Educate

Pictured below is a presentation at the Calgary Humane Society KFAC – Kids camp.  We discussed parrot ownership, care, and the realities of parrots in rescues.  What an amazing group of kids!

(Melaina – human resource manager at CHS with Eddie her Alexandrian Parakeet and Joey the Goffin Cockatoo – a resident at Birdline)

A critical part of what we do at Birdline includes Education.  We believe everyone looking to bring a parrot into their home, should be aware of the huge responsibility they are undertaking and be ready to handle the many challenges.

We are available to come and visit your group/class and share what we do as a rescue organization and explain the realities of parrot ownership.

We do NOT charge to come and visit and have found most groups give Birdline an honorarium or the group does a fundraiser on their own prior to us coming down.  This however is NOT a requirement!!

Please read through the many articles we have posted.  We have provided them for you to read and further educate yourself on life with a parrot and if a parrot is the right choice for you and your family.  As well, it may help you decide “what” parrot is the best fit.

Feel free to email us anytime with any questions: info@birdline.ca

• PDD
  AVIAN BORNAVIRUS INFECTION AND PROVENTRICULAR DILATATION DISEASE Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a progressive and often fatal disease of birds that primarily affects the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Early on, this poorly understood disease appeared to affect primarily macaws and was referred to as Macaw Wasting Disease. It is now known to occur in more ...
• PSITTACINE BEAK AND FEATHER DISEASE
  Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a highly contagious viral disease of parrots caused by the Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (a circovirus). It primarily affects the cells responsible for feather, beak, and immune system development, leading to progressive feather abnormalities and immunosuppression. PBFD is most commonly seen in young birds, although birds ...
• AVIAN CHLAMYDIOSIS AND PSITTACOSIS
  Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is a contagious disease of birds caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. It most commonly affects psittacine birds such as parrots, budgerigars, cockatiels, and macaws, but can also be seen in other avian species. This organism is of particular concern because it is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted ...
• AVIAN POLYOMAVIRUS
  AVIAN POLYOMAVIRUS Avian polyomavirus is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus that infects a wide range of pet and aviary birds, particularly psittacine species. There are two recognized forms of the virus with important clinical distinctions. Avian polyomavirus type 1 primarily affects budgerigars and is often referred to as budgerigar fledgling disease virus. Avian polyomavirus type 2 ...
• Goffins Cockatoo tool user
  Here is a cute video of Charlie, our resident Goffins Cockatoo. We took this video in 2010. Here you can see him use a tool to give himself a scratch where he just can’t reach very well on his own. Enjoy!
• The reason for home visits.
  When placing a parrot into a new family – this is a big decision not only for the family making the commitment, but for us as an organization.  As most parrots are coming from less than ideal situations, we want to ensure that the new family is readily prepared for any issues the bird may ...
• Parrot housing
    How big should a cage be and what should be in it? I have always believed that the bigger the cage, the better! A general rule of thumb is that a cage should be large enough for your bird so that when they stand in the middle, and turn a complete circle with wings outstretched – ...
• Parrots and Frostbite
  Living this far north, we Canadians have learned how to protect ourselves from sub-zero winter weather.  We bundle ourselves up with boots, toques, warm coats and cozy mittens when heading outside. Without such protection, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures could lead to hypothermia and frostbite.  Unfortunately, humans are not the only species at risk for frostbite.  ...
• Avian First Aid Course
  Birdline Canada Parrot Rescue and Calgary Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic is excited to present our second AVIAN FIRST AID COURSE The first class filled up within 10 days and we do currently have a waiting list pending.  If you wish to participate in the next class, please email us and we will add your name to ...
• ALWAYS know WHERE your bird is!
  During the spring and summer we get dozens of calls for help in regards to lost birds.  Although its mostly the warmer months when birds get lost, it can happen at anytime of the year and is crucial that you are always aware of where your bird is when its not in his/her cage. A CLIPPED ...