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February 29, 2008 at 5:48 am · Filed under News
MONTREAL–Slick thieves have been targeting parrots, stealing them from Quebec homes with surgical precision while leaving behind valuable jewellery, electronics and even cash.
The thefts are aimed at a global black market in rare exotic birds.
This winter, thieves crawled through windows to get into two households in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. They used pillowcases to bag birds in lightning-quick break-ins.
“It’s clearly part of a big racket,” said Yvon Girard, who lost a $4,000 Amazon parrot named Tommy and a macaw named Sonny, along with three purebred chihuahuas.
“It’s unbelievable. They could have cleaned out the house, but they didn’t even bother searching.”
Parrots often fetch prices from $1,500 to $3,000 and, unlike most consumer goods, the birds don’t lose their value, according to Michael Illian, bird manager at the Menagerie Pet Shop in Toronto, which has been hit by bird thieves twice in recent years.
Larger parrots can easily live past 50 years of age. The rarest species fetch up to $20,000. Details here.
February 18, 2008 at 7:31 am · Filed under News
Pets can be more than just companions; they can also aid you in overcoming your social anxiety.
Treat a pet kindly, and it will love you for who you are. He/she will never judge you for your looks or shyness. He will depend on you to keep him alive. He will be there to comfort and play with you or make you laugh when you are having a bad day. He will shower you with love and reduce your loneliness if you have any.
Some pets require walks (the five listed here can all be taken for walks). For many people, a pet is like their security blanket or their guardian that they can take almost anywhere with them. The fact that their companion is with them in public can help reduce some anxious feelings. By having a pet with you, you have a good conversation starter right there, especially with like minded people. Don’t be surprised if someone stops to compliment your critter.
Pets are a great way to meet like minded, friendly people on forums or even clubs. Just remember, always research any pet before buying one. They all need certain housing, diet, and daily interaction time. A pet can be a big commitment.
Here are five great pet choices to help you with your anxiety:
Pet #5: Guinea Pig
The potential of a guinea pig as a pet is overlooked by many. If kept as an indoor companion and given attention daily, their true loving and funny nature will shine through. Guinea pigs communicate with their owners through various sounds, including purring, and many love to be cuddled and petted. A well socialised guinea pig is sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Other pets are listed here
February 14, 2008 at 9:24 am · Filed under News
WNERS of a chatterbox parrot which can’t stop saying “I Love You” would give anything to hear him say those three little words on Valentine’s Day.
But Jasper, the nine-year-old African Grey parrot, unexpectedly took flight from the front garden of their Eastern Green home on Sunday afternoon.
His owner Terry Scofield, 55, of Martin Close, says he is a bit of a mummy’s boy at heart and likes to be by her side otherwise he gets stressed.
The exotic bird recently had his wings clipped so he cannot fly far and Terry and husband Ken, 53, felt it is safe to enough to allow Jasper the freedom of the house.
On Sunday he was in the garden with Terry when he became alarmed at the sudden sound of the slamming of a car door. More details can be read here.
February 11, 2008 at 8:47 am · Filed under News
ANIMAL experts are still waiting to solve the mystery surrounding an exotic bird that was discovered this week.
A rare green parrot, which is believed to be an orange-winged Amazon, was found sheltering under a bush in the back garden of a house in Knightsbridge Gardens, in the West Park area of Hartlepool.
Where’s your Polly gone? Mail, February 6
It was originally thought the bird, which is worth hundreds of pounds, belonged to somebody in the area but it has since emerged that it could be one of several similar birds living wild that have been regularly spotted in Ward Jackson Park.
Several readers have contacted the Mail over the past few days claiming they have spotted up to half a dozen similar birds nesting in the popular park, and RSPCA officers have promised to try and visit the area to ensure the parrots are safe and well.
The parrot that sparked the story remains in the care of staff at the RSPCA centre in Great Ayton. More information here.
February 9, 2008 at 7:16 am · Filed under News
Franklin — Paula Ashfield is ecstatic. Her organization Under My Wing Avian Refuge recently achieved non-profit status.
Under My Wing is a refuge for unwanted, surrendered, abused and unloved parrots and exotic birds. “It acts as a permanent refuge,” Ashfield explained, “unlike a regular shelter, our birds can possibly someday be adopted or can simply remain in the refuge.” Foster homes for exotics are never an option because of the stress factor it produces in the birds. “Sudden changes or traumatic happenings can create a screaming, biting and out-of-control bird,” Ashfield said. Out-of-control birds usually end up as abused birds confined to cages 24/7 or banished to basements or horribly, in one case, a closet.
For now, Ashfield and her family share their home with 60 cockatiels, cockatoos, Macaws, doves, finches and parakeets. Since the organization’s inception in 2005, the refuge has housed 82 birds at one time. Cages are spacious, with many stimulating bird toys and activities. Water is clean and monitored throughout the day and with the help and input of the Paterson Bird Shop and a board certified avian veterinarian from Parsippany, Ashfield provides healthy diets and bird health care. In her safe and comfortable home. The birds can interact with the family and form safe, trusting relationships. “Nobody ever stays in their cage,” Ashfield said. “It’s always playtime.” Her devotion to her charges is obvious as she fluffs, hugs, interacts and even dances with the birds. Holding a striking white cockatoo, Ashfield said, “I named him Lance because he loves to dance,” and she demonstrates by encouraging Lance to boogie, as only a cockatoo can. Read here
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