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Hello everybirdie! Is it Spring yet? I'm on the northeast coast of the U.S. and we've been bombarded with rain and temperatures below the norm. Now, finally on this Memorial Day Weekend, we have finally hit 80 degrees here in my hometown, New Jersey.

My birds have noticed the change in the weather too. Now they welcome me with their early morning chit chat as soon as the sun comes out. I'm so lucky to have my cockatiel and parakeet to wake up to!

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* MORE PRIZES TO COME! *

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Did you know? Just by signing up for this newletter, you are eligible to WIN A PRIZE from Birdbytes.com

Another winner will be chosen from this list of subscribers very soon.

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NEW BIRD NAMES PAGE

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Submission of your Bird Names keeps growing by the minute!. A NEW BIRD NAMES PAGE has begun.
It's Page 17.

Go see our feathered friends: Apple, Maestro and Hahnsie, on the Names Page from Birdbytes.com.

http://www.birdbytes.com/names17.html

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** BIRD ARTICLE **

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Should I Adopt an Older "Second Hand" Bird??

This question is asked all the time. Generally, the myth that "second hand," (or third, or fourth hand) birds, will not bond to a new owner is patently incorrect. While they may carry some "emotional/behavioral baggage" and may need additional patience and lots of love and compassion, most of them are "redeemable." They have evolved to be able to eventually adjust and bond to new partners, speak "care givers," by instinct alone. If their mate dies or is eaten by a predator, they have to be emotionally able to attach themselves to someone else in the flock. It is no different here. It does take patience, sometimes over many months.

Please consider this: There are literally thousands of unwanted birds that were often bought on impulse. They all desperately need a permanent home. Successful relationships do require an understanding of these birds and an absolute willingness for unconditional acceptance. Anyone who is prepared to seriously commit him or herself, who is ready to love, understand, respect and have patience with their new charge will end up with a rewarding and wonderful experience. Prior to acquiring any bird, baby or mature, we as care givers have the ethical and moral obligation to familiarize ourselves and be aware of the challenge that faces us. There are excellent books on the subject of keeping parrots and it is incumbent upon all of us to take advantage of the outstanding work already done in this field: To be aware of their physiological and psychological requirements. These requirements are identical for bird babies and "seniors." The same mutually painful consequences for ignorance and the same rewards for being informed and treating the bird with respect, compassion, patience and understanding for and of the species invariably apply.

There are some who insist that "rescued" birds know what has happened and that they are grateful to those who gave them security and a real loving home.

We must always remember that parrots in general and greys in particular are not just birds, they are highly evolved and extremely sensitive, intelligent and perceptive creatures who deserve to be treated as what they are: Someone very, very special.

In summary, there are no "second hand" birds - there are only birds in need of a loving home. Some of our best known avian behaviorists are strong advocates for the adoption of unwanted birds - in many cases over the acquisition of babies. There is a very good reason for that: Firstly, they desperately need us and secondly, adult birds, albeit rejected by their owners, have the potential to becoming outstanding companions! It is all up to us!

By Bill Kiesselbach, Avian Enthusiast
E-mail: bill@incentiveman.com
Reprinted with permission.
provided by: www.yourparrotplace.com

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** BOTTOM AD SPONSOR **
Please visit our newest sponsor below

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NEW PHOTO GALLERY #4

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Photo Gallery #5 will be up in the next week or two!

If you haven't already noticed, please view Gallery #4 here:
http://www.birdbytes.com/bird_photos.html

If you'd like to submit your Birds Photo, please send to:
goldie_web@yahoo.com

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Check out the Latest "License to Brag" postings:
http://www.birdbytes.com/brag.html
Shop Bird Bytes:
http://www.cafepress.com/parrotpet
New Bird Names can be found here:
http://www.birdbytes.com/names.html
What's New - Pet Art:
http://www.birdbytes.com/pet_art.html
Bird Poems update:
http://www.birdbytes.com/poems.html

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That's it for THE PERCH. Until next time, here's hoping that you and your feathered friends are happy and healthy.

Rosita Mercado
Birdmaster
http://www.birdbytes.com

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DISCLAIMER: Information, Ads, and advice contained on this E-Zine is for your consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet. THE PERCH Ezine and Birdbytes.com does not endorse and is not responsible for the advertisements in the ezine. All articles are reprinted with permission of the author.