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FROM THE FOUNDER, JUNE 2008
Turning Compassion into Action:
A PowerPoint Presentation by Julie Weiss Murad, CEO, Founder & President, The Gabriel Foundation
Click on the screenshot below to view the full presentation
(it takes a few minutes to download): 
The Gabriel Foundation is in the business of saving lives. Parrot welfare is a serious business. Lives depend upon our actions every day. Thousands of birds’ lives. We value the birds that we love and the work that we do on their behalf. We consider ourselves professionals who provide essential services to improve the lives of parrots everywhere.
I have been on the road at least twice a month during the first half of 2008 carrying this message to many audiences. My driving passion and commitment for this outreach is the determination to improve the welfare of birds – everywhere. I ask myself repeatedly, “How do we convey the important need to raise and improve the standards of care generally considered acceptable for companion parrots?” We must examine the lives of parrots in the wild and evaluate the consequences of life in captivity for those who are completely dependent upon their human caregivers for all basic needs. According to Thomas Arndt, “the keeper’s intended relationship to the bird determines the demands that will be made on him.” It becomes even more appropriate to consider this fundamental truth as the wild places indigenous to parrots continue to shrink. It will require the concentrated efforts of those of us who love parrots to ensure that conservation will occur in the birds’ own habitats.
I recently presented at the 4th Parrots International Symposium in Long Beach, CA, two days dedicated to conservation and improving the parrot and human connection. It was a provocative and stimulating weekend with attendees from around the globe. Visit http://www.parrotsinternational.org/ to learn more about this unique gathering of parrot aficionados at the top of their field. Sharing my thoughts on parrot welfare with an emphasis on the critical link between parrots in the wild and those in our care is a legacy I want to continue. Each day each of you has a choice about how parrots are kept in captivity during their lives. Your action, membership and financial support will make change a reality one bird at a time. Love is simply not enough. Compassion becomes real at the point of action.
Click here to make your donation to help the birds.
Click here to become a TGF flock member.
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Announcing the Forever Norman Fund!
The Gabriel Foundation is honored to launch the Forever Norman Fund (FNF), in memory of our beloved mascot. Everyone who came into contact with Norman understands his impact. Norman's loss is felt everyday by us all.
Norman's legacy will continue with the advent of the Forever Norman Fund. The fund will help TGF birds who suffer from chronic illness. Our first recipient of FNF funds is Coco, the Greenwing Macaw who was recently rescued from complete neglect. Coco is doing much better now but he has a long road ahead which includes extensive medical care. Please donate to the Forever Norman Fund today to help this special bird and many more like him.
Click here to donate to the Forever Norman Fund. Please reference FNF in the comments section.
Read on for updates on Coco, Kiwi and Bailey. |
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Aura the Sun Conure |
It’s been raining conures, especially Aratinga conures, or so it seems! We have 28 Genus Aratinga species along with many other delightful conure species available for adoption. There are at least 6 common genera of conures which include Aratingas, Cyanoliseus, Leptopsittaca, Orgnorhynchus, Pyrrhura and the Guaruba and many more of the lesser known species. What makes conures so special? And, why does TGF have so many?
Click here to find out...
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Free Gift with Purchase at The Birdbrain
For every purchase of $50 and over during the month of June, receive your choice of a free Manzanita perch. (One perch per visit/per order, while supplies last).
Shop at the Birdbrain, Help the Parrots of TGF
The Birdbrain is now 100% owned by The Gabriel Foundation! Remember that when you need supplies or products for your birds, all proceeds support the parrots and programs of TGF. Shop with compassion, make a difference one bird at a time – and show your support for The Gabriel Foundation.
Online shopping at The Birdbrain www.thebirdbrain.com is about to drastically improve! We know that our E-commerce program has been the cause of great frustration to our online shoppers. Thanks to a restricted donation, The Birdbrain is developing a totally new website for your shopping pleasure and convenience. Meanwhile, Karen, Rick, Erik and Christal are at The Birdbrain Monday through Saturday to assist you with your birds’ needs. Just call us at 888.923.2140 or 303.446.BIRD or email at sales@thebirdbrain.com. Store hours are Mon-Fri 10:30AM-6:00PM and Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM. The Birdbrain is located at 1025 Acoma Street in Denver.
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Read This BEFORE You Decide to Relinquish Your Bird by Karen VanderHyde
The Gabriel Foundation has taken in a total of 65 birds since our new quarantine began on March 15th. Nine came from one family that was having financial hardship and health issues. Seven more came from another family that was also having financial hardship. Three came from families who lost their homes. The others came to us for various reasons, such as the death of an owner, behavioral issues and lack of time to deal with them.
