“People have forgotten this truth,” the fox said. “But you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This quotation, in its entirety, best fits the HARI philosophy with regards to how we manage our HARI flock and raise our parrot fledglings. With the rising number of  parrot sanctuaries and organizations that serve to re-home older parrots, often with behavioral and health challenges, the HARI Team has questioned the plight of our hand fed baby parrots once they leave the HARI Facility.  

Periodically, we’ve observed partial quotations from Saint-Exupéry in the avian community; almost as if only pieces of his words are applicable to keeping a parrot as a pet. Paradoxically this is kind of how many breeders and us included, have participated in the avian community …only partially there. It’s as if we should be doing something more for the companion birds we set off into the world.  It’s a safe bet that most breeders and retailers  that offer parrots for the companion  trade  do not really want or expect  their babies to end up in sanctuaries due to behavior issues.  But for some, this happens as a result of  inadequate or untimely training for the pet.

 Yes the Avian Community-consisting of aviculturists, pet bird, and avian health practitioners have seen major positive growths in areas of nutrition, housing, health, as well as behavior over the years-but has it been enough? Is it responsible enough? Is it enough to keep the parrot in the pet industry? What are we doing with our “Rose”?

With  careful consideration over our “rose”, we at HARI know that future and current avian caretakers often mull over their  options when considering a new feathered companion pet. Do they choose a young  parrot or adopt an older parrot in need of a home or rehabilitation for companionship?  Because of the challenges caretakers  face with having to re-train an older parrot that might already have deeply embedded negative behaviors, the need for young healthy hand fed parrots for the pet trade continues.   

As breeding season for North America kicks in we thought we’d introduce a formalized, yet a continuing to evolve, research project –Early Parrot Education Early Parrot Education, or EPE, has been an ongoing development to structure a program that teaches fledgling parrots a formal education as they enter their life as a companion. Some breeders or avian caretakers have referred to this developmental stage as “weaning”, to mean that the fledgling is eating on his own and is not being hand fed or perhaps an expression such as “socially raised” has been highlighted to give the essence of the bird being tame or sweet. We’ve questioned whether those two concepts alone serve the pet bird and the pet bird industry responsibly. Over the years, our HARI staff has shared some of our Early Parrot Education throughout its development at avian symposiums and conventions, such as American Federation of Aviculture, and PetLifeRadio pod casts with HARI Staff. And, of course, with collaboration with avian enthusiasts all over the world. Some of the conference material is referenced and available at various avian organization DVD shopping sites such as the AFA Store.

This is just a tidbit of introduction. We’ll be posting more on EPE in upcoming posts.

But first, let’s start with the goal: to raise parrot fledglings and prepare them for their life as a companion bird.

Why? The reality is that since most parrot species live long lives, they could very well find themselves in need of a new home during the course of their life. And, this isn’t always due to neglect or abuse. Often, due to circumstances beyond the original avian caretaker’s control,  many parrots may require a  re-home opportunity. According to APPA (American Pet Products Association) 2011-2012 Industry statistics , there are 5.7 million homes in the United States alone, with pet birds; many of which have multiple pets birds. 

If we take a look at a published article on  PIJAC- Canada’s (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) site, listed statistics on dogs surrendered to shelters for one reason or another, we’ll discover that many animals, in fact 96% of dogs, given up had not received any obedience training.  Ask any one that works in dog shelters-those pets that are trained, are adopted easily and readily. The transition from shelter to new home  is quick and successful!  Can aviculturists apply this thinking to our young parrots?   We think so!  As in dog cat adoption studies, an educated pet is more likely to get adopted. For parrot species, it’s a question of when to begin the formal training. During the evolution of EPE,  we have learned that this is not a concept that begins when the young parrot is sitting in a store or for many, when it arrives at his new home with a family. Preparations for the young parrot’s life as a companion bird  begins in a small window of opportunity -during the fledgling’s  fastest growth and mental developmental  stages.   Rather like in the wild-parrots species prepare their nestlings to survive and flourish in the habitat they will live in…in the wild so to speak. These lessons are taught at  a young age, and often before the parrot leaves the nest. Now, let’s bring this back to the companion bird or the pet bird. We’ve posted discussions on this in tiny bits but let’s add structure to our philosophy. First, the moment to start teaching or preparing our HARI fledglings begin about when the fledgling starts to pinfeather. This marks the beginning of his life journey as a companion pet.

