Tgf Newsletter - June '08

[gbird]

UPDATE: Coco, Kiwi & Bailey

What a difference a couple of weeks makes! Coco, the Greenwing Macaw, Kiwi, the Orange wing Amazon and Bailey the cockatiel have all settled into quarantine at our Acoma Street location, and they already look like different birds. Coco (who had a DNA test, and - it's a Boy!) has lost approximately five inches of beak and is learning how to use it in ways he hasn't in a very long time. Dr. Kris Ahlgrim preened his feathers for him and now that he is standing on a normal perch with his nails trimmed to a safe length, his toe has moved back where it's supposed to be! He likes to dance to the soft rock that Brenda plays in the quarantine room!

Kiwi and Bailey are quite the characters! Kiwi is a fantastic eater and thrives on human attention. Bailey gives everyone that walks by an ego boost with his "come on over" whistles! So far all of their bloodwork has come back negative (which is good!), so it seems they are on their way to that better life we have all been praying for!

Coco, Kiwi and Bailey thank everyone who has sent their support and well wishes! Please help us with their medical bills by contributing to TGF's Forever Norman Fund.



Announcing the Forever Norman Fund!

The Gabriel Foundation is honored to launch the Forever Norman Fund (FNF), in memory of our beloved mascot. Everyone who came into contact with Norman understands his impact. Norman's loss is felt everyday by us all.

Norman's legacy will continue with the advent of the Forever Norman Fund. The fund will help TGF birds who suffer from chronic illness. Our first recipient of FNF funds is Coco, the Greenwing Macaw who was recently rescued from complete neglect. Coco is doing much better now but he has a long road ahead which includes extensive medical care. Please donate to the Forever Norman Fund today to help this special bird and many more like him.

Click here to donate to the Forever Norman Fund. Please reference FNF in the comments section. Donation Station



Conure Crazy!

It's been raining conures, especially Aratinga conures, or so it seems! We have 28 Genus Aratinga species along with many other delightful conure species available for adoption. There are at least 6 common genera of conures which include Aratingas, Cyanoliseus, Leptopsittaca, Orgnorhynchus, Pyrrhura and the Guaruba and many more of the lesser known species. What makes conures so special? And, why does TGF have so many?

Click here to find out... The Gabriel Foundation®


Read This BEFORE You Decide to Relinquish Your Bird
by Karen VanderHyde

The Gabriel Foundation has taken in a total of 65 birds since our new quarantine began on March 15th. Nine came from one family that was having financial hardship and health issues. Seven more came from another family that was also having financial hardship. Three came from families who lost their homes. The others came to us for various reasons, such as the death of an owner, behavioral issues and lack of time to deal with them.

Many birds are relinquished because of respiratory issues affecting people in the home. There are many things that we can do as responsible bird owners to improve the air quality in our homes, not only for ourselves, but for the birds.

*Purchase a good quality air washer and humidifier system such as a Venta Air Washer, a HEPA airfiltration machine or other air cleaner. Do not use an ionizer around parrots - this has shown to be hazardous to birds' health.

*Give your birds baths daily even if it is just a mist. Give your bird(s) a thorough soaking at least once a week.

*Make sure cage papers are changed daily - never use walnut shell, corn cob, shaving or other bedding material. It is impossible to keep airborne particulates from accumulating in this type of substrate, which can affect human and bird respiratory systems and will cause health problems.
Vacuum daily.

*Check the air conditioning/furnace and regular filters on a regular basis and clean them often. If you use a swamp cooler or other humidifying system, clean filters regularly to avoid bacterial or fungal build up.

This time of year can be very challenging for birds and their owners. Summer is upon us and all it takes is one look outside to see the wild birds building their nests and creating new life. As are the wild birds, so are their caged cousins. Hormones are raging!

Petting your birds under their wings or on the lower part of their back is a big NO NO. This can sexually stimulate them and only cause them frustration because petting is not a behavior seen among wild parrots. The only petting or scratching that should be done is on the head and neck area. For their sake and yours, no matter how cute and cuddly they are being, ONLY pet these areas.

For information about Relinquishments, Long-term Foster Care, Sanctuary and Boarding, please contact Karen VanderHyde at (303)629-5900 ext. 216 or email birds@thegabrielfoundation.org


Natural Cleaning Products by Sue Christie-Cox

Using stuff that is already around the house for many purposes, means that not only is it cost cutting but by creating your own cleaning products you know just what is being used around your bird's environment.
Here are some more tips for keeping clean and your conscience clear:

To wash your clothes:
1 Ounce Liquid Castile Soap
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup White Vinegar

Fill washer with water and add each ingredient in the order given. Launder as usual.

For a clean rinse:
Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue--a plus for family members with sensitive skin.

To clean your windows:
Rubbing Alcohol ~~ more than just helpful in dying wood pieces, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol provides the base for an evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use this glass cleaning spray recipe for windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles.

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a new spray bottle:
1 Cup Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol
1 Cup Water
1 TBSP. White Vinegar

To clean your dishwasher:
Vinegar reduces soap build up and cuts through grease, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.

To remove bumper stickers:
Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker. Allow to soak a few minutes. The bumper sticker should peel right off. Rub vinegar over the area to remove the sticky residue, if necessary.

*Article courtesy of Parrot Toy Angels.


Parroting 101: Fitness for our Feathered Friends
by Shauna Roberts

With all the talk about a healthy diet for our feathered pals, it's important to remember the other side of the equation - exercise! Just like us, birds need a regular exercise routine to stay fit and healthy.

Flying might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many other options. It is possible for your bird to be fit without flight.

If your bird is clipped, wing flapping is a great way to stay in shape. If your bird doesn't flap on his own, try walking or running around the house with him on your arm or resting in your palms - just make sure he feels safe and steady there. The shower is another great place to encourage flapping with the water on a gentle stream.

If your parrot is not a flapper, don't worry. Some never will. There are other ways for them to "workout". Walking can burn the same amount of energy as flying, and it uses different muscles. Give your bird time on the ground for a 5 minute walk around the house everyday. Larger birds can "hike" up and down the stairs. Hanging rope vines and Get-a-Grips also offer climbing opportunities. Even flighted birds can benefit from walks - psittacine cross-training!

Toys that involve chewing or hanging upside down are a fantastic workout. The Atom and Orbit (available at Mother Pluckin' Bird Toys - Home of the ATOM) are spheres that go round and round - your parrot will get creative figuring out new ways to make it move. Play catch with a big wad of paper - your bird can chase the wad and throw it back to you. Or how about playing "I'm gonna get you" either on the floor or on a sofa back. Playfully follow your bird with your hand (don't chase or use your hand as an aversive) as it walks, runs or hops back and forth. Washed river rocks provide fun and exercise for those parrots who like to play bulldozer (or just to move rocks around).

Don't forget an aviary. If at all possible supply a safe aviary for your parrot where it can play and burn up energy. Be sure there is clean water available at all times and that there is a shaded area when your bird wants a break from the sunlight.

The latest craze in bird fitness is Parrot Pilates. It is super for core strength and most birds really enjoy working out their abs on the Pilates Reformer. (Only kidding! We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)

Remember to use positive reinforcement whenever teaching your bird something new.

Exercise comes in many forms. Be creative, have fun and help your parrot live healthy!

[Ashling]

Excellent post, great news and great information! I'm so glad those three are getting better, they sound like sweet little guys.
Thanks for the exercise ideas- I might be clipping my lorikeet again soon, and was afraid she'd get chubby! :)
"The latest craze in bird fitness is Parrot Pilates." LMAO yes I was paying attention... I was like wha..?