Many birds are relinquished because of respiratory issues affecting people in the home. There are many things that we can do as responsible bird owners to improve the air quality in our homes, not only for ourselves, but for the birds.
- Purchase a good quality air washer and humidifier system such as a Venta Air Washer, a HEPA airfiltration machine or other air cleaner. Do not use an ionizer around parrots - this has shown to be hazardous to birds' health.
- Give your birds baths daily even if it is just a mist. Give your bird(s) a thorough soaking at least once a week.
- Make sure cage papers are changed daily - never use walnut shell, corn cob, shaving or other bedding material. It is impossible to keep airborne particulates from accumulating in this type of substrate, which can affect human and bird respiratory systems and will cause health problems.
- Vacuum daily.
- Check the air conditioning/furnace and regular filters on a regular basis and clean them often. If you use a swamp cooler or other humidifying system, clean filters regularly to avoid bacterial or fungal build up.
This time of year can be very challenging for birds and their owners. Summer is upon us and all it takes is one look outside to see the wild birds building their nests and creating new life. As are the wild birds, so are their caged cousins. Hormones are raging!
Petting your birds under their wings or on the lower part of their back is a big NO NO. This can sexually stimulate them and only cause them frustration because petting is not a behavior seen among wild parrots. The only petting or scratching that should be done is on the head and neck area. For their sake and yours, no matter how cute and cuddly they are being, ONLY pet these areas.
For information about Relinquishments, Long-term Foster Care, Sanctuary and Boarding, please contact Karen VanderHyde at (303)629-5900 ext. 216 or email birds@thegabrielfoundation.org.
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On the Road Again with Patti Christie
It has been a busy travel season for the staff of TGF. We recently attended the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Care Expo in Orlando. The Expo was geared toward dog and cat shelter operations, The Gabriel Foundation was the only exclusively bird welfare organization attending.
Most dog and cat shelters offer same day adoptions, generally with a counseling session lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. In general, there are no home visits. The return rate (dogs or cats coming back to the shelter) averages over 30% nationwide. Dogs and cats have different social structures, they are domesticated and often assimilate much easier than parrots. Unfortunately, this is the "model" that most people know before coming to inquire about adopting a parrot. Parrot welfare organizations such as The Gabriel Foundation work very hard to make sure that the rate of recidivism is extremely low. TGF is hoping to hold a workshop next year at HSUS offering much needed education on parrot welfare, especially in the areas of relinquishment and adoption.
Next we were off to Los Angeles, to Parrots International, a top notch parrot conservation symposium. Over two very full days we heard from field biologists and researchers just how effective their efforts have been. The Blue Throated Macaw, while still critically endangered in the wild, has increased their numbers. The Spix Macaw project has a well organized stud book and many are working together to produce sound babies that will hopefully one day be released into the wild, near where the last Spix Macaws were seen. The Bahama Parrot has advocates that have been successful getting land protected from developers - a huge step! The Puerto Rican Parrot has had some breeding and fledging successes this year. It is fascinating to hear and see what is going on "in the trenches". Anyone who shares their life with a captive parrot owes it to that bird(s) to support conservation of parrots in the wild. More information regarding these excellent conservation programs will be available on our website. We are excited to put a conservation/eco-tour together for TGF members in the near future!
Back at the aviary, we continue to have many adoptions in process! On line and "live" classes have seen many graduates. We have so many wonderful birds that have been in the program for a long time and many are finishing the quarantine process. We would love to introduce you to some!
CLASS CHANGE: Please note that there will be NO Beyond Birdie Basics class in July and August. Due to the Association of Avian Veterinarians conference we will take two months off. Online classes begin June 15 and subsequesntly September 15.
If you are interested in our online Beyond Birdie Basics classes, Education and Outreach events or want to consider the adoption option, contact Patti Christie at (303)629-5900 ext.213 or email adoption@thegabrielfoundation.org.
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TGF Goes to School by Gaye Thomasson
On Wednesday, May 28th, Julie Murad, Founder and CEO of The Gabriel Foundation, Patti Christi, Director of Adoption, Education & Avian Welfare, and volunteer Gaye Thomasson, took the TGF show on the road. With five beautiful parrots native to Central and South America, they gave an hour long presentation to 270 sixth graders at Thunder Ridge Middle School in Aurora, CO.
The sixth graders have been studying South America and the Amazon rainforest for the past few weeks. As a culminating activity, TGF was invited to do a presentation on the rainforest, focusing specifically on parrots indigenous to that region of the world.