The structure begins with our primary lessons chart. Yes, another chart, but this helps us to keep up with our fledglings’ progress and it helps avian caretakers, be it breeders, retailers, or companion bird owners stay on track. We’ll be adding more on EPE in upcoming posts so stayed tuned!

Under the direction of Mark Hagen, M.Ag. the HARI Team has contributed hands on training, experience and other company resources to parrot conservation projects that helps parrot species in their native habitat thrive with trained field personnel.

Additionally, the other “spokes” of the avian community,  veterinarian and veterinarian technicians  benefit from ongoing psittacine research and avicultural commitment from HARI through intern programs.

Let’s start the New Year off with some resolutions for your companion birds! Here’s to their health, well-being, and to your dedication to your feathered friends.

Tasha, HARI’s model resident Yellow Naped Amazon, is ready to get the New Year started with a few suggestions on a timeless New Year’s Resolution list for all companion birds that will result in a winning strategy for ultimate bird happiness!

Remember, it takes a human care taker to make this list possible! As we roll into the New Year, we want to say THANK YOU to all our supporters and customers. And, we at HARI wish all of you-avian and otherwise, a prosperous and blessed 2012!

Top 10 Avian Resolutions for the New Year!

1. I resolve to watch my weight. Hopefully the human caretakers have invested in a scale and will keep track of my ups & downs.
2. I resolve to eat a nutritious diet that includes Tropican, Low-Fat Bean Tropimix.
3.   I resolve to get a peaceful 9-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep & rest each night.
4.   I resolve to encourage my avian caretakers to take advantage of some of the  educational opportunities to ensure I get the best care!
5.  I resolve to forage for food and interesting objects.
6.  I resolve to partake in independent play and to learn new exciting behaviors that stimulate my intelligence.
7.  I resolve to get regular grooming and keep my feet in tip top shape!

<

8.   I resolve to bathe regularly in order to keep my feathers in shining condition!
9.   I resolve to exercise at every opportunity that avails me.
10.  I resolve to acknowledge my place as a companion pet-yet be the utmost ambassador to my wild counterparts in need of protection & support.

World Parrot Trust

Parrots International

AFA Conservation Projects

 Be sure to stay tuned …we have a lot of cool things in progress for 2012!

For more information on the Hagen Avicultural Research Institute, please visit our sites: www.hagen.com/hari or search the HARI Blog Archives for other useful information!

First, the HARI Team wants remind avian caretakers that the decision to use a vitamin supplement begins with a health evaluation or assessment by a qualified avian health provider.   In addition, other factors should play into this decision, such as species predisposition, as well as the percent of Tropican verses the  percent of seed based diets consumed by the bird.  If you have concerns, please contact us or consult your avian veterinarian.

As Prime was developed for companion birds on a predominately seed based diet, we’ve always recommended Prime be sprinkled on a bird’s moistened food for optimal nutritional benefit.  The fruity flavor and aroma of Prime homogenizes with fruits and vegetables and creates a nutritious morsel to complete the missing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in traditional seed diets.

 Often we hear of some birds that do not eat a lot of fruits and vegetables for one reason or another. We’d like to recommend some creative suggestions in giving your bird exactly what he needs!

We invite our readers to comment on their favorite and most successful method!

Play into the foraging behaviors!

Who doesn’t love searching for yummy mealworms?  Finches, canaries, and even some of the smaller parrots really enjoy an occasional “crunchy on the outside and soft-n- squishy on the inside” bug. In fact, many passerines really benefit from a diet of bugs due to the protein.  Not excited about live mealworms…that’s ok. Fortunately, canned mealworms make a great substitution!

