GI Joe, Happy at Home!!

GI Joe and his new mom!!

Well, GI Joe doesn't have to worry about the "transition blues" anymore. While waiting for a foster home, one of my avian vet's techs fell in love with him! Well, fast forward a few weeks, paperwork and adoption fees and GI Joe is happily ensconced in his new home with his new family. Donna (shown here with GI Joe) took this awesome boy home and he is thriving!!! He is already adding to his vocabulary and is enjoying family time.

It is always so wonderful to get to these happy endings! Donna is ready and willing to give this amazing guy a life long commitment and he is in love! He turned out to be quite a flirt after settling in!

We will be posting updates from time to time to let you know how he is doing but I wanted to put a quick note up to let all of you know that he is with his new family and doing well.

Fly Away Home, Smokey (dealing with loss)

I have avoided writing this post because I have had trouble dealing with it. Smokey, AKA Wonderbudgie, AKA Budgie Butt, passed away during the night last week. This was very unexpected and I was devastated. After Smokey was surrendered to us, he went through two surgeries to repair damage from a dog attack and human negligence. He survived all of the above and was on many medicines. He had been off his meds for three weeks and been hopping all over his special needs cage and chirping with the other birds in the house. He was a survivor; then he was gone.

I have only lost one other bird, many years ago. Smokey was in my life for such a short time but he had a huge impact on me. What a fighter he was! I have tried to focus on the fact that he came to us for a reason. We were able to immediately stop his pain and get him medical attention. He got to eat millet and mash, greens, broccoli and other things that he had never had before. He sat in the sun and listened to the other birds and tried to imitate them. He was free to be a budgie. Now, he is truly free and no longer lame. His wings work perfectly and he is flying over the Rainbow Bridge.

A special thank you to those who donated to his two surgeries. The money was not wasted - it was a blessing to one of the cutest little budgies I have ever met. A special thank you to Disco the Parakeet because watching you amused Smokey greatly. Fly away home, Smokey. You were loved.

The Transition Blues or Why GI Joe isn't Thrilled with Life

GI Joe the Military Macaw

We have a new macaw in the rescue.  His name is GI Joe. He is a Military Macaw and was surrendered under emergency circumstances due to family illness. GI had lived with his previous owner for 11 years.  That is a long time.  He is going through a mourning process that I see in many surrendered birds. He is sad and confused. He isn't eating a whole lot and is choosing to hang out in the corner of his cage at the moment. Due to the rapid circumstances of his surrender and the lack of available foster homes, he is temporarily with my avian vet being boarded. The good news about this is that they have placed him near their lunch room so he gets a lot of friendly "hellos", treats and conversation. The bad news is that I wish he only had one transition to go through. His cage was unusable so we are in the process of procuring another one. Once I secure that, he will be coming to my house temporarily. I often wonder what goes through the mind of surrendered birds. I know that many come from homes where they were loved. I can't imagine what it would be like to one day wake up and the flock member I love is just gone. We can't communicate with these beautiful creatures effectively enough to explain human circumstance (or in some cases human selfishness). GI is trying very hard. He responds when I talk to him, he blushes fire engine red, and he chooses to move away rather than striking or becoming aggressive. I wish he could read my mind and know my intentions. Unfortunately, that just isn't how it works. I simply continue to speak calmly and smile and duck my head away from him when I have been staring too long. My heart is already his, he just doesn't know it yet.  Updates will be coming as he continues to move forward in this settling in phase. Today he actually stepped up without much trouble and played with a foot toy that I gave him. That is a victory for him! Yay for GI!

The Innovative Cockatoo: Figaro Invents, Makes, and Uses a Tool - ScienceNOW

The Innovative Cockatoo: Figaro Invents, Makes, and Uses a Tool - ScienceNOW This isn 't news to most  parrot owners but it is so great to have it confirmed! My Goffins plays Bejeweled Blitz!

Smokey the Wonder Budgie (or Budgie Butt): How I Survived a Dog Attack!

Budgie Butt right before Cage Cleaning!

