upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

You keep bumping this up through your edits, so it seems you want our attention to it. Just as you and Buddy keep responding to each other's posts to keep threads "new." Yet you seem evasive and argumentative when we show any interest in your new rescue operation.

Avian rescues are very few in number and overtax their people fast because there are so many birds in need of shelter and each bird takes a lot of labor. We DELIGHT in every rescue that can get off the ground and stay in operation. We offer encouragement, information, and money. Often and to many all over the country. Some members of Up at Six even go to other countries to learn more and bring that knowledge back.

Our goal is the well being of the birds. Our concerns about your new venture have NOTHING to do with disliking you. We don't even know you. Our worry is that you don't know enough yet to keep your new birds safe. You've shown us pictures of many beautiful birds who do not appear to be in quarantine. If you've mentioned vet exams or bloodwork and other test results, I've missed those posts, though I've been looking for them, holding my breath in hopes you'll get good test results.

If you want to become part of our community, you need to do more than roll your eyes at our concerns for your birds. If you're just interested in showing off beautiful macaws, you'll need to jump from one chatboard to another because people on most avian chats are much like us, more interested in the birds' welfare than their lovely feathers.

If you want to do right by your new dependents, we can help you, but you'll need to be more forthcoming.

Paca

We haven't posted that we cleaned bird poo off the floor. Does that mean we don't do it? No. We have had all birds checked except Otis and will being dong that shortly. You haven't seen photos od all birds together. Why do you always assume we are doing everything wrong?

I dont see why I have to explain or make an effort to please you or anyone here!Of course we get all vet work done and quarinteen, any animal person knows thats a given. I didnt see on the rules " Must kiss lots of a**-before one can join. Im an adult and not stupid, but excuse me for joining to talk about birds and not induldge those that have no life other than the internet and chatroom.I refuse to squabble-with iggnorant, jealous humans-Thankgod for animals!!!!!! I am here because we Love and care for parrots and have taken in where others could no longer or want to continue caring for their pets. If this is the community of small minds- I want NO part of any of you- keep it for yourselves! Im sick of those that need to belittle and bitch- Yes I have asked admins to delete all and any post Ive made- I wondered why this community is so SMALL! That will never change!

We've seen it all before - can pick up on all the red flags - I've asked similar questions about quarantine over in TooVille, to the tune of the same defensiveness. I also viewed their birdroom photos and was wondering why they have chosen to use straw or hay as the cage bedding, but still no answer....I now see that they have removed the link to their website. NO, I will not be donating to this rescue. The attitude speaks VOLUMES!

LJ, I know you mean well. I know you have a big heart and want to help these birdies the best way you know how. I commend you for that, but when you post on a message board about your rescue you've got to admit that folks are naturally going to have questions. If those questions put you on the defense, it makes me wonder why.

No, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone, but you came here to exchange information and to help others, just like you, we are also concerned about the welfare of birds. Just because a question is posed to you, doesn't mean that you are being challenged ... and the discussion of such things puts good information out there. You never know who's reading these message boards....

Here you will find some really studied, knowledgeable, tried and tested for many, many years...people who are keeping on the cutting edge of pet bird science, medical health, diet, training philosophy, you name it....and you as well as I an any other person who reads here, can learn something new. This message board is new...thus there are so few. It developed from an old UpAtSix site that has been around for at least a dozen years or more. I arrived in 1996 when I got my first cockatoo.

Anyway, some of the things you have stated were found to be the best information at the time...but have since found to be misconceptions. For example, covering the cage for a screaming bird, or keeping them below head level because of dominance ....
I used to believe those very same concepts, but in the past six/seven years have learned differently. Any attention, even the act of walking over to the cage to cover is giving attention to a screaming bird. We could go into some of the other ways of dealing with the squawking, but I don't think you're in the mood at the moment.

But, if we can keep an open mind, to new information, and receive it without feeling as if we are being attacked, we will be in a better place to do good in the bird world. It doesn't mean you have to believe everything...but the exchange of information on these message boards is a really good thing. My hubby and I have been married 32 years, and have always had pet birds. The information we had for their care back then is laughable today, things are changing as we learn more and more about these wonderful creatures.

The concerns for quarantine come from those who have horror stories stuck in the heads. Horror stories of folks who have 'collected' birds with disregard and have seen the results of PDD or other diseases run through the entire flock! Every question posed to you has come out of love and concern for the birds or from those who are wondering why certain things are the way they are.