HARI Tip: Slightly moisten mealworms with spray bottle of fresh water. Put the mealworms in a small plastic bag, and dust them with a scoop of Prime…shake gently. Place the dusty critters in a shallow dish with assorted rocks or pebbles. Please be sure to use appropriate size pebbles to prevent bird accidently ingesting the rock!  Place the loaded dish in flight or cage for an activity filled with foraging and nutritional enrichment your bird is sure to enjoy!

Add some exotic fruit flavor to plain old Spray Millet!

Spray millet offers the ultimate sprig of happiness for many companion birds. And, yes, even some macaws have been known to nibble on the millet sprays so this vehicle in administering Prime supplement is pretty universal for many companion birds!

HARI Tip:  Slightly moisten the Spray Millet with fresh water from a spray bottle. Dust the required amount of Prime on the millet so that the supplement sticks to the individual seed pods in the millet. The fruity flavor of Prime might make plain old millet a thing of the past!

Putting a Spin on a mischievous behavior!

Our feathered companions are really intelligent-that’s one of the benefits in sharing a life with a bird. However,  getting a reluctant or stubborn bird to eat a nutritious diet often leaves the avian caretaker feeling helpless and well, quite frankly,  outsmarted by the bird! Such is the case with a particular caretaker and a budgie that absolutely refused all attempts to eat fruits and veggies loaded with Prime.  As it happened, this particular budgie’s cage was moved a little too close to a window with a cotton sheer one day. It didn’t take long for this little bird’s natural curiosity and tendency for shredding behavior to make mincemeat out of the curtain. Fortunately, this bird wasn’t harmed by the  mischievous behavior, but the bird’s natural lure to shred the curtain inspired the caretaker to seize a new opportunity for nutritional supplement!

HARI Tip: Wash some  fresh Kale or Romaine lettuce leaves, slightly pat dry. Dust the required dosage of Prime on the leaves so that the supplement sticks. Take a bird safe clip, gather the leaves with Prime, and attach to OUTSIDE of bird’s cage with just a little of the leaves slightly sticking through the bars of the cage …yeah…so it looks as if he’s not supposed to have it.  Avian caretakers are sure to have their “winning power” restored  once they turn their backs and hear the crunching of the leaves!

Prime is HARI Approved! …A little more information on Prime?

Each package of Primes comes with dosage recommendation based on size of bird as well as instructions for the less preferred method of dosing in water dish.  While Prime has a fruity aroma that blends well when applied to fresh fruits and veggies, the reaction when Prime is mixed in drinking water is entirely different. The high levels of calcium and essential amino acids do not dissolve in water very well and a few harmless particles may float or settle in the bird’s water dish.  Plus the sulphur molecule from the amino acids will be released by the beneficial bacteria after 6 hours of being in a water solution. This may give off a medicinal odor that can deter some birds from drinking enough water to derive nutritional benefit. The water dish with fresh  Prime solution will have to be changed frequently during the day-especially in warm climates.  Not only does this add to the cost of supplementing a bird’s diet, this method  may not be convenient for the caretaker.

Interested in more the Research and Development of Prime? Please visit the HARI Web Site: Prime Data Sheet

Aside from having feathers, the stories of the Imperial Woodpecker, “Rio”, and 517 Parrot chicks in Brazil do have some things in common. These are topics of conservation that have been trending in the avian community these past few months. Many of us in the avian community are fined tuned into these stories probably with more awareness than the non avian community. And there sure is a story to be told with each… one of total peril, one of a fictitious character that represents a far off truth of a species in true peril, and one of an interception of more than five hundred amazons on their way to a state of potential peril.

85 seconds of the Imperial Woodpecker

While the Imperial Woodpecker is not a parrot species, the many in the parrot community know about the plight of the Imperial Woodpecker as many of us have viewed that rare 85 second video footage from Cornell University. This video is described as the only video in existence of this amazing creature that is now a distant memory of past generations. In short, this was a common bird that thrived in unique and virgin timberlands. The timberlands were destroyed for the purpose of man’s need for paper and wood products: therefore we eliminated this majestic two foot tall bird’s unique environment. Oh, to encourage the woodpeckers’ s demise, timber companies gave the locals poison packets to set out as it was believed that the bird was destroying the timber when in actuality, the bird was feeding off the larvae of the pine beetle. Today, the pine beetle still plagues the timber industry.

