Parrot outdoor safety

With the warmer temperatures, many people decide to take their birds outside. Sunlight is great for these tropical parrots. However, it is important to do so safely.

Every year, we get in a dozen or more strays from animal control. We suspect that some of these birds were deliberately let go when their owners tired of them, but some were likely accidentally released when they were taken outside.

For a sobering look at how many parrots are lost, check out Parrot 911.

Safe ways to have your parrots outside include a secure cage, a properly fitted and secured harness, or a secure carrier. Unsafe ways include relying on a wing trim or "pinning" the bird's feet with your fingers.

Even with trimmed wings, parrots can fly somewhat. Even if the parrot NEVER flies in the house, a slight spook, perhaps coupled with a small gust of wind, can happen. And the adrenaline released in the parrot might result in the bird flying way out of your sight. It only takes one time. It is a horrifying experience, watching your parrot fly away from you -- I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone.

We've had customers lose their birds when bringing them in, unrestrained, from the car to our Center for grooming. In most cases, we were able to recapture the parrot, sometimes after hours or days of searching.

Our hearts break every time we get a call that another parrot is lost outside. Please take the proper precautions to make sure your birds stay safe this summer!

Just a reminder that we will be having a Clean Out the Garage sale this Friday (TODAY!) and Saturday (July 16-17) from 12 pm - 5 pm. We'll have used cages for sale ($25-$250), used playstands, smaller shelving units, and other miscellaneous items. Stop by for some great bargains! All proceeds directly benefit the Center. Hope to see you there!

Please note that CARE will be maintaining normal business hours, meaning that we will not be open on Friday (today), except for the garage sale. Saturday (tomorrow), we will be open as usual (12 pm - 5 pm; same as the garage sale).