Dedicated to the Birds
of the WorldTropical Bird Rescue
Dedicated to the Birds
of the World
Tropical Bird Rescue
Sponsored by
Tropical Rain forest Coalition
461 Park Ave. Suite 4 • San Jose,CA 95110 • (408) 496-9412
from The Proceedings of the International Aviculturists Society, January 1997, Fort Meyers, FL
The Mission
The Tropical Bird Rescue program was organized in March of 1996. The charter of this organization is to foster the care and well-being of captive birds originating from tropical habitats, with the focus of the program on the welfare of each individual bird. Our goal in the first year is to place 100 birds into suitable environments that allow the individual bird to thrive.
Many bird owners become disillusioned with the time and care that a tropical bird requires. This organization offers these owners an alternative to 'passing the bird' to another possibly unsuitable situation. The Tropical Bird Rescue program (TBR) guarantees the continued care for the bird in a situation that will be best for the individual bird: a home that is informed and committed.
The Tropical Bird Rescue is an outreach and placement program which locates, obtains and places into safe custody tropical birds which are abandoned, mistreated, abused or are in need of a foster home. The TBR shall be responsible for sheltering and treating birds (as needed) until such time as a safe and healthy foster home is secured. The Tropical Bird Rescue organization operates under the auspices of the Tropical Ralnforest Coalition (TRC), a nonprofit group.
The Program
Community Outreach & Education
The Tropical Bird Rescue will provide educational lectures and seminars on proper caged bird care. These are to be held for interested groups, during special events, and for prospective foster care providers. Non-Profit sector volunteers have been secured from veterinary clinics, clubs, societies, zoos and the community at large. Our affiliation with the Tropical Rainforest Coalition (TRC) offers us access to the World Wide Web through the use of the TRC web site (www.rainforest.org).
Providing Suitable Foster Homes
The Tropical Bird Rescue program solicits prospective foster care providers and locates the birds in need through the various multi-media communications mentioned above. The birds that enter the program are suppled by the public, bird shows, and local veterinarians. Due to our affiliation with the Tropical Rain forest Coalition and it's non-profit status, we can offer a tax deductible donation for each bird that enters the program.
Birds will be placed only in situations that match the needs of the individual bird and the foster care situation. The size and personality of the birds will be a factor in each placement. The two situations are defined as foster care in a pet bird home or foster care in an outdoor aviary. It is recognized that larger birds such as macaws and cockatoos might have special needs. Therefore, whenever possible every effort will be made to place a large bird in an aviary situation.
If a rescued bird has been identified as an endangered species such as those listed in CITTIS Appendix 1 (Scarlet Macaws, Mollucan Cockatoos, etc.), the bird will be considered for participation in a qualified species survival plan, stud book or breeding program. The determination of the participation in one of these programs will take place prior to the placement in a foster care home.
The Tropical Bird Rescue program Is in the process of defining strict guidlines of a 'suitable foster home'. Each of the selected foster homes will be required to adhere to these guidelines.
Examples of what qualifies as a suitable foster home:
• Attend at least two bird care seminars
• interest in the care and welfare of a tropical bird
• Commitment of time for interaction with~the bird; and the proper attention to the bird's
environment
• A nonsmoking environment
• Offer a voice to the awareness of proper bird care
Examples of what is required of a foster home:
• Willingness to adhere to the requirements of the foster home agreement
• Agree to maintain conditions that allow the health and well-being of the bird to thrive
• Agree to continued monitoring of the bird after placement
• Agree that the bird is not to be used for any type of breeding program
• A non-refundable fee of $300.00 to assist in defraying the costs of the bird care and
supplies
Examples of what is included the fostering of a tropical bird?
• A bird that is matched to the environment of the foster home
• Three month supply of a balanced nutrition formulated diet (Harrison's)
• A cage of appropriate construction and size to house the bird, complete with feed bowls and
one or two suitable birds toys
• Bird care instruction and packet
• A fact sheet on the species and of the individual bird
• DNA Sexing, Microchip I D
Strict attention to the needs of the individual bird
Each foster care provider will be required to sign a letter of agreement that will outline the requirements of a foster care home. Strict adherence to nutritional and environmental standards for the well-being of the individual bird will be required of each foster home. The Tropical Bird Rescue will provide detailed standards for the care, nutrition and health of the birds.
Examples of the standards of care, nutrition and health of the birds:
• Proper environmental conditions
• Proper nutritional diet
• Freedom of movement
• Regular physical examination of the bird by an avian veterinarian
Continued monitoring of the health and care of the birds:
The ongoing wellbeing of each bird placed in a foster home is of paramount concern to the Tropical Bird Rescue program. Therefore, the ownership of the bird will remain with the TBR, with transition to permanent placement on a case by case situation. To ensure that the birds continue to thrive, the bird's condition will be monitored by:
• Semi-annual physical examinations of the bird by a participating avian veterinarian.
• interactive communication between the participating veterinarians and the TBR.