96 Minutes of “Rio: The Movie” released by 20^th Century Fox

How about “Blu” the loving and fictitious character portrayed as the last male of his species? In case you didn’t see it, “Rio” has a happy ending. Blu and his mate fly off into the sunset presumably to carry on the species. While entertaining, there are some hints of truth with this story-in that it’s about a blue bird that is deemed as the last male of his species. In fact, some sources indicate that Blu’s character is based on a real live Spix’s Macaw discovered in a pet setting in Colorado years ago. The parrot community compares this character to the condition of the now “extinct in the wild” Spix’s Macaw. While believed to be extinct in the wild, it is the parrot and avian community that regularly discuss the increasing numbers of Spix’s Macaw held in managed captive breeding facilities such as Loro Parque and Al Wabra. Interesting that “Rio: The Movie” based on a plot that nearly touches the truth, brings in nearly 500 million dollars at the box office alone. We can, with a reasonable amount of confidence, assume that it was more than just the parrot community that got a taste of ‘near truth’ about a parrot being the last of its kind. One should question the real message here. But alas, the parrot community did put a spin on this. Reports indicate that the story of Blu opened the doors to parrot awareness, as well as conservation matters. We can only hope that other conservation organizations also took advantage of this acclaimed entertainment value and educated captive audiences in order to fuel public awareness of parrot conservation and perhaps to acheive some fundraising.

Now, the 517 Amazon chicks rescued in Pernambuco, Brazil

In recent weeks, the Brazilian officials thwarted smuggling attempts of over 500 Amazon chicks and the plea to help these chicks spread everywhere in the avian community. The parrot species in this particular interception included Blue Front amazons, Yellow Shoulder amazons, as well as a few smaller indigenous species of parrakeets.

Well, some of these species are endangered. Some species are rather common. And, for the record, this group of parrots was not the only group of parrots destined for anything other than living wild that made parrot conservation headlines this year. Who is to say what is more important-saving a group of highly endangered birds or some species commonly found flying in native lands as frequently as… let’s say…the Imperial Woodpecker 100 years ago?

We at Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. and at HARI salute organizations and individuals that protect our planet’s birds-especially parrot species. And yes, as a corporate ambassador of the avian community that serves the pet industry, we are also proud to support various conservation projects such as World Parrot Trust and Parrots International to name a few. This year alone we have sent Tropican diets, and other HARI Approved products to various conservation projects to promote and encourage the study of parrots in the wild. Yes, the companion bird we love and hold dear is probably a mere generation or two removed from the wild…and that’s ok. After all, our pet birds, be they cherished members of the family or an unpredictable pair of breeding amazons in an aviary setting, really can’t go back to a life in the wild, like “Blu”. There are too many other global conflicts within native ecosystems that makes this idea too challenging- if not impossible. However, there is indeed an obligation to help preserve these bird species in their native lands. Imagine your future generations of offspring watching a video of the last known brown throated conure.

What can you do? Some folks give up their funds allocated for their daily coffee fix for conservation donation. No amount is too small and any funding towards these projects is appreciated and needed. However, you can do something else that would be good if not better… share these stories with one of those out of the parrot community-you know the ones that contributed to the gross profit of fiction-except tell them the truth!

Rolf C. Hagen was a pillar in the pet products industry who touched many lives with his generosity and compassion.

Montreal, Canada – October 24, 2011 – Rolf C. Hagen, Founder and Chairman of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., passed away suddenly yet peacefully at his home in Montreal surrounded by his loving wife Marianne and grandson Justin on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Rolf C. Hagen was born in 1932, the third of 10 children, in a small seaside town in northern Germany.

In 1955, inspired by a simple idea, he came to Canada and sowed the seeds of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., which blossomed to become one of the world’s largest family-owned manufacturers and distributors of pet care products.

He started by acquiring bird seeds from the Canadian prairies and exporting them back to Germany. His small export business eventually flourished and branched out into a solid, well-respected pet supplies business that today spans many continents.

