Health
We require that all birds be tested for three major diseases before being accepted into The Lily Sanctuary: psittacosis, polyoma and psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). Optional DNA testing can be included. We have a service available to provide those tests, at cost, if needed. We also work closely with avian vets if any of our birds show signs of illness or injury.
Several of our staff members are trained to handle medications, injections, wound care, and minor medical procedures. Some parrots may require lifetime medications or special needs care while others receive protocols of homeopathic and natural remedies to help treat emotional and chronic conditions.
Often parrots come to us requiring more serious medical attention. Our goal is to stabilize and promote healing. Funding to support major medical care is always a challenge. We appreciate any donations or sponsorship that you can offer.
Behavior
We work one-on-one with birds using functional behavioral analysis, positive reinforcement and behavior modification, helping them to get past emotional problems and stress. Our staff and volunteers spend time with the birds gaining their trust. After all the cleaning, feeding, and changing water dishes are done, we play and interact with the birds so they get the attention and love they deserve.
Groomi
ng
Our parrots get regular grooming such as showers, wing clipping, beak trimming and toenail trimming. We recommend you adopt a similar program for your birds. If you are unsure how to proceed, we can train you or provide these services for a small fee. Parrot Professors, owned and operated by three of our long-term volunteers, is a great resource. They will come to your home to eliminate the stress of transporting your parrot.
Dangers to Avoid
Although we all like to think that we always have our bird’s best interests at heart, it is impossible to foresee every single household danger that our avian friends can get into. But it is wise to be aware of the most common dangers to our pet birds, so that we can avoid those situations. Read full article by Margaret A. Wissman, D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P.
Safety
Mandatory clearance of ALL toxic substances: Teflon/non-stick cookware, counter top grills, non-stick oven liners, continuous cleaning and/or convection ovens and Teflon coated irons, curling irons, space heaters, or other personal items. Teflon is highly toxic to birds. If you are not willing to do this you will not be considered to adopt from us.
The bird’s safety cannot be overstated. Do not keep your bird in the kitchen area where it can be exposed to many dangers and fumes. Knowledge of toxic substances is critical and avoiding dangerous situations needs continuous, diligent attention. Parrots are extremely vulnerable to fumes such as scented candles, air fresheners, Lysol, Fabreeze, scented Plug-Ins, oil wick scent diffusers and smoke. Many live plants found in the home are highly toxic.
Smoking
If you smoke, do so far away from your birds, and thoroughly wash your hands before handling your parrot. Never let smoke fumes or residue get near your birds. The poisons in cigars and cigarettes are absorbed from your skin into the bird’s bloodstream through their skin (feet) and preened off of their feathers, entering their digestive tract. Birds have even been known to pull out their feathers to get the residue off of their bodies. The toxins cause so many preventable discomforts and reactions that are potentially fatal to their much smaller bodies.
