Athena,
I was just looking at all the pictures of your babies and wondering how you got started! What kind did you start with and how did you get into doing the rescue thing?? I don't mean to get into your business, I just think it would be interesting to find out how this all came about! If you don't want to share, that's ok too. And did your husband know of this before you two were together or did it happen after?
Curiously,
Jen
Athena, What got you started with birds & the rescue
Moderator: Mods
Hrm.. birds.. I grew up with one. 
As a matter of fact I just learned of him passing away a short time ago, heartbreaking. I had a blue and gold playmate as a child, so being around birds was second nature for me.
The rescue... we had our own birds and folks started dumping birds on us. We actually did the job for years before becoming serious and realizing that there is a real need for rescues. So, we went through all the legal stuff and here we are. When I say dumping, btw, I mean it. I've walked into my house (in the past) to find a bird in a tiny cage ON my kitchen table... talk about upsetting!
My husband ... his mom has had lovebirds all his life, but he didn't really have experience with the bigger birds. When he got together with me he got some experience with my guys, but it was Mazzie who taught him the most. If you can take a bite from a ticked off IRN you really can handle the big guys. Mike will tell you to this day he'd rather be bit by a macaw than by Maz LOL.
He had always been in love with the big birds, from afar, and when we got Dayo in (who we agreed to permanent sanctuary for before he ever came in, he has a rough history) he was so excited to develop a relationship and have a blue and gold pal. However, Dayo had his own ideas... and it took Mike a year to be able to work with him well... during which time he had bonded firmly to me. So, Char came in (who isn't permanent sanctuary but the chances of him ever being able to be placed are miserable) and Mike thought "I'm comfortable with them now, I'll love on this one..." . You guessed it, Char wasn't having any of it. He's a womans bird BAD. He'll let Mike move him and feed him, but he lunges a lot and does bite on occasion. Third time was a charm though, Kato is head over heels for Mike
. All that taught him so much though, and he's really good with birds now. As a matter of fact, I prefer he towels them for grooming because he is so good at it.
We are a good pair, he's very compassionate by nature, and I'm very good at reading body language. Mike has a psych degree, and I have so many years of experience with them... behavior is something we enjoy working on together. Between us we can usually help turn around a bird who needs help.
Athena
As a matter of fact I just learned of him passing away a short time ago, heartbreaking. I had a blue and gold playmate as a child, so being around birds was second nature for me.
The rescue... we had our own birds and folks started dumping birds on us. We actually did the job for years before becoming serious and realizing that there is a real need for rescues. So, we went through all the legal stuff and here we are. When I say dumping, btw, I mean it. I've walked into my house (in the past) to find a bird in a tiny cage ON my kitchen table... talk about upsetting!
My husband ... his mom has had lovebirds all his life, but he didn't really have experience with the bigger birds. When he got together with me he got some experience with my guys, but it was Mazzie who taught him the most. If you can take a bite from a ticked off IRN you really can handle the big guys. Mike will tell you to this day he'd rather be bit by a macaw than by Maz LOL.
He had always been in love with the big birds, from afar, and when we got Dayo in (who we agreed to permanent sanctuary for before he ever came in, he has a rough history) he was so excited to develop a relationship and have a blue and gold pal. However, Dayo had his own ideas... and it took Mike a year to be able to work with him well... during which time he had bonded firmly to me. So, Char came in (who isn't permanent sanctuary but the chances of him ever being able to be placed are miserable) and Mike thought "I'm comfortable with them now, I'll love on this one..." . You guessed it, Char wasn't having any of it. He's a womans bird BAD. He'll let Mike move him and feed him, but he lunges a lot and does bite on occasion. Third time was a charm though, Kato is head over heels for Mike
. All that taught him so much though, and he's really good with birds now. As a matter of fact, I prefer he towels them for grooming because he is so good at it.
We are a good pair, he's very compassionate by nature, and I'm very good at reading body language. Mike has a psych degree, and I have so many years of experience with them... behavior is something we enjoy working on together. Between us we can usually help turn around a bird who needs help.
Athena
That's so cool! Thanks for sharing! Very interesting!! How sad that people would just leave a bird at your house. But bless your heart for being there for them! It must be draining tho'. To have all these poor creatures coming into your home, neglected, abused, not loved, and confused. What work you must have to do with them. I appreciate all you do! And wish I was closer so I could offer my help. I could and would clean cages or help in any way possible! I'm proud of you and Mike for all you do! And proud to say you've helped me thru a lot! You rock and God has a place in heaven for the both of you!
Hugs,
Jen
Hugs,
Jen