Soon after setting up his business in Montreal, his focus turned to the most significant import of his life: a beautiful young woman named Marianne Koch, whom he met in Hamburg and married in Montreal in 1959.

His brothers Dieter and Horst subsequently joined the company, both of whom brought new energy and innovation to the company, taking it to new heights of success. The trio formed the first generation of an internationally successful family-based company that is now managed by Rolf C. Hagen’s three beloved sons, Mark, Tom, and Rolf Jr.

Mr Hagen was a tireless force who was actively involved as Chairman of Rolf C. Hagen Inc. right up until the day preceding his sudden passing.

Those who did business with Mr Hagen were often inspired by his simple and ethical approach to commerce, often sealing business deals with his firm handshake and honouring them with his word, which was as good as gold.

In his lifetime, Mr Hagen was honoured with many awards in the pet products industry. In June 1999, he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual in the pet industry. In March 2004, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association in recognition for innovative design of pet products and for his generous support of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people.  He is the only person in the pet products industry who is a recipient of both awards.

In 1996, he received The First Cross of the Federal Order of Merit from Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz der 1. Klasse). In 2005, he was awarded The Highest Order of Merit (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band) from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour that Germany can bestow upon a civilian.

Yet even with all his business successes and accolades, Rolf C. Hagen remained a humble and altruistic man who did not lose touch with many of life’s timeless and enduring values: love, kindness, humility, compassion, and generosity. Though he soared in business, he was deeply grounded in his love for humanity and pets, giving away much of what he amassed to individuals, schools, hospitals, churches and charitable organizations in Canada as well as all over the world.

Helen Keller wrote that it is better to walk with a friend in the dark than alone in the light. In addition to being an icon in the pet products industry, Rolf C. Hagen will also be remembered for being a true friend who was always there for those who walked in the dark.

Despite the current disasters such as hurricanes, wild fires, and other maladies of Mother Nature that make international headlines, often the most overlooked disaster for a companion bird goes without notice. This is something that occurs often, yet, rarely makes a headline: it’s a storm of another kind. The kind of storm that can be sudden or perhaps it’s an event that’s actually brewing in the not so far distance. It’s the absence of the avian caretaker. Perhaps this is due to family emergency or unexpected death of the caretaker. Maybe it’s the slow decline of health on the part of the avian caretaker that creates comprises in the bird’s daily care. Unfortunately, a disaster from a companion parrot’s perspective is a disaster indeed…it is the interruption of life from that bird’s normal care.

We at HARI often hear about a pet bird or perhaps a collection of parrots, be it a breeder, a pet store, and even some parrot re-homing facilities in need of assistance due to human related emergencies. With that being said, we’d like to make a few suggestions and reminders for all of the avian community to take charge of their feathered companions before a “storm” actually strikes.

What can you do?

Take Charge!

First and foremost, avian caretakers need to take charge of their own flock. The HARI team encourages pet owners and large flock caretakers alike to keep records and prepare for emergencies. While some emergencies are incredibly unexpected, others are much like the storm in the not so far distance. Life has its challenges for all and if you feel as if the care of one bird or several is getting too difficult, ask for help. You know your bird or birds, and you know who you can count on. Take decisive steps in this matter to avoid someone else making decisions for you and your pets or flock.

Companion bird owners:

Companion bird owners can very easily keep a supply box that includes everything needed for caring for their birds in case of emergency. Keep in mind that should an emergency arise that would give cause of for emergency personnel to enter a household, a simple notice on the refrigerator stating: Pet bird profile located in… let’s say, pantry, cupboard or whatever. This bit of information should include your avian veterinarian telephone, plus contact information for someone that can take over the care of your bird in your absence. Please feel free to review one of our older post , “HARI Approved First Aid Arsenal: Are You Ready?” for list of other items.

Strategies for Bird Clubs:

Bird Clubs usually have a network and committee chairpersons set up for education, speaker, pet bird adoption and other services for their membership. Designate an emergency relief team and protocol. We’re not suggesting that a diehard watch dog team be in place, but perhaps a couple of members that can respectfully network within the bird club membership and be available to members in need.