Don't you think that part of being a bird rescue has got to be about educating others about these beautiful creatures. That way your hand will reach much further. Education is the only way we can put a stop to the abuse and neglect that comes to these guys. It's great that you can save the ones you have in your rescue...I admire you for doing so....but you can also make an effect on the public and those who are perhaps prone to abuse their bird by offering and receiving information about the care of these guys.

I have only shared what has worked with our birds. I have always treated every bird seperately- none are alike, and what works for me- may or may not work for others, but if it has proven to work,I dont knock it. Im always open to learn, isnt that what life is about, continuous learning. I have worked with large parrots for 30+ yrs and will always continue. If I stated something you didnt like or laugh at- sorry, it worked very well covering Ellie, she is no longer a screamer, and hasnt been covered in 6 months. As for rescuing, We always have all blood work, exams, nails, wings, new cages, toys, Their needs are our top priority and concern, We do quarintine and wait for results from vet. Refined straw, smooth as silk, no bugs makes a plucker happy to pick and play, All pluckers that we have taken in return 98% of their feathers, so it works for me- I stick with it. This isnt something we just jumped into, and we take what we do very seriously. I get very irritated with people who buy thinking they are pretty and want to have one- then 6 months down the road ,the bird is in the garage, or basement with problems that people caused. Then I get notified, feel bad and go buy them to get them into a better situation. I made a promise to these 8 we have now- to care for and provide for them. I do have a list of people who would be willing to pay a fee( what I have to pay) to re-home, but all have conditions that if they can no-longer care they are to come back here(I pay- what they paid back) and either place them here or try again. Sorry so long, I just want people to know it hurts real bad to see so many out here.

Cami very well said! I know what a rescue is like. We just got our Rosie from a lady who was called to a murder scene to rescue several birds and cats and dogs. She had borrowed a cage for the bird from me to house it in. My vet recommended that I take the bird. After much thought and talk with my vet and wife we decided to take up the challenge. It's still costing us to get her back healthy but worth every cent. The bird is going thru her second quarantine period right now. She did 5 weeks with the lady who rescued her and another 4 with us. I would never want to do rescue work for parrots because I don't think it would be fare for our pet birds. (3 total now). But I do admire people who do and will do all I can to support them. I understand the questions that we have for "rescues" we have all seen some that are just filled with good intentions but end up have to pass birds out to others with the job becomes too big for them to handle. Rosie is not a rescue to me she is an addition to our family and will stay with us till I'm gone! My oldest daughter already knows that they Macaws will be hers when I'm gone. She loves them and they love her. To Buddy most of the people here are not here to cause trouble but to help each other with the care of their birds. Sometimes they do come across a little rough but it is because we have all seen what happens to birds that are picked up or purchased on a whim. Please don't give up on the board it is still a place for learning a lot. I got my first Macaw in 1983 and have had large birds most of my life. I'm no expert and learn every day from these and other boards. Dave

I am sorry if you got annoyed with the questions, LJ. I know we can come on a little strong sometimes......and so can you. I've read a few of your posts doing just that.....Passions run deep in bird people. I think you will like it here, if you give it a chance.

Thank you for telling me about the straw. I suppose it's the same as over packing the cage with safe twigs, branches, and other items to chew, forage, and occupy time and activity for a plucker or over preener. Good on ya.

I have apologized, and can do no more!- and as far as a rescue- We are not that, we have rescued, but we consider all that we have Family! They will never be passed on other than to our 2 children, which will have a trust fund to care for them the way we do. We would not take in any more than we have now- other than if someone was to ask- then there would be conditions.

I would never want to do rescue work for parrots because I don't think it would be fare for our pet birds. (3 total now). But I do admire people who do and will do all I can to support them.

I admire them too, Dave, and thank you!

I had a garage sale and donated what I make to The Gabriel Foundation. If I started taking in rescue birds, I know I wouldn't be able to cope. Plus, I don't know the answer to the question, how many is too many, before putting the others I already had in want. I also know I don't have the funds to do it right, so better not begin. I do what I can to help those who can do what I cannot.

Thank you for taking Rosie! I know she's in good hands now and will receive the love and care she deserves.

I pet sit a beautiful macaw who loves to give me kisses, but I think I should get by butt back to TooVille. Hahaha

We took Gypsy and Otis in for nails and wings and we got the best response, Everyone played with both of them and all enjoyed their company. What proud parents we are, after such short time to have them totally comfortable around strangers and be absolute angels! We have been blessed to have them join our family!