Parrots First

Happy Independence Day!!

Our sweet Sammi has a new sponsor. Thank you Heidi G. for helping to support Sammi.

** REUNITED **

** LOST - MACAW - IRVINE/TUSTIN, ORANGE COUNTY CA - 04/23/24 **

Celebrate!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Valentine's Day is all about love. Here are some of the sweeties who have stolen our hearts over the years.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Marshmallow has gone to her new home. You will be missed by your foster mom. Have a great life!!

Baby needs a home of his own. He has come a long way in his foster home but still needs his own family.

Happy New Year from all of us at Parrots First!

We at Parrots First want to wish all of you a happy and safe holiday!

Marshmallow has come a long way since entering her foster home. Marshmallow seems to like everyone and eats all her veggies! She is very quiet for a goffins. Her feathers are growing in in places and seems to be picking far less.
Marshmallow is a sweetie pie.
Now what Marshmallow needs is a home to love her for the great bird she is.

I first met Doc, a sensitive and caring Goffin, when I started volunteering at Parrots First in 2011. When I first arrived on the premise Doc peeked through the kitchen window to check out the new person. He seemed curious and concerned at the same time – two emotions that to this day describe many of his motivations and behaviors. I had never owned a parrot or lived with one before and decided that it would be a good idea to gain some experience by fostering some parrots (one at the time) that were looking for a new home. I learned quickly that birds are very much their own person with their own personalities and that building a healthy relationship with them was key to being happy together.
Over the years that I visited Parrots First regularly on Saturday mornings, Doc was always happy and perky to greet me when I first came in and demanded some play time before and after I would help clean the outdoor aviaries. He told me about how he is quickly scared of little things such as when you suddenly wear a bandaid and is always worried one will leave him behind. So worried in fact, that he will pick at his feathers and frazzle them just like a person would bite and pick their nails. He told me about how much he loves dancing with a person, throwing little balls or cracking his own almonds. He would throw little temper tantrums emptying his entire food bowl when I left and would call “Hello, Hello?” on Saturday mornings when it was time for me to arrive.
One day, Rose and Frank asked me whether I would be interested in giving Doc a permanent new home. I felt honored and ecstatic to be considered because I knew how much they both cared for the little guy and that they would only give him to a home he would want to go to. When Doc first moved in he was so excited to be with me, wanted to be petted all the time and would dance with me as often as we got a chance.
Then one day, I was wearing my new watch, Doc became horrified: the world had turned against him and everyone was in danger. Even though I quickly took off the watch and never wore it again, Doc had decided I was the source of the danger. He would run into his cage when I entered the room and would not come out as long as I was close by. My heart sank: I wanted play with my friend and he was so fearsome of me. I told Rose and Frank about our trouble and they encouraged me to give him more time and be patient with him. For 2-3 weeks I sat next to his cage in the evening singing and reading to him and talking with him, explaining how I was his friend. And eventually he started to slowly come out of his cage again, take an almond from me, dance with me and eventually let me pet him again.
Doc has now lived with me for a year and we have had many ups and downs and periods of getting to know each other, growing together, learning from each other and being mindful of each other’s preferences. I have learned that adopting a parrot is adopting a family member. You will not always see eye to eye, but you will always know in your heart that you are happy the other is around and you can rely on them to be your friend in need.

This story was published in Parrots First newsletter 10 years ago.

Birds like Marshmallow depend on Parrots First for the help they need. Please consider donating to Parrots First on Giving Tuesday.
Marshmallow was confiscated because of poor care. Thanks to our supporters Parrots First is able to provide the care she needs.

Happy Thanksgiving! Parrots First is thankful for all who support us in our mission.

Bluebell was adopted and seems to be enjoying having a friend.
SOOO happy for her.

Nella (4yo F) and Tulaigh ("Tully", 8yo M) are a very special bonded (non breeding) pair of green cheek conures looking for a loving home together. They are the very definition of "opposites attract." Nella is spunky, outgoing, daring and fearless! She loves meeting new people and getting ALL the attention. Tully is shy and nervous, but can be very loving when he is given gentle attention 🥰 They currently share a house with several larger birds that make Tully very nervous. They are looking for a home with other green cheeks (or similar size birds) or with no other pets. Contact Rose [email protected] if you think you could be the perfect home for these darlings. Parrots First only adopts within the greater Los Angeles area.

Miss Bluebell, is an Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. She was rescued after she was dropped by a hawk. She had punctures to her chest from the hawk’s talons, and was very lucky to have survived the attack. She had vet care and antibiotics and was able to heal

Boris is a precious doll! He will make someone who is looking for a companion bird very happy. Boris is extremely affectionate, but only with one person, and he may become overly attached. Ideally he will be in a home where the new caretaker can help him overcome his attachment issues, which can include screaming and attention seeking behavior. He has been very receptive to training -- such as stationing -- and being around other birds has also helped him observe normal human-bird interaction. He is not a difficult bird, but does need someone who has the time and willingness to work with him to help him live a long, happy, and fulfilled life!

Parrots First is currently in need of foster homes for birds currently on our wait list. If you think you are up for this rewarding challenge please contact Rose at [email protected] for details.

Parrots First is often asked to take in birds that have been confiscated by an animal control agency.
Marshmallow and Baby were recently confiscated for neglect in a hoarding situation. Both birds have been cleared by our vet but will now need a better diet and enrichment. They are settling in in their foster homes.

It is with great sadness that we have to say good bye to Candi. Candi left this world for the Rainbow Bridge yesterday.
Candi came to Parrots First 5 years ago after her person died and the remaining family members banished her to a garage. Candi was a wild caught Goffins so we do not know her age. What we do know is that Candi came to PF as a very sad girl until she was adopted by Glenda. The last years of Candi's life were filled with flight and fun and good food.
We loved you Candi and are forever grateful to have been able to care for you.
Candi you will forever remain in our hearts.

Happy GOTCHA Day Babe. Looks like the party will be a blast!!