Set up phone calling trees and encourage membership to have an emergency book on their pets filled out. To get started, make use of the Parrot Profile available from HARI which includes basic pertinent information about a particular bird. An Emergency or Disaster Relief committee might want to organize a presentation on this topic for a regular club meeting. Be sure to include an article on the subject in a monthly club newsletter for members unable to attend meetings.

Strategies for Avian Specialty Retailers & Pet Stores

Some of the best retailers are very familiar with their regular customers and the products they buy for their pets or flock. During the normal course of business it’s easy to lose track of every customer-but usually something will trigger that will make one think, especially when it comes to reordering a particular item because they know ‘so and so’ will be in and need…and then they discover that particular item is still on the shelf. A customer database, especially for routine grooming appointment reminders, is one way of not only creating a database for customer contacts, it’s a great way to keep in touch with the store’s area market and support community outreach projects that benefit the business.

Large Flock management

Whether it’s a breeding facility, a re-home facility or even a home with several parrots, large flock management emergency care is a little bit different. In extreme cases, municipal agencies are the ones who are called to these collections in the event of emergency. And, not every agency is equipped with knowledge of caring for exotic parrots. If the situation is temporary, the birds will be easier to manage without moving them from premise. At any rate, a response team will need to know location of food, particular dietary needs of species, as well other supplies such as nets, disinfectants, extra bowls, that are used in every day operation of a large flock management. Please note that most aviaries are very concerned with security as well as bio-security. Respect for the operation is essential to be of benefit overall. Ideally, the response team should be made up of experienced avian caretakers or facility avian veterinarian educated in large flock management. Efficiently operated large flock facilities will have record keeping system unique to the operation.

These types are record systems are often on computers; therefore, it’s suggested to have a hard copy of some kind that includes a map of facility with the location & identification of each bird, flight, cage as well as location of food, and extra supplies. Contact information for food supplier should be included as well to avoid interruption of the flock’s normal diet.

As avian caretakers, we’re very concerned with the quality of care of all parrot species in the avian community. By this post we’re not endorsing anyone particular group of the avian community, we just want the birds to be protected from storm damage…because it’s not always a Mother Nature
event!

Under the directorship of Mark D. Hagen (MAg), HARI continues as a world leader in psittacine aviculture. From the humble beginnings in a warehouse operation with imported parrot species to the state of the art psittacine aviculture facility located on a mountain side in Rigaud, the HARI Team has learned and shared a great deal in the way of companion bird keeping. While some things in aviculture have changed, some things remain the same such as experiencing the passion of parrots.

What’s changed?

First of all, the vast variety of parrot species that make up the HARI Flock.

At one time the HARI flock consisted of quite a variety of parrot species to include many cockatoo species as well as smaller South American species. Currently, the HARI flock consists of ten main core species that excel as companion pets in today’s society. This is especially beneficial with the HARI developed technique of raising companion birds – the 6 stages of Early Parrot Education. We have touched on some of the stages in previous blog posts, with lessons in towel cradling, flight harness training, bathing, preening as well as nutrition. These lessons are critical in weaning parrot chicks so that they are prepared for their life as a companion pet.

The many faces of the Avian Community reflected in Parrot Life Magazine- the official publication of HARI. Unlike many other companion animal segments, the Parrot community is so varied with interests in companion, aviculture, medical, and especially a topic dear to the hearts of the HARI Team, conservation. While the publication is limited in print, we do invite readers to get the complete volume set in PDF form at the HARI web site. And, not to worry, there will be more!

What’s the same?

Aside from the many challenges the day to day facility brings, it is the passion of parrots that keeps HARI running! As anyone who cares for animals can attest, the caretaker’s day is not always smooth. HARI has experienced aviculture diseases such as Pacheco’s Virus, PDD, as well as everyday diseases that have resulted in depth research investigation in natural therapies. Mark Hagen and members of the HARI Staff have shared their experience and have spoken at Avicultural conferences all over the world. Work in the areas of disease continues as the HARI staff members collaborate with top avian veterinarians and veterinarian techs throughout the year.