Julie shared facts about the rainforest, including the variety of wildlife and plant life there and the fragile state of the ecosystem because of deforestation. The students were rapt with attention, and only lost their focus when Goober, Julie’s beautiful Hyacinth Macaw, or Novio, her Yellow naped Amazon, let out comments of their own! Patti explained the diverse functions of The Gabriel Foundation.
Students had the opportunity to be close up and personal with all of the parrots as they were slowly carried around the cafeteria. It was, for many of them, the first time they had ever seen parrots larger than a parakeet. Some students were leery, but many were eager to gently touch tail feathers. The birds were on their best behavior and very patient with the curious hands and voices.
After the presentation, there was time for questions, and boy, were there a lot of questions! They ranged from breeding, longevity, and diet to how to tell the male parrots from the females.
Wilhelmina Ayler, Thunder Ridge’s Learning Specialist, arranged the event, and her class was able to stay afterward to visit with the birds. Since the group was small and intimate, these students were able to hold the birds. Everyone was surprised at how heavy Goober was…but he behaved like the gentle giant can be.
When students returned to their classes after the presentation, we were told that their regular schedule went by the wayside as they discussed the birds, the Foundation, and rainforest facts for the rest of the afternoon.
Feedback from TRMS has been extremely positive, and we hope to do it again next year!
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 "Screaming. Somebody reinforced the heck out of that behavior." I said to myself. Misty, a double yellow headed Amazon parrot, lived with me for only a few weeks. She was there so that I could put some of her vocal behaviors on cue. However it quickly became apparent she had a few other behaviors that needed to be addressed first. Before her stay with me she resided with Jill Bell for six years. Prior to that time her history is pretty fuzzy. She is estimated to be 19 years old. This meant screaming could have been reinforced for at least 13 years. It must have been, because it was STRONG. Misty was relentless. I'd leave the room; she'd scream and scream and scream.
She had been a good reminder of what companion parrot owners experience when faced with a very annoying and challenging problem. It can be very frustrating. Oddly enough, when I walk into someone else's home and hear screaming birds I am usually not effected. But when a bird is screaming specifically, in what feels like a demanding way, to get my attention, it strikes a nerve. How does one find the patience to be a good trainer in those situations? It is not easy, but definitely necessary.
Read the full article...
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Natural Cleaning Products by Sue Christie-Cox
Using stuff that is already around the house for many purposes, means that not only is it cost cutting but by creating your own cleaning products you know just what is being used around your bird's environment.
Here are some more tips for keeping clean and your conscience clear:
To wash your clothes:
1 Ounce Liquid Castile Soap
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup White Vinegar
Fill washer with water and add each ingredient in the order given. Launder as usual.
For a clean rinse:
Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue--a plus for family members with sensitive skin.
To clean your windows:
Rubbing Alcohol ~~ more than just helpful in dying wood pieces, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol provides the base for an evaporating cleaner to rival commercial window and glass cleaning solutions. Use this glass cleaning spray recipe for windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles.
Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a new spray bottle:
1 Cup Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol
1 Cup Water
1 TBSP. White Vinegar
To clean your dishwasher:
Vinegar reduces soap build up and cuts through grease, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.
To remove bumper stickers:
Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker. Allow to soak a few minutes. The bumper sticker should peel right off. Rub vinegar over the area to remove the sticky residue, if necessary.
*Article courtesy of Parrot Toy Angels.
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Parroting 101: Fitness for our Feathered Friends by Shauna Roberts
With all the talk about a healthy diet for our feathered pals, it’s important to remember the other side of the equation – exercise! Just like us, birds need a regular exercise routine to stay fit and healthy.
Flying might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many other options. It is possible for your bird to be fit without flight.
If your bird is clipped, wing flapping is a great way to stay in shape. If your bird doesn’t flap on his own, try walking or running around the house with him on your arm or resting in your palms - just make sure he feels safe and steady there. The shower is another great place to encourage flapping with the water on a gentle stream.
If your parrot is not a flapper, don’t worry. Some never will. There are other ways for them to “workout”. Walking can burn the same amount of energy as flying, and it uses different muscles. Give your bird time on the ground for a 5 minute walk around the house everyday. Larger birds can “hike” up and down the stairs. Hanging rope vines and Get-a-Grips also offer climbing opportunities. Even flighted birds can benefit from walks – psittacine cross-training!
Toys that involve chewing or hanging upside down are a fantastic workout. The Atom and Orbit (available at www.motherpluckinbirdtoys.com) are spheres that go round and round – your parrot will get creative figuring out new ways to make it move. Play catch with a big wad of paper - your bird can chase the wad and throw it back to you. Or how about playing “I'm gonna get you” either on the floor or on a sofa back. Playfully follow your bird with your hand (don’t chase or use your hand as an aversive) as it walks, runs or hops back and forth. Washed river rocks provide fun and exercise for those parrots who like to play bulldozer (or just to move rocks around).
