While birds have historically been kept in captivity in relatively smaller numbers, it hasn’t been until the past couple of decades that we have seen an enormous growth in their numbers which now make them the third most popular “pet” in this Country right behind cats and dogs. The difference between parrots and domesticated pets such as dogs and cats is that parrots are wild animals and will behave as such. The wild behaviors and traits that parrots possess makes it nearly impossible for us to appropriately match their needs which are met in the wild. The result is an unsuitable “pet” that first captivates then frustrates.

Our job and the job of any other individual that wishes to care for a parrot in captivity is to shape our own world around the needs of a parrot and not try to shape a parrot to meet our needs or wants. By attempting the latter, it will almost always result in a failed relationship as it goes against every natural instinct and need that is necessary for their emotional and physical well being.

From the beginning of my journey into parrot rescue and sanctuary work, my dream has been to create a sanctuary setting for parrots to live as naturally as possible even though they are in captivity. It will always bother me to know they, in regards to wild-caught parrots, will never again live the life they lived when they were free and wild but that doesn’t and shouldn’t stop us or anyone else from giving them the best possible life we can. To me that meant a cage-free, free-flighted environment to help meet their social needs for not only a mate but also a group or flock. It also meant to me that we would use natural materials in the creation of their environment including logs, branches, stumps and live plants & trees.

Most of the parrots we choose to accept into sanctuary are older ex-breeding wild-caught parrots that prefer a life with others of their kind or are fearful and/or overly aggressive topeople and wouldn’t do well in a home setting. While we have sanctuary environments for various species such as parakeets, finches, cockatiels, quakers, conures and macaws, our greatest achievement is the recently completed African Grey Aviary in which I will discuss further.

Currently, we have both Timneh and Congo African Greys living in the aviary. It is a 3,600 sq.ft. environment that currently houses 29 permanent residents. Two-thirds of the population are older wild-caught ex-breeder birds placed here on Sanctuary, a large portion of them from cruelty or neglect situations and some brought here to simply retire from a life of breeding for the pet trade.

For the past year I have been able to witness incredible natural behaviors that aren’t typically witnessed in cages. Flight is one of the most crucial abilities a bird possesses. It is what makes a bird who they are – it is something mankind has been intrigued by since the beginning of time. Sadly, all too often the flight feathers are clipped for various reasons while instead the focus should be on creating an environment to allow free flight yet still keep them safe. In an aviary setting, this can be accomplished with a double door system to prevent escapees. In our Aviary, it is breathtaking to be able to witness a bird fly over a hundred feet in one direction or even loop around and fly an even further distance. It is as if you can feel their excitement and exhilaration!

There are a great number of live plants and trees that may be planted in an aviary or even potted in an indoor enclosure to add to the enrichment of a natural environment. We have chosen to plant tropical hibiscus, banana trees, various palms, fig, guava and much more. Since the parrots are provided heat during the winter, the tropical tree and plant life will also do well.

Natural ground is another aspect to providing parrots an enriching environment. African Greys are one species of parrot that spends time on the ground whether it be exploring, foraging and even digging. Yes, they dig! Often a single bird can be seen exploring on the ground, sometimes a couple and even in small groups.

One of my favorite things to watch are their natural rain baths. The aviary consists of an indoor section and an outdoor section. By constructing it that way, the birds can make a choice whether or not to spend time in the outside section, which most do for a significant portion of their day. When a spring or summer shower rolls through, many will rejoice in the chance to shower the way nature intended them to. It is simply a joy to watch! For those hot summer days with no rain, we have also installed our own rainwater system which is a necessity.

Animal rescuers often see the worst of the worst. Our work with wild animals that are kept as companions is unique in that even situations or environments that aren’t outright abuse or neglect may still qualify as a life lacking enough enrichment, exercise or stimulation. An insight into the natural world of parrots in the wild can lend to us the knowledge to discover ways to enrich those in captivity. Compassion and understanding leads us in our efforts to reach beyond our own birds to others. It is our hope that we are able to play a role in changing the lives of not only those birds under our direct care in sanctuary but to also extend our reach to enable others to help change the lives of not only individuals but birds as a whole.

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Matt Smith
Executive Director
The Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary

www.projectperry.com

(540) 967-0447

Read our feature in the Nov./Dec. ‘08 issue of HSUS Animal Sheltering Magazine:
http://www.projectperry.com/Bird_20creature_20feature.pdf

Check out our e-Newsletter archives here:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs030/1101044598551/archive/1102354948541.html

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