Category — Catawba Parrots

It all began for me on February 11, 2010, with an email from Phoenix Landing, telling me of 26 birds several volunteers had picked up from the Catawba County Animal Shelter in North Carolina.  They were what were “left over” from 142 that had been confiscated by Animal Control on December 16th, 2009. These two dozen plus birds had quite literally reached their last day, for if it had not been for the Herculean efforts of Teri Rand, Lannie Ellison and other Phoenix Landing volunteers, these innocent creatures might have faced euthanasia.

The majority of the group were Amazons, and on the spot I volunteered to foster a pair of Lilac Crowns that were on the list.  I was told that they still needed to be cleared medically. Of course, common sense, right? No problem, I just wanted to help, I’d be ready when they were. I packed a big box of toys and shipped them down for all the birds to share.

Then the photos came in. Have you fallen in love from a photo? Well here’s the one that did me in.

This little bird had not yet been named, so I suggested Winnie, and everyone agreed.  I couldn’t get this little face out of my mind, and asked if once cleared to move, could she come to live with me too? Yes, and she had a cage mate who had been named Eeyore, would I take that one as well? Could I really handle 4 new Amazons? Ooops, misunderstanding, Eeyore was one of the Lilacs, the other Lilac, Darlene was living with a Blue Front, Kittredge.  So, deep breath, I’d take Winnie & her friend Eeyore to foster,  just the 2. More toys and food heading south.

Then the sad news.  Of the original 142, a few of the birds had died soon after going to the shelter.  A stressful environment like that can really test a bird’s immune system, but there was some concern for disease as well.   However, once the birds came to Phoenix Landing under the care of Teri & Lannie, they began to thrive!   Focusing on medical care, quality nutrition, and lots of physical and mental enrichment, the birds rallied in body and spirit day by day.   However, given their checkered and negligent background, the search for foster homes with no other parrots began.  Phoenix Landing wanted to insure that other birds were not put at risk until we could insure that the shelter birds were in proven good health.  This meant that Winnie & Eeyore could not come to live with me.   Well that kind of a home, a parrot-less home in search of a parrot, is very hard to find.

In addition to the their medical workups, the birds were also tested for the Bornavirus, thought by some to be a cause of PDD, a disease that has no sure cure.  Several of the shelter birds tested positive for Bornavirus.  Now I must diverge from the story in Hickory for a moment, to let you know a little about my experience with Bornavirus & PDD.  A couple of years ago, our macaw, Trixie, was exposed, second-hand, to PDD, which of course threw me into a panic.  I went frantically searching for everything I could find out about PDD, which honestly wasn’t much at the time, but it was thought to have a fairly short incubation period.  The best thing I could do for Trixie was to boost her immune system, because PDD seems to primarily strike birds who’s health is otherwise compromised.  Time goes by and Trixie is still just fine!

Then I was fostering Jesse, and with her initial intake blood work, my vet regularly runs a test for Bornavirus, as part of a research study her office is doing.  Jesse came back positive. Well, what did that mean exactly? Bornavirus is thought by some to be an indicator for PDD, in that to date all birds diagnosed with PDD are also positive for Bornavirus.  But that does not mean that all Bornavirus positive birds will get PDD.  Current estimates are that 40% of ALL parrots have Bornavirus, but less than 20% of those will ever show any symptoms of PDD, which can now be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.  PDD has been found to be inflammation in the bird’s brain that causes loss of vision, digestive malfunction and other neurological disorders, so it should no longer be considered a fatal disease. But how do birds get Bornavirus? Still not sure, but there are several cases of pairs of birds (mates) with one being treated for active PDD, and it’s mate still tests negative for Bornavirus, so some acclaimed avian vets believe that birds with Bornavirus are actually born with it.  So I had Trixie and our Amazon, Ariel tested too. Ariel is negative, but Trixie is positive. So regardless of how the virus is transmitted, it’s in my home (and if you have more than 1 bird, probably in yours too).

Now back to Winnie & Eeyore, when I was told that they both tested positive for Bornavirus, for me it was a “been there, done that”, moment, no big deal, I could just do for them what I had done for Jesse and was still doing for Trixie, which means a diet high in immune system support, and anti- inflammatory foods.

After a couple of months of ever improving health, Ann (Founder of Phoenix Landing)  decided that the Catawba shelter birds could be fostered or adopted in homes that also had other parrots.  But, if I took Winnie & Eeyore, it was for adoption, not to foster. My husband and I discussed this, and agreed, that these two little girls had been through enough, and yes we would make the commitment together to do what was necessary to incorporate them into our family.