Don't forget an aviary. If at all possible supply a safe aviary for your parrot where it can play and burn up energy. Be sure there is clean water available at all times and that there is a shaded area when your bird wants a break from the sunlight.
The latest craze in bird fitness is Parrot Pilates. It is super for core strength and most birds really enjoy working out their abs on the Pilates Reformer. (Only kidding! We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)
Remember to use positive reinforcement whenever teaching your bird something new.
Exercise comes in many forms. Be creative, have fun and help your parrot live healthy!
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Veggies Done Right by Andrew Bosman
Are you finding it hard to keep your leafy greens fresh?
Try storing them in the bottom of the fridge (the coldest part) and raising the humidity. If they are yellowing quickly, wrap them in damp paper towels and place in aerated plastic bags (the ones with holes in them).
Better yet, if you have a green thumb, plant your own garden! It can provide fresh greens and veggies for you and your feathered friends throughout the growing season. Your garden can be as simple as a container. Your veggies will be fresher and your grocery bill will be smaller!
Easy sprouting idea - cut the tops off of carrots and place on a wet paper towel, when they sprout, just cut and add to your mix. OR, buy dehydrated veggies and reconstitute with water – remember to read labels carefully.
Time saving tip - make enough mash to last up to a month, divide into single servings bags and store in the freezer.
Sprouting is a bit more labor intensive, but once you master it, it’s easy and provides essential nutrition for your beloved birds.
Happy feeding!
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Coco, looking and feeling much better! |
UPDATE: Coco, Kiwi & Bailey
What a difference a couple of weeks makes! Coco, the Greenwing Macaw, Kiwi, the Orange wing Amazon and Bailey the cockatiel have all settled into quarantine at our Acoma Street location, and they already look like different birds. Coco (who had a DNA test, and - it's a Boy!) has lost approximately five inches of beak and is learning how to use it in ways he hasn't in a very long time. Dr. Kris Ahlgrim preened his feathers for him and now that he is standing on a normal perch with his nails trimmed to a safe length, his toe has moved back where it's supposed to be! He likes to dance to the soft rock that Brenda plays in the quarantine room!
Kiwi and Bailey are quite the characters! Kiwi is a fantastic eater and thrives on human attention. Bailey gives everyone that walks by an ego boost with his "come on over" whistles! So far all of their bloodwork has come back negative (which is good!), so it seems they are on their way to that better life we have all been praying for!
Coco, Kiwi and Bailey thank everyone who has sent their support and well wishes! Please help us with their medical bills by contributing to TGF's Forever Norman Fund. |
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Volunteer of the Month - Andrea Frederick!
Andrea Frederick has been involved with TGF as an avid supporter and volunteer since 2003. She’s been a tireless advocate for the birds and she has provided a wonderful lifetime home to Piper, an Indian Ringneck parakeet that was part of a true, TGF flock-rescue in February 2007. Her own life is further enriched by her birds Beaker (Caique), Skyler (Eclectus) and Harper (Alexandrine).
Andrea’s vocation is in the medical administrative field; her avocation is parrots. With her hobby, “Good Bird” toys, she has been a creative wizard in her own specially designed enrichment and foraging toys for parrots. No matter the bird’s size, the detail is just perfect for that particular bird. Whether new, used or bargain store items, what wonderful uses she’s found for coffee filters, loofah sponges, buttons, used toy parts, paper and more! The volume of toys that Andrea has personally created for TGF is over 1000, not a small feat for anyone!
Andrea has also been a regular feature at nearly all TGF Education and Outreach events. From Bird of the Month, to special educational events, and representing us at different locales, Andrea’s contributions to TGF are immeasurable. Every one of us, feathered and not, at TGF thanks Andrea for her compassion and commitment to the birds and to our programs.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please send an email to patti@thegabrielfoundation.org. We can't do it without you!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: VOLUNTEER WORK DAY AT THE AVIARY IS THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 14, FROM 9AM TO 3PM. WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET. Go to our Events Calendar for details.
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Save the Date!!!
BIRTHDAY BASH ALERT – Join our Birdbrain, Julie Weiss Murad, on August 16, 2008 for her very special decade birthday celebration. Very exciting details coming soon. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind party for the parrots! Visit our website often for information on this milestone event!
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Just $10/month can help support The Gabriel Foundation enough to help several birds survive and begin a new life. Help Now!
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