Bird dinner charity event...ok?

[chinniechantel]

There is this great charity event in south Fl called the Early Bird Dinner next month. 100% of proceeds go to help cape parrots, specifically:

-To sponsor some of the 300 nest boxes that will be erected above 20 m in suitable Podocarpus and Eucalyptus trees to supplement the low availability of natural nest cavities due to the sleective removal of all Podocarpus trees for saw timber (approx. $100 per nest box)
-To pay for the capture of wild Cape Parrots (i.e. mist nets and accommodation of veterinarians and fieldworkers) and labwork for testing blood samples for avian and blood screening.
-Most importantly: The event will Donate 100% of all net proceeds to an organization that, in partnership with The World Parrot Trust will help save the African Cape Parrots from the effects of excessive logging, diseases, poaching and in the future Extinction!
(Charity Event)

Anyway, I really want to bring Paco but am having some doubts. They do require proof of a negative psittacosis test as well as a well bird exam for every bird attended so that helps a little but of course does not rule out PDD.

I did ask and I can go and still get the free playstand even if I do not bring my bird, but they said that bringing a bird is the whole fun of the event, which is true. They are having a birdie banquet for the fids as well as dinner for us. It is really great that 100% of proceeds go to charity so I could not pass this up.

So, is this a horrible idea? I never bring my birds in public unless it is just around the block or something, so this would be a one-time thing only. Phoenix is and will be in quarantine for awhile, so I will just start that time over to help keep him extra safe.

[Greycloud]

Hmm..I am biting my lip in deep thought. Um..a birdy banquet makes me picture all the birdies on a table helping themselves to trays of food. All in close proximity of eachother. I am a little nervous about this. Also just because a bird is neg for psittacosis does not mean that they aren't carriers or harboring other illnesses. Do you want to take a chance in exposing your birds to this? I understand that you want to show your birds to others and it is exciting. I would have to weigh the benefit of one with the other. If it was me, I would not bring my birds and just enjoy the fundraiser. Make sure you change your cloths and wash well before handling your birds when you get home. JMHO!

[chinniechantel]

I know, it really is not a good idea. Is how it works is each couple with a bird gets their own table with a playstand on it for the bird. You go get your bird food and give it to them on the playstand. I think it is too much risk...but I am definitely still going and at least seeing all the other birds. There are going to be some very cool speakers.

[Lisa B]

I just talked to the owner of The Golden Too a few weeks back about this event. I would attend if I was local.
Hopefully I will be down for the next event.

[chinniechantel]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

I just talked to the owner of The Golden Too a few weeks back about this event. I would attend if I was local.
Hopefully I will be down for the next event.

Would you bring a bird? I know they did not have any troubles before but there is always a first.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by chinniechantel

Would you bring a bird? I know they did not have any troubles before but there is always a first.

personally, I dont bring my birds anywhere with me. Not with all the diseases out there. But thats just me. I always have pictures on me tho!

[chinniechantel]

I am so excited for this event today, I guess there is even going to be a cape parrot there! It will be very interesting to see so many birds in one room, I can't wait. There is also a bird expo in town today, what a busy bird day!

[chinniechantel]

The charity dinner was awesome! There were over 50 birds there, mostly macaws, and even 2 cape parrots. The birdie buffet had tons of great food and nutriberries, and we got a great rolling playstand for Paco as well as lots of free bird food, nutriberries and avicakes and willow balls and other shredder toys. I won a great big bamboo hanging toy in the "identify that feather" game, that was really fun! Dr. Backos was there as well as the owners of the golden cockatoo. We learned about bio security and how the government can take your birds and euthanize them if there is an infectious outbreak in your area, very scary! Anyway, all in all it was a great night, I hope they do this again sometime soon.