• Foster home must agree to continued monitoring of the bird after placement including home visits.
Bird Foster Agreement
Tropical Bird Rescue
Sponsored by Tropical Rainforest Coalition
481 Park Ave. Suite 4
San Jose, CA 95110
408/496-9412
Date:__ ________________________ Fee: _______ ________________
Breed: _________________________ Bird's Name: _________________________
Age: ___________________________ Domestic / Import (circle one)
Placement Weight grams Vet Check: Yes / No By:
Findings: ______________________
Diet: __________________ Identification: ___________ _____________
Sex: ___________________ Method: _________________________
Congratulations on your decision to foster a bird from the Tropical Bird Rescue Program (TBR). Properly cared for, your new pet can give you a lifetime of companionship.
Given the nature of exotic birds and the commitment that you are now making, it is imperative that you acknowledge reading and agreeing to follow the guidelines as set out in the training manual How to Care for Your Pet Bird by Joel Murphy (initial that was given to you during the required training classes, as well as to agree to the following:
1. If, for any reason, I am ever unable to keep the bird, i will immediately notify TBR and arrange to return the bird. I agree to not give this bird to anyone else without the prior approval of TBR.
2. I will feed this bird a varied and healthy diet (Harrison's Bird Diet).
3. I will provide this bird with fresh water, and a clean, well ventilated living space.
4. I will immediately take this bird to a qualified avian veterinarian for a complete physical examination (unless one was completed immediately prior to placement) as well as for biannual examination and at any sign of illness.
5. I will not at any time, breed this bird.
6. I will notify TBR if I move or change my telephone number.
7. I understand that parrot care is an expanding field and I promise to keep abreast of any new developments that may enhance my ability to care for this bird.
8. I understand that parrots are very long-lived and have made or will make the appropriate arrangements.
9. I understand that parrots are not domesticated animals like dogs or cats, and that modifying certain behaviors may require training, expert advice and patience. I agree to work with this bird to modify any such undesirable behavior without the use of negative reinforcement or other methods which may harm him/her. I also understand that certain behaviors may never be entirely eradicated.
10. I agree to give this bird all the attention, affection, Interaction and mental stimulation appropriate to a highly intelligent and social creature. I agree to treat him/her like a treasured member of my family.
11. I understand that questions will arise as to the proper care of this parrot, and I agree to contact TBR or another qualified avian professional with these questions. I agree that it is in the best interest of this bird to ask rather than to guess.
12. I will keep this bird's wings properly clipped.
13. I will keep this bird in a smoke-free environment.
14. I agree that from time-to-time, the TBR has the right to review the care and health of the bird. I understand that this may entail home visits.
I understand that this bird and the supplied cage Is the property of TBR. If at any time, It becomes the opinion of the Tropical Bird Rescue program that these condition are not being met, I understand that the Tropical Bird Rescue, program may reclaim this pet Irrespective of any donation or other expenditures that I have made. I understand that this Is a legal and binding contract.
Except as set forth above, TBR makes no representations, warranties or guarantees and assumes no liability for health, age, temperament (including the capacity to bite), behavior, talking ability or condition of the birds available for placement. If you have other birds it is strongly suggested that you observe reasonable quarantine procedures for at least thirty (30) days.
The Tropical Bird Rescue program is operated for the benefit of the birds that we place. While we are not all veterinarians, if any problems or questions arise as to the behavior or care of this bird, we welcome and encourage your inquires.
The Tropical Bird Rescue program is a joint venture operated on a non-profit basis of the Tropical Rain forest Coalition. All fees are non-refundable. While TBR is delighted to make recommendations of products, professionals, publications and other items and services relevant to the care of this bird, neither TBR nor any of it's volunteers or representatives assumes any responsibility for these recommendations.
Thank you for your support.
I have read and understand this document, and agree to each and every one of the terms listed.
Signature _______________________Name: _____________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ________________________________________________
Phone-Home: ( )__________ Work ( )__________
Driver's License__________________ Birth date: ______________________
TBR Representative :__________________________
Tropical Bird Rescue Program
Sponsored~by Tropical/Rainforest Coa/ition
461 Park Ave. Suite 4 • San Jose, CA 95110
Confidential Parrot Foster Application
"How many people have grown up with an ornery parrot? Nobody played with it nobody. (except. probably, its owner) touched it. Nobody dared. Nobody,u cared. fit best it was fed regularly, but usually,u it was no more than an amusing ornament
Life isn't much different for many pet parrots today, but change is on the horizon. We are increasingly aware that this highly intelligent creature is capable of exceptionally interactive behavior- almost surpassing pet status to become a friend and companion.
Training is the Key to this radical lifestyle change in the companion parrot." excerpt from guide to a Well Behaved Parrotby Mattie Sue Athan
Bird ownership is a serious responsibility. The policy of the Tropical Bird Rescue program is to assure that each person who fosters a bird is aware of this responsibility and that they are morally. financially, and physically capable of accepting it. More so than with most pets, it is very true that not everyone who wishes to own an exotic bird should own an exotic bird.