Hi Humans, my name is Budgie Butt (previously known as Smokey) and I am a budgie. If you aren't familiar with that term, we are also called parakeets. I am a lovely smokey greyish purple color with lots of white. I'm not being boastful, my foster family told me I am lovely. I used to live with a family and then one day, out of the blue - I was attacked by a dog. It was horrible, painful and very, very scary. My legs, feet and wing were damaged and I will never really walk again but I love to hop! When my foster family took me in, I had exposed bone in both feet and protruding bone in my left ankle. They took me to a wonderful person called an Avian Vet who gave me pain medicine right away!! I was so happy and then a little sleepy. I hadn't had any medicine in the four weeks since I had been attacked. This had given me an infection and made me feel very sick. I stayed with those nice vet people for several days and had an operation to amputate a toe on my right foot and to remove bone from my left foot. Soon after, I went home with my new family who gave me four medications twice a day (I really didn't like it much at all). Two weeks ago, I had another operation to remove a little more dead bone from my left leg. This time I only stayed one night and went right back home! My foster family celebrated because this meant that my leg could finally finish healing. I live in a very nice condo now (single story because my feet don't work and I can't climb) but they have put in a handicap ramp and a viewing platform so I don't always have to be on the floor!! I love my food and haven't stopped eating since I came to live here.  The foster family is trying to help me get used to being held and I am really working hard to trust people. Sometimes I get scared because I think something is going to get me!! Foster mom says that it's okay and I will feel calmer every day.  My mom says that a lot of you nice humans gave money to help me get better, I wanted to say thank you. They couldn't have done it without you!

The tiny black dot is where they removed the protruding bone.

The amputated toe area.

Meeting the Public with the Parrots

 This past weekend Parrots as Pets Rescue hosted a booth at the Gainesville Downtown Arts Festival. There were huge crowds of people, great art and some pretty good food (or at least that is what the birds told us as as they were sampling everything!). We were set up near some other animal rescue groups and had a lot of shade...thank goodness! There were quite a few learning opportunities for me as well as our guests who stopped by. It is always important to get a feel for what the general public knows about parrots and to see again the wonder and fascination people instinctively have for these beautiful creatures. I took Madison Macaw down, Henry came with Dusty the Umbrella Cockatoo (who does fun tricks!) and Harley (Harlequin Macaw) came in with Jeff from Orlando. Kovak the Grey, Tilly Shamrock Macaw and Rubix the baby Quatro Macaw came to visit with Casey! I think the most common comment of the weekend was, "oh my God, how beautiful!". The second most common was usually something like, "I knew someone with a parrot once, they had to get rid of it." While the comment usually  makes me sad, this weekend it gave us great openings to talk about parrot care, the time and effort involved in owning one and why it isn't the pet for everyone. People who had never touched a bird got to touch and see them up close. We gave out lots of literature about bird care and about the rescue. We have already had an application come in. We met a young man (around 11) who owns three parrots and provides all their care. His mother vouched for him; he wants to be an ornithologist. He asked great questions and got information about being a foster parront. I was so impressed by him!

We raised some money with a raffle and were surprised by people who gave us donations and didn't even want a raffle ticket - they just wanted to help! We have a few prizes left over and I will be running an online auction at the end of October to finish our fall fundraising efforts! We have a waiting list of birds who need to come into the rescue so please think about fostering a bird!! We will have extra posts this week, including an update about Smokey the wonder budgie!! He is doing great! Time to go make the oatmeal and fruit and veggies and.......!

What? You Mean My Parrot Might Not Be That Into Me??

Recently, I have begun to draw parallels between rearing kids and fostering/raising parrots. I don't do this to minimize or marginalize parenthood. I am definitely still a parent and it is the hardest job ever. I love it almost 99% of the time! The same is true about parrot rescue and parrot ownership. Sadly we have all been led astray with the "fairy tale" version of bird ownership. You know the one...the bird instantly loves you, never poops on you, loves everyone it meets, never gets hormonal, never bites and has a vocabulary of 1000 words. Your neighbors never hear the bird or they think that his/her evening calls are like sweet music.  <queue the violins here for a crescendo> The bird lives sixty years and you both pass gently away together, ending the perfect bird/human relationship. WAKE UP!!! That just doesn't happen! Birds are unique creatures, each with their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Just like toddlers, they have good days and bad days. Recently my Jardines parrot has been in a "mood". I have been very busy, my mom was in the hospital, we had new parrots come into the rescue, my daughter had the nerve to sound like me (which got her bitten.) My son, Michael, happened to catch Jasmine biting me for the first time in years. He was shocked and offended! "You have fed her since she was a baby, you clean her cage, you take her outside, she gets to eat near the dinner table. She doesn't even realize how good she has it." I wish I could have recorded that, seriously. I stared at him a minute and I said, "everyone has a bad day once in awhile and Jasmine is just tired of me right now." He paused a minute, looked at me and said, "Your bird just isn't into you right now? Is that what you mean? That's kind of pathetic, mom. You and the birds are making me crazy." He strolled down the hall to the kitchen where he proceeded to eat the food that I had made and put out.