But I had one condition, Eeyore’s name needed to be changed, for that was not a name for a little bird who always looks like she’s smiling. She was renamed Ella. So preparations began to bring Winnie & Ella, the ‘WE’ girls as they came to be called, home.

I was already scheduled to teach a class in Asheville on April 15, so I made plans to go down a little early and let the girls get to know me, then bring them home with me at the end of the weekend.  My friend Beth Lindenau, a fantastic  and amazingly wonderful animal trainer, offered to make the drive down with me, and to observe the ‘WE’ girls and give me pointers on working on any behavior issues they might have. Beth had also been touched by the story of these Hickory birds, as I was, wanted to help them all out, so we packed my car full of baskets and toys and toys making supplies for the group, and drove 8 ½ hours south.

When Beth & I arrived  at the facility in Hickory what we saw truly amazed us.  It was a bright and cheerful room, with floor to ceiling windows, birds playing in cages with lots of well chewed toys, chattering back  to each other, even “peek-a-boo’s”  bouncing back and forth across the room. All but one, the shy Darlene, happily (and gently) took treats from us, total strangers. Their feathers glowed and eyes sparkled. Sandy, the Double Yellow Headed Amazon, even accepted a  scratch from Beth.

Beth & Sandy

These were happy engaged birds! Not what we were expecting for birds who had been so recently rescued for a truly horrid situation, and to think how close these precious creatures had come to death, nearly brought us to tears.

Over the past few weeks Winnie & Ella have settled into our home very well, craving as much attention as Matt & I can give them, verbally interacting with Ariel & Trixie, and growing more self confident daily. They passed their vet check with flying colors, Dr Ho was amazed at how healthy these girls are, especially considering their background.

I have absolutely not the tiniest doubt that adding them to our family was the right choice to make! The joy they have for life completely overflows out of the windows of our home!

Let no one think that Phoenix Landing cares any less for the welfare of the smallest birds.  The little ones have every bit as much personality as the larger birds; and their need for enrichment, food and health are just as important. In addition, parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds have long lives too (15-25 years is no small number)!

Meet Louise, Huey and Dewey, Bourkes parakeets. They are part of the group that recently came from the Catawba County NC shelter, which were confiscated due to a horrendous hoarding situation.

And we named this little cockatiel Raindrop. She is the only cockatiel in the Catawba shelter group that came to us, although we understand there were quite a few cockatiels in the larger group initially. Perhaps she has been separated from her friends? She may be a bit sad and lonely now, but we are determined to give her a future life filled with health and fulfilling social activities!

To date, Phoenix Landing has re-homed 359 parakeets, 125 lovebirds, and 330 cockatiels — 51% of the birds that we have had the pleasure to help so far. In addition, Phoenix Landing assists many shelters as our capabilities allow. Over the last 8 years, we have 229 re-homed birds from shelters (13.5%). Birds end up at shelters for many reasons, however, the ones from Catawba certainly represent one of the worst possible reasons….

Just over one week ago,

26 feathers,

began their journey

A new last name;
They would share

Phoenix Landing

like all those feathers before
and the feathers to follow

warm,
safe,
empowered…

soft voices to surround them
an encouraging whisper to their souls

The  dull  lifeless light of frantic fear
will dim in their eyes
ever fading grey
and

The fire of trust will begin to simmer
as the zest for life
rekindles

They will find strength…
these 26 feathers

in heart,
mind.
and soul.

And here are thoughts from Lannie Ellison, who was there the day these birds came under our protective umbrella (February 10th), and who continues to spend hours each and every day caring for them.  She simply cannot be thanked enough, but the birds certainly let her know how appreciative they are, as their health and welfare continue to improve daily.

Thursday was a new beginning for 26 parrots from tiny doves to macaws. What a delight to see them safe and secure with bowls filled with food and clean water. To get to this point required a great deal of work and organizing from Teri, Ann, Mary and Luke. Arrangements for temporary housing, cages, perches, toys, food, bowls and lots of nuts were gathered  and transported. A few extra volunteers helped at the site to set up cages and dress them out for the new occupants. From the animal shelter in carriers and coaxed into new homes one cage at a time with a cheer for each transfer.