The following application has been designed to aid both you and us in determining whether you and your family are the type of owners which we seek to secure for the birds at the Tropical Bird Rescue. Please answer all the questions and feel free to explain any answers or add comments. if a question does not apply, please write ‘n/a’.
Name:
Age Group: Under 18 18 - 25 26-50 Over 50
Spouse/Significant Other/Room~mate:
Children's ages:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Phones: Home Office
Occupation:
Occupation of Spouse/etc.:
If this relationship were to change, who do you anticipate keeping the bird?
Do all adults in your household know that you are applying to foster a bird? Y N
Who will be primarily responsible for the bird's care?
What is your weekly schedule?
Weekdays:
Evenings:
Weekends:
How many hours per day would the bird be left alone?
Type of dweling: House Condo Apartment Other
Do you rent/own?
If you rent do you have your landlord's consent to have a bird? Y N
Landlord's name and phone:
Would you allow an inspection of and post-placement follow up vet to your premises by a Tropical Bird Rescue volunteer? Y N
Does anyone in the household smoke? Y N
What other pets are kept?
What breeds) or bird(s) are you primarily interested in?
Why?
What characteristics of a parrot are most important to you?
What would you expect from a parrot?
Do you travel a great deal? Y N
When you are away, who will care for the bird?
What do you feed an exotic bird?
Do you know an avian veterinarian? Y N Name:
Are you aware that exotic birds might develop bad habits (destruction of clothing, furniture, drapery or anything within reach: biting, screaming, dislike of strangers or your mate, leaving droppings everywhere) and that these habits can be difficult to break; that they require a great deal of attention and maintenance: that they can be expensive to keep fed healthy, housed, and entertained? Y N
If the bird does develop a bad habit, what would you do?
Under what circumstances would you not want to keep the bird?
Moving New baby New Job
Allergy _ Serious illness New relationship
Divorce/Separation Prefers one person over another _
Does not get along with other pets Other
Pet History:
For each pet you have kept, give the breed, your age at the time~ how long you kept them and how the relationship
ended. (Continue of next page or on back if necessary. Be complete).
How did you learn about the Tropical Bird Rescue program?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this application. All applications will be carefully reviewed. h about two weeks, you will be contacted as to your status to foster a bird.
Signature: Date
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your interest in the Tropical Rain forest Coalition's Tropical Bird Rescue Program. The charter of our organization is to foster the care and well-being of captive birds originating from tropical habitats. Our primary concern is to place the birds in situations which allow the individual bird to thrive in a healthy, avian-knowledgeable environment.
Our progress to date includes the following:
•formed a steering committee of dedicated volunteers with a wide range of talents'
•obtained a monetary grant from the International Aviculturists Society;
•obtain donations of time and material from the avian industry and veterinarian;
•held a 'Neighborhood Round-up' to involve the community and to solicit applications
for future foster parents,
•held the two series of training classes for the prospective foster parents;
•Began placement of the first 10 birds;
•Established an Internet homepage at "http //www parrots org"
Enclosed please find a copy of our Mission Statement and an application for Parrot Foster Care,
Again, our many thanks for your interest in our rescue effort. If we can answer any questions that you may have, please feel free to contact our organization at 408/496-9412.
Sincerely,
Fern Van Sant, D.V.M.
Tropical Bird Rescue
Date:
Pet Name: Breed: Description:
Date of Birth Band/Chip Number
Distinctive Markings: -
Name of Donor:
Address:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Reason for Donation: -
Current Veterinarian:
Known Medical Problems:
It is hereby agreed, by and between Donor and Tropical Bird Rescue ("TBR"), as follows,
1. Donor wishes to relinquish ownership of said "Bird', listed above.
2. Donor is the current owner of said Bird, and knows of no other person who has any claim to him/her.
3. Donor requests that TBR find a safe secure home for the Bird
4. Donor hereby relinquishes, in favor of TBR, all rights, title and interest to and in the Bird, along with any cage(s) toys or other items concurrently surrendered. This grant is immediate and absolute.
5. Donor may, at any time, prior to the execution of a Bird Adoption Contract between TBR and a third party, apply to adopt the Bird, subject to the same conditions and restrictions as an adoption to a third party. TBR cannot, however, guarantee the return of any ancillary items.
7. It is Donor's understanding that TBR will charge a minimum donation for the adoption or foster care of and for the Bird, and Donor realizes that they are not entitled to any portion of that or any donation.
8. It is understood that it is the purpose if this donation that TBR find a loving and nurturing home for the Bird, but that TBR may do so within their sole discretion and Donor may not, in any way, question or interfere with TBR in the care, treatment, or placement of the Bird.
I have read and understand the above, and realize that it constitutes a legal and binding contract.
Donor Signature_____________________________Date____________________________
461 Park Avenue, Suite #4 San Jose, CA 95110 408.496.94~2 http://www.parrot~ore