Jasmine my Amazing Jardines

Just as I don't take it personally when my teenagers/young adults say thoughtless things (with no malice intended); I try not to take it personally when one of the birds that live with me are having a bad day. The good Lord knows I have had plenty of them. Sometimes, just sometimes, I get tired of certain people too.

I have seen birds end up in rescue because their owners are convinced that the birds no longer "loves" them. This is so sad. All parrots and people go through seasons (hormonal and otherwise). Try to remember, it's not always personal. Your love-bug might have gotten up on the wrong side of the perch. Hormones may be raging through your bird that would make a teenager's hormones look tame. Sometimes birds are getting sick or having a physical problem that they are masking and their only communication option is to act like a jerk. If this has happened to you or you feel like it is happening, reach out to other bird people for help, ideas and encouragement! Don't give up! Even when it hard and all the birds are throwing their expensive, organic fruit and veggies on the floor like its the worst food ever (which two of mine are doing right this minute!) Start asking questions, watch for clues, because maybe it's just not about you.

No, You Shut Up!!

So, my children are pretty much grown. I homeschooled all three and they are now married, in college and a senior in high school taking his freshman college classes at a local junior college. I share this information so that you will have an idea of my perspective on some parrot behavior. Madison (foster macaw) is three years old and a wonderful bird. Sadly for her, one of her phrases that she can repeat is "shut up". I know very few birds who have learned that particular phrase under positive circumstances. Well, my daughter(19) was playing with Madison who had decided to get a little vocal. Sarah said, "shhh, Madison". Madison responded with "shut up." Sarah paused a minute and said, "no, you shut up." And being a parrot who sensed fun drama coming, Madison shot right back at her, "you shut up." This went on for two more rounds (Sarah was not yelling, we don't yell at birds here)before I had to say, "both of you be quiet". I seriously tell you that I thought my 19 year old daughter was going to say, "she started it." I had to laugh. It reminds me so much of kids. The whole "you stop it" syndrome that fuels numerous sibling debates every day in the world. That was funny enough, but now my grumpy old man bird has it going with Poppy the Grey. I attach a video for your listening pleasure. This exchange between Fancy the Grump and Poppy the Grey was over Poppy wanting Fancy to stop screaming. (I definitely feel his pain!)

Don't Forget about Gabby!!!

Please keep Gabby in mind. She was our bird of the week this week and is looking for that perfect someone/family. She is gorgeous and a great entertainer, she can't wait to meet you!

Grumpy Old Men (or Cockatoos) as the Case may Be

This is Fancy. He came to me as a Foster/Adoption through my Avian vet's office. He is 21 years old and had lived with the same gentleman his entire life. This man loved Fancy (whom he thought was a female) very much and carried him everywhere. While this nice man was alive, life was perfect for Fancy. Unfortunately, this kind gentleman became ill and passed away. His wife gave Fancy to the vet. During the husband's illness Fancy injured a wing and shoulder and it wasn't properly cared for (not intentionally). Soon Fancy became lame. He was lame when I brought him home and had very little extension in his wing and shoulder. He also missed his human companion terribly. Once home with us, we began working with his wing and shoulder and he has a much larger range of motion, but he still will never really fly. He has a permanent bald spot on his chest and has naked little legs. Fancy can destroy Macaw toys and is one of the best destructo birds I have ever met! He has to be kept busy with lots of toys. Sometimes he is hilarious, others he is grumpy. I am grumpy occasionally myself so I feel his pain. LOL. Fancy is content with us, he may even be happy - I'm not sure. He is one of our birds that I hope just the right person comes along for. A patient person, with a lot of time to spend with him - someone who enjoys the Cockatoo crazy call during the morning meeting time and the evening flock time. Someone who finds his hide and seek game adorable. Until that time, he will be with us because I promised him when he came home with us that if we weren't right for him, he could stay with us until the right one came along. I meant that.

