out people who are doing it for themselves, not the parrots, and are really into caring for them.

The money would go towards the parrots in some way...if not, then I'd be worried :/ The training would make the volunteers more able to care for the birds, and educate other people on their care. But I agree, you should perhaps find somewhere else to volunteer.

I went to the San Diego zoo once, and the ONLY animal I remember, is a macaw... I remember wondering why it wouldn't fly away, but chose to stay with people! :D You really should volunteer there if possible! I'd love to be a zoo keeper too... hmm... maybe...

[Izzy]

After volunteering for two parrot rescues, I think that one problem is alot of people come in once or twice and then never again, and it takes a lot of time to train people in.

At the first place I volunteered, I had to go to volunteer orientation (free), and take a class (can't remember the cost...maybe $15?). Then I attended regular meetings (free) and had to agree to work at least 12 hrs a month for at least a year (I volunteered on and off for 4 years).

At the second place I volunteered, I had to take an online class for a month ($45), and get a membership (can't remember the price, but I think like $15 or $25 for a student). I also took another class that was $50.

Yours does sound a little obsessive, I would do a little more research on the organization to make sure they are legitimate before I'd give them any money!

But they ARE tryng to weed out the people who wouldn't stay around or who think they just get to play with birds all day. It's hard work, but its REALLY fun! I've loved my experiences.