Just as special was sharing this with human friends who feel the same passion for our parrots. We understand why tears come to our eyes as we watch a Macaw enjoy every tiny crumb of a walnut and a little Nanday hold a prize Nutriberry in his toes. These birds are safe now and will know kindness, plenty of food and clean water and toys in their cages and hopefully soon to a new family to love them. I’m so thankful I got to be a  part of this day.   Lannie

My name is QUINN, and I’m a blue & gold macaw.  As you can see, I don’t have many feathers right now but am really enjoying plenty of walnuts.  My wish list is another big, BIG box of walnuts so I can continue to get the benefit of all those wonderful essential fatty acids that I so terribly need.

Would it be too much to ask for some of those foraging toys too (plastic, stainless steel or wood)?  They tell me I was the most traumatized bird Phoenix Landing has ever seen.  My wings were bruised and bleeding because I was flapping around the cage all the time, trying to get the heck out of that place.  I was also pretty sad since my cage mate died while we were still at the shelter.  The Phoenix Landing volunteers put my travel carrier in the cage so I would have a place to hide and feel safe.  The first time I peeked out and saw a human, I said “Uh Oh!” and dashed back inside, so my first name was “Uh‐Oh Fred.”  Now I’m brave enough to sit on my perch and eat my yummy walnuts, and they have given me a new and very dignified name of Quinn. Think I’ll keep it!

I am living in the very first cage that greenwing macaw Phoenix (the founder of Phoenix Landing) had 15 years ago.  I must be extra special!  Someday, however, I hope to find a home that will provide me with my very own extra large cage and playgyms, and a family to call my own.

In mid-December, a North Carolina resident was charged with animal cruelty and a total of 142 birds and 44 dogs were seized by animal control under the authority of the Catawba County Animal Shelter.  The environment the parrots and dogs were found in was described as containing years of accumulated waste; feces contaminated what little food and water was available. Many of the animals were fragile, injured, malnourished and in need of extensive veterinary care.

Charlotte, A Gold Capped Conure

By February 11, 26 parrots – ranging from parakeets to macaws  – remained at the shelter and it did not have the capacity or resources to care for the birds any longer.  They asked Phoenix Landing for help.  We mobilized volunteers and gathered as many new and used cages, travel carriers, parrot food and toys that could be located on 24‐hour notice and moved the birds from the shelter to a donated space in the Hickory, NC area.

Dreamer and Keepher, Blue and Gold Macaws

We usually stress that most of the parrots rehomed by Phoenix Landing are not “rescues,” and come from loving families who for whatever reason cannot continue to care for them.  Our adoptable birds generally don’t come from neglectful situations and it does them a disservice to describe them as such; and while we often find homes for birds that have come from shelters, the situation in Catawba County required a more intensive response and substantial resources.  These parrots came from dreadful hoarding conditions, and their extended time at the shelter had come to an end.

Eeyore, A Lilac Crowned Amazon

We’re pleased to report that they are already doing immensely better, diving into their fresh food and healthy pellets, soaking under shower mists, and having a fantastic time with some of their new toys from generous donors!  Medical support has just begun, and we have high hopes that they will all be survivors and enjoying  lives with new families in the near future.  Parrots are amazingly resilient creatures and we are confident that they will each have many happier years ahead.

How You Can Help

As our members know, Phoenix Landing is an all-volunteer network which relies mostly on foster families to take care of the  300+ foster parrots in our program.   Since the Catawba birds are under our direct care for the time being, we are greatly appreciative for the support and kindness of those who have offered to help.

Most needed are gift cards for grocery store fresh produce, Harrison’s or TOPS pellets, extra large cages in usable condition, new toys, and donations to offset medical costs and other supplies.  In addition, Phoenix Landing is looking for foster homes for these birds, so they can be housed in smaller numbers and with more individualized care.  However, we are looking for homes without other parrots until we can be sure that they have no serious medical problems that could pose a risk to other birds.

Chatter, A Nanday Conure

Our wishlist:

• Harrison’s pellets
• Full-spectrum lighting
• Grocery store gift cards
• Foster homes with no other birds in them
• Boings and perches
• Big chunky wood toys
• Foraging Toys
• Extra large cages in usable condition (clean, no rust, no broken parts)

Item and checks can be sent via the Postal Service to:

Phoenix Landing
PO Box 1233
Asheville, NC 28802

Donations can also be made via our PayPal link at phoenixlanding.org

Very Special Thanks to Our Volunteers

A big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen at the last minute; and an extraordinary thanks to Teri Rand and Lannie Ellison, daily caretakers of these 26 very special feathered survivors.