This toy on the right is the toy that Fancy killed in about 20 minutes the other day. It used to have Finger Traps on every rope piece and leather tied onto both ends of the Finger Traps. He went to work right after he went on the hanging stand and when he was done with it, he unhooked it and threw it on the floor. Then he looked at me as if to say, "my work here is done, where is my oatmeal?".

Bird of the Week - GABBY the Moluccan Cockatoo

Gabby is a beautiful Moluccan Cockatoo who is looking for her forever home. Gabby is ten years old and loves to entertain. She is a dancing queen looking for a forever partner. Gabby, of course, can be LOUD at times - after all, she is a cockatoo. For this reason, Gabby cannot be adopted out to anyone living in an apartment or condo.

Gabby can talk and loves physical interaction with people. She says, "Hello, Hi, Hi Gabby and I love you." She loves to travel with you and will go out to eat or just hang out with you on your favorite public patio! If you are interested in meeting Gabby and getting to know her, please contact us at Parrots as Pets Rescue. Message us on Facebook or leave a comment here with your contact information. Gabby is currently fostered in the Orlando, Florida area. Gabby's adoption fee is $500 or $650 with a cage. You can use Paypal to make your payment!

God Bless My Husband...he isn't even a bird person!

Hmmm Monday. Last night my husband and I spent two hours cleaning around the birds and all that jazz. Some climb out on top of their cage and others lean off the side trying to eat my husband. No one tries to eat me. I definitely feel guilty about that. My husband has swept, mopped and chiseled bird poop off our tile and wooden floors. He has reached in and changed paper when every bird is glaring, pinning their eyes and screaming at him. I couldn't love him more than when he is "pretend" grumping about the birds. He goes in the main bird room and starts fussing, "this room is a mess, who taught you to use a food bowl? why is there shredded paper in the corner - you are on hormone shots, knock that off!". The birds immediately respond with lots of drama because he has the vacuum and they aren't all that fond of it. I have some health issues and he always steps up (with my daughter) to make sure the birds have everything they need. It may seem like changing paper and wiping down cages isn't that much but those of you with birds know that it is. My husband is also majorly in love with our Goffin's Lulu. She is the most mischievous bird we own. All our birds are flighted (except foster birds) and Lulu is the queen of our airways. She is the most skilled flier and has a lot of fun doing "fly bys" on the other birds who aren't as skilled. She had

to be clipped once in the last six years and my husband was so horrified. He kept telling me that she was depressed and unfulfilled. He made me promise to never do it again. He laughs at all her bad behavior...this is why I am glad we did not have a late in life baby! This is Lulu after raiding the syringes I was sterilizing and promptly destroying them. I prefer to think she was contemplating whether I needed medicating. Picture to follow. Lulu doing her worst! Pardon the very personal nature of this post but my husband deserved a little shout out!

Parrots don't get the whole - My mom is in the hospital

The parrots have been rather irritated this week because I have been up at the hospital with my mother a good portion of the time. Now, don't for a minute think that this means they haven't had hot breakfast, treats, popcorn, and other delicious food options. They have also had toys, foot toys, videos and company from my daughter. I am still getting the stink eye when I walk by. I have explained several times the situation but all I get is the birdie version of, "so? how does impact me? where is my oatmeal?". As I was sweeping late last night, I glanced behind me to find Lulu Goofy Goffin digging food out of her dish and pitching it out one little foot full at a time. Poppy the Grey was in the corner of her cage glaring at me and Old Man (our old rescue Goffins) was just screaming at me every time I opened my mouth. This story has a happy ending...the birds are well cared for and will eventually get over their irritation with me. It is, however, a cautionary tale about Parrot's expectations and love of routine. I have help and support and a large family to help with my mom and my birds. I cannot imagine what people do with health crises and no assistance. This is one of the core reasons that we receive birds into the rescue. Change in circumstances (whatever they may be) that lead the owner to realize they cannot do it all. This week I am having some serious compassion for those former owners - it really is hard sometimes. Sometimes I want to simplify my opinions on why people give up birds; I have to acknowledge though that one reason is simply that we are only human and we don't always have the help or support we need to make it through trying circumstances.

Yay it's Friday!! Wait, I Still Have to Work on the Weekend.

