Time has been flying by -- we can't believe that 2007 is already half over! During the first 6 months of 2007, CARE had 165 birds surrendered to us. The breakdown by species is as follows:

5 African Greys
5 Amazon Parrots
26 Budgies
46 Cockatiels
3 Cockatoos
8 Conures
13 Doves
13 Finches
1 Lory
24 Lovebirds
7 Macaws
10 Parakeets (Quaker/Mustache)
3 African Parrots (Senegals/Meyers)
1 Button Quail

We are gearing up for the second half of the year, which historically doubles the amount of birds that come in during the first part of the year. As you can see by the diversity of the above list, many different types of good homes are needed on a regular basis.

Please continue to spread the word about our organization so that we can continue to find good homes for these deserving birds.

Although some birds come to us with behavioral problems, others are surrendered because their owners have experienced a change in circumstances, or just have lost interest in their bird.

We have many tame, sweet birds right now that are looking for their forever home. They'd love for you to stop by and meet them!

We currently have six society finches up for adoption. We just love how pretty this picture turned out -- and we were able to capture5 of the 6 birds in this picture!

These birds were very well taken care of and are eating an excellent diet.

If you are interested in adopting these finches or any other birds at our Center, please fill out a Bird Wanted Questionnaire.

How quickly they grow up! Our two babies (above) that were hatched at the Domes are growing up! Here they are below, almost ready to find their new homes!

BATHING!

Bathing is so important to our companion parrots. The most recent issue of Companion Parrot Quarterly had an article about this topic. Here is another great article about bathing.

Watching a parrot that enjoys bathing partake in a shower is truly a joy to watch! Amazons are known to be among the most exuberant with their showers! Sometimes owners think their amazon parrots are not enjoying the bath because they take a wing and seem to protect their head from the water -- they are actually rubbing the water into their skin -- they love it!

The amazon pictured here goes into the shower with his owner and then dries off and preens himself on the shower curtain as she finishes.

Here is a severe macaw in the shower. Isn't he adorable? This is Drew, who is currently up for adoption.

Some parrots may prefer to bathe in dishes of water or roll around in leafy greens. It is so important to find a method that your parrot likes, as bathtime should be a joy for all!

One of our volunteers puts on some fast music that the parrots like and sprays them with a water bottle. All of her parrots clamor for more water and the fun finally stops when the bottle is empty and her arm is sore.

We wish everyone a fantastic weekend!

This is Jackie, one of our frequent boarders. Jackie is a beautiful african grey. She also appeared on The Morning Blend TV show a few months back.

Jackie's upper mandible was bitten off by an umbrella cockatoo. In the past, many vets would have recommended putting the bird to sleep or perhaps trying a prosthetic beak.

Jackie has adjusted to her predicament amazingly well. She plays with toys, talks, gets around her cage -- pretty much everything that a "normal" bird can do.

Pretty much the only accommodation Jackie's owner has to make for her is feeding her soft foods, like Harrison's mash, and occasionally filing down her lower beak.

Yet more proof of how amazingly resiliant birds are!

Did you know that for an average population of 75 birds, it takes:

2 hours each day to feed & water and
2 hours each day to vacuum & change papers?

Over the course of a year, that is 1,460 man hours to provide for the minimum basic care of the birds. Add to that rehabilitation efforts, medical attention, socialization, facility upkeep, toy-making, cage-cleaning, home inspections, grooming, and so much more, resulting in even more volunteer needs. Increase the bird population and required volunteer time increases dramatically.

If you are interested in volunteering at CARE, please fill out a volunteer application.

We hope that everyone has a fantastic holiday! Fireworks can be scary to your companion animals. Although the preceding article is geared towards dogs, parrots can also be afraid of these loud, scary noises. Try to keep things as normal as possible and be there for them to reassure them that everything is ok!

Seven members of Girl Scout Troop 606 from Richfield Elementary School in Richfield, Wisconsin recently earned a community service badge by each providing 15 hours of community service to CARE, resulting in 105 man hours over 2 consecutive Sundays.

They cleaned our utility room & toy manufacturing facility on one Sunday, and concentrated on public areas the next Sunday. We are very grateful for the donation of their time!

We really appreciate all of the work they did to help us, and the birds and volunteers send out a big THANK YOU!!!