Out of the Cage! (September 2006)

AWC Seeks Improved Care for Exotic Birds in Shelters

While animal shelters bring to mind dogs and cats for most people, a surprising number of exotic birds are surrendered to shelters each year — often because the birds' caretakers had no idea what was involved in caring for a captive bird before they brought him or her home. Most traditional animal shelters simply don't have the experience or knowledge to meet the special needs of a captive bird or find an appropriate adopter.

The Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is looking to change that scenario. AWC is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of parrots and other captive birds and to serve as an educational resource for the humane community, lawmakers, and the general public.

One way the AWC is helping to make a difference for birds in shelters is through their Shelter Outreach Program, an initiative to assist shelter and animal control organizations in serving the rescue, care, and placement needs of captive exotic birds. It is also designed to help shelters develop and implement realistic guidelines and procedures to provide for their special housing, dietary, veterinary, behavioral, and placement requirements.

"Parrots and other exotic birds are not domesticated animals; they are 'the wildlife of other countries' and require more specialized care and handling than dogs and cats. As prey animals, birds view things differently than predators, an important factor that needs to be considered in a shelter situation," explains AWC President, Denise Kelly.

To help animal control and shelter organizations gain the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of exotic birds in their care, the AWC, in concert with the Animal Protection Institute (API) and the ASPCA, has produced Captive Exotic Bird Care: A Guide for Shelters. This comprehensive handbook, written specifically for animal care workers and shelter staff, provides a wide range of tools to help them evaluate, care for, and find appropriate homes and sanctuary for exotic birds. The guide also provides valuable information for those interested in working collaboratively with avian foster care, placement, and welfare organizations. Click here to read more about Captive Exotic Bird Care: A Guide for Shelters, or to order copies.

Shelters and rescue groups interested in increasing their capacity to care for exotic birds can contact the AWC to schedule an avian educational workshop. A good place to start for many organizations would be The Basics of Caring for Exotic Birds in the Shelter, a hands-on workshop designed for shelter personnel and volunteers on the basics of caring for exotic birds. These workshops can be tailored to accommodate the available space, facilities, and resources of your shelter. Covered topics include housing and dietary requirements, environmental safety, quarantine and medical protocols, signs of illness and disease, basic avian physical exam, common traits, and special considerations and placement options. Educational materials and sample Shelter Adoption Packets are provided as part of the class.

NYC's Animal Care & Control has begun discussions with AWC about conducting a workshop for its shelter staff, beginning with the Brooklyn shelter.

In addition to their workshops, AWC participants also are available for consultations and speaking engagements on a wide range of avian topics.

To learn more about AWC and how it can help you or your organization become more informed and skilled in exotic bird care, visit www.avianwelfare.org.