Yep, a central truth of birds in general is that they don't know the concept of weekend unless it just means a little more face time with you. I forgot that for a really short minute this morning while I was surveying the carnage in the bird room. I swept it last night before I covered them. This morning it was already decorated with pellet, toy parts, paper and water. I hadn't even uncovered them yet!!! How do they get this out from under their sheets?? I think it is a coordinated effort to remind me that wake up time is not to be ignored. They keep a close eye on the clock (their internal clock!). So, oatmeal, apple, banana and cinnamon is delivered and my Goffin's Lulu and the Half Moon Conure decided they weren't into that today, so they launched it out at me. Lovely. Trust me, you don't want to try and scrape off dried oatmeal from the floor or cage - Nearly Impossible! Am I only one who feels guilt over date night with the hubby? I feel like I come home and they all give me the stink eye. It's important to have time away from the critters though, for me and for them! Do you have any weekend stories about your birdies or the early alarm birdie call? Share them with us!

This is my Half Moon, Looney Mooney. One of the messiest birds I know!

Crazy is as Crazy Does

ARGHHHHHH!!! Whew! Got it out. Now back to the normalcy of life. or not. This morning is another morning of I wish I had gotten up an hour earlier. By the time everyone was uncovered, treated (with a nutriberry), told how amazing they were and then medicated, I was already behind. Then I brewed coffee in the Keurig without a K-cup inside so I got hot water and no coffee. Rinse, repeat - get real coffee. Cook long grain wild rice, veggies, cinnamon, oatmeal, pureed fruit and mix it all together. Get that delivered to the birds, while talking to my daughter who is headed out the door to her college classes. Still have to jump in the shower and get ready to take my mother to the doctor. Hmmm, how to also spritz the feather pullers??? Yep they are going in the shower with me to get lots of steam and kill two bi--- Yikes!!! Got a little carried away with the figurative language. I know I am running around like a wild woman and I feel like Kovak (cone head) African Gray is staring at me like I am really not all there. You know, that stare they have that makes you feel inferior. I can only imagine his mental dialogue. "Wow, Carole is totally out of control this morning. She hasn't even brushed her hair yet. I think those are the shorts she had on yesterday. The dog is still running around wearing his leash. She isn't even calling everyone by the right name. I prefer my name to be pronounced with a russian accent but all I've gotten today is KOOOvack in a very southern drawl. Hmphhh! Where are my veggies? Where? Oops, she didn't get to the phone in time. Here comes the cell phone call...wait for it, wait for it...yes! Now she can't find the cell phone. Ahhh, the amusement provided by the humans..they just can't seem to relax. Ummm, where is my rice?"

Well, must run friends - I am almost late to pick up my mom. Oops, where is my coffee??

SURGERY FOR SMOKEY

If you prefer, you can call the veterinarian and donate directly. Just tell the front desk that you are calling to make a donation to "Surgery for Smokey." The phone number is 904-256-0043, the Exotic Bird Hospital.

Budgies are NOT DISPOSABLE!

Anger. Questions. What is wrong with people? We received a call from someone who wanted us to take a lame budgie. I won't bore you with details but when the bird was taken in, it had been attacked and had two mangled feet. The injuries were old enough that skin had healed around an exposed bone on his foot.   We were horrified. The woman who surrendered her to us couldn't even remember the bird's name and had to call her son to get the name. Every nuance of this woman's actions make me sick and angry. Just because you can purchase a budgie for less than 20 dollars does not mean that they are disposable! This little bird was suffering for several weeks! The vet found three areas in his feet with exposed bone. Our bird vet is attempting to trim the exposed (dead) bone and create a semblance of a flat foot for the bird to use to stand on. Additionally, there will be a toe amputated and some other corrections. This bird, even with all its injuries, was trying to chirp and whistle this morning while we were on the way to the vet. What a will to live!! I feel like making it this far qualifies the little guy for some serious Rocky music. Photos to follow.

Am I that "crazy bird lady"?

Okay, several of my kids, nieces and nephews have jokingly called me "crazy bird lady" over the years but recently my mother called me something similar. I think her phrase was "one of those people". She meant well, I think she was trying to encourage me but it really made me think. Is that how people really see me? I have had my own parrots and taken in others that were "special" and couldn't find a home. Now, I foster birds and bird sit when asked. Deciding how many birds are too many is a topic that is ongoing with many rescues here in the U.S.