HARI continues to serve as the testing facility for HARI Approved products such as Tropican, Tropimix, Prime and Living World products such as foraging and enrichment Natures Treasures Toys and new Clay-Cal.

The HARI Team wishes to say thank you to all that have supported our work and especially to those in the Avian community. IT is truly a shared Parrot Passion that will keep us going for the next 25 years!

On Friday, July 1st, Echo – a World Parrot Trust FlyFree partner – received an emergency call for help from STINAPA (Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire). Following a tip-off, STINAPA had seized a group of 112 parrots from an illegal trader. The birds are native to Bonaire and were believed to be bound for Curacao to be sold into the pet trade.

Many were close to perishing, and one had already died. Watch a special video message »

With no time to spare, Echo staff began caring for the parrots – Yellow-shouldered Amazons and Brown-throated Conures – and worked through the night by lantern to try to save them. The birds were in a terrible state, and desperately needed feeding after being kept in appalling conditions and without food for several days. Out of the 112 birds about 90 babies now require one-on-one care.

The immediate need for these youngsters is hand-feeding formula. The team will attempt to foster some of the parrots into wild nests, but many of the chicks are very young and may have months to go before they are able to eat on their own.

Intensive care is needed right now to help these birds survive.

The next few days will be critical for these birds. And this is where you come in: any support you can provide can make a difference to help get these parrots healthy and back into the wild where they belong.

That’s right: you can help save these parrots from wherever you are!

Please, donate today — your help can really make the difference between life and death for these parrots!

Is the Internet replacing monthly companion bird clubs?

As the Internet becomes even more popular with endless threads of information, the avian community often reaches out to other flock members with the press of a button.   And, thanks to the power of social network sites, blogs, and so many choices in state of the art portable devices, immediate gratification is merely a click away. Without a doubt, the power of instant communication might be a positive aspect in building camaraderie with other avian enthusiast. However, one must question this trend and whether cyberspace education alone is an adequate replacement for “real time socialization” with other avian enthusiasts.

Organized companion bird clubs can offer a lot in the way of avian education coupled with a kindred fellowship, and of course community outreach events such as bird expos, adoption and fostering events,  companion bird awareness  to name a few.

Don’t let the Internet be your only source of information for your bird.

If you’ve been following the HARI Blog, you might have picked up a few lessons in caring for your bird such as “how to detect pododermatitis” or “how to use safe non-invasive towel restraint“.  Now imagine a qualified avian care specialist demonstrating these lessons with a real towel and a real bird. Can’t get that on your computer or your portable device!  But, when a thriving bird club features  a guest speaker to show the members how to do this first hand, the lesson is  more meaningful. And, who benefits from that?

For many of our followers, locating an organized companion bird clubs may present a challenge.  We suggest looking for a club that offers well rounded activities or benefits that are in line with the membership and the positive aspects of companion birds. A bird club is as empowering as its membership. While that can be a challenge, we do encourage avian caretakers to seek out friends and support their local bird clubs.  Local companion bird clubs are the ties that bind the avian community.  Need to find a bird club near you…yeah…you guessed it. Check the internet!

LIPS 26^th Year!

With that being said, we’d like to acknowledge one of the largest companion bird clubs in the United States, the Long Island Parrot Society.   This year, LIPS celebrates their 26^th year as 501c3 organization and serves the New York avian community with many projects that promote responsible bird ownership based on education and example. With a membership of over 600, the club caters to the many facets of the avian community to include companion bird owners, breeders, pet shop professionals as well as support for the  fostering and re-homing of companion birds in need.

And, now for an HARI EVENT announcement!

Calling all of the avian community in the Long Island New York area and set the date! JULY 23, 2011!

Join Mark Hagen, Director of HARI and Josee Bermingham, AHT and head veterinarian Technician for the day as they present A Parrot’s Guide to Surviving in a Human Household for the Long Island Parrot Society.

Whether you’re a companion pet owner, a breeder, or pet shop, you don’t want to miss this all day event!  LIPS, one of the largest companion bird clubs in the United States present this special opportunity to all. Special discounts are available with multiple registrations. For more information on this event, please visit the Long Island Parrot Society web site: http://www.liparrotsociety.org/