So how many birds are too many birds? I have my personal opinion on this - it depends on the size of the home and the hours available to provide the kind of care and attention each parrot in the home needs. In other words, it isn't written in stone but it does have some boundaries. I was surprised to find out that some other bird people didn't agree with me. Some have told me that as long as the birds have clean cages, fresh food and water that the number of birds shouldn't matter. I'm not sure I agree with that. I am not talking about large sanctuaries or rescues that have on site facilities with many helpers. I am simply talking about people's homes.

Just to be clear - I am not saying that I judge people who have ten birds in their house (or whatever number) but I am saying that I think there probably is a limit to the quality of life that we can provide once the number of birds reaches a certain place. I guess that is why I think it is so important to promote fostering and have as many foster homes available as you can.

Right now, barring some emergency, I am at my personal limit. I have eight birds in the house (one is a temporary guest). Again, I am not saying what each person's limit is -- I am just saying that there is one.

Jasmine (one of my flock) and Kovak (a temporary guest who is also a rescue bird)..

Mess, thy Name is Parrot

Yes, today was one of those days where I couldn't finish changing paper until the actual paper arrived. I get newspaper delivered Thursday thru Sunday and my parents give me all of their newspaper. I find it kind of funny that I could be out at a weird hour of the day or night buying a copy of God knows what newspaper because I forgot to check the stack that day.

I think I vacuumed the same room yesterday at least 10 times and then did it again today. I can almost keep up with the mess from the parrots IF (and this is a big IF) nothing out of the ordinary happens. Like my decision one day to make them birdie cornbread with lots of goodies in it and give them raspberries. Insanity! You could have fed a small country on the amount of crumbs that were launched from every cage in the house. The raspberries made the cage paper look like a crime scene with smeared red blotches and questionable smashed masses.

Just one corner of Poppy the Grey's cage. All that happened since new paper was put in this morning. The floor around it looks pretty much the same.

Mess, thy name is parrot. Photos on the way soon! Send me some photos of your parrot messes -- I am trying to remember to photo all of mine. I usually get caught up in cleaning and forget to take photos!

Feds Propose Protecting Four Macaw Species as Endangered

Feds Propose Protecting Four Macaw Species as Endangered

I truly believe in protecting all our endangered species. I just don't know why we need additional regulation when these species are already listed in the CITES agreement.

I wonder how all of these regulations are going to impact rescue groups that have foster homes that cross state lines.

Ugh! Today is Apparently Grumpy Parrot Day

I thought today was Thursday but apparently it is really "grumpy parrot" day. Well, at least for several of my birds and one of the foster birds. I try to find the joy in small things on hard days and today was no exception. I amused myself by creating a dialog for my grumpy Goffin's Cockatoo.

Me:    Lulu, please put down my iPhone.
Lulu:  I can't hear you, I'm eating your iPhone.
Me:    Lulu, look! I have an almond!
Lulu:  drops phone on couch, flies over and takes almond back to the couch and sits on the iPhone.
Me:    Lulu, you know there are rescues for a reason. I give her a very stern look.
Lulu:  Looks around at all the birds, the toys and treats. Yeah right mom!


Yes, she knows me well. Nobody is going anywhere but I do allow myself an occasional threat. Not that it changes anything but sometimes it does lighten the moment.

The Adventure Continues

Well, Madison and Kovak (who is also a rescue - more about him later) were on the back porch this morning enjoying the early morning sun. Madison is absolutely ridiculous, in a wonderful sort of way! She had her morning banana on a play stand and then proceeded to destroy an entire toy before I finished my coffee. Kovak just soaked up the sun!

Madison putting the smack down on some toys!

Kovak enjoying the sun in a very dignified kind of way (even with his collar).

Day One - Madison isn't Shy about Settling in

Madison has decided to settle in. Her first morning with me she went out back, climbed right on this gym and started chatting to the neighbors (loudly). She "hello'd" "come ere'd" and demanded that the ducks in the lake "step up!".  After having been attacked by a raccoon on a porch similar to ours, I thought she would be more nervous but she took it all in stride. What a brave girl she is! More on her attack, recovery and how she came to be with Parrots as Pets over the next few days. 

Madison checking out her hanging gym on the back porch.

Welcome To The Adventure

Hi! This is Carole and I will be hosting the Parrots as Pets blog. Here you will find information about our rescue, its current guests and the reality of rescue life. My first foster with this organization is a beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw named Madison. She has stolen my heart. You will be hearing  a lot about her and our adventures. Since I am new to this whole blog thing, you can help me improve it by letting me know your thoughts and feedback as I journey along.