Credentials

Question
I was wondering what your 2 year degree is in.  I am 30 years old looking for a career change.  

I had a friend a few years ago that had budgies that she let breed and she gave me one of the chicks once he was weaned.  I had been looking for a pet "for my daughter".  I knew fully well that a 4 year old was not going to do anything to care for the animal no matter what it was, so it was going to be my responsibility and fun for her to watch.  Birdie chose me as his human and wanted to be with me a lot.  He would groom my hair and let me scratch his head, fall asleep on my hand while we were watching TV together, play a game that I called Birdie Basketball where he would take one of his toys and fling it around until it landed in his water.  Sadly, he passed away February 7th.  About a month later, I started doing research into getting another feathered friend.  I don't like pet stores too much so I started looking into birds that were up for adoption.  I didn't want to get into something like an African grey because it would be able to live until I am about 80 or 90 years old.  After about the 15th horrible ad about someone looking to get rid of their pet because of things that they really should have found out before getting the pet (ie.  parrot being vocal), I figured out what I want to do but I don't know how to do it.  I want to start a bird rescue/adoption in my area, but desire to do it is my only qualification.  I have a BA but not in anything related to animals.  I looked at graduate schools in my are but I'm not even sure what I am looking for as a major.  I have e-mailed and called a few places and have more questions than answers now.  I'm not sure if veterinary school is the only way to go.  Some schools have behavioral psychology, but that seems more related to humans.  (They are actually the ones that I have the problem with, so maybe that's really what I need to study ;) )  

I would love to start a non-profit organization that takes in birds from people that should not have bought one to begin with and match them with people who are educated before the bird goes home with them.  While I would not want to chance acquiring a parrot and having to will it to someone personally, I would love to care for one in an organization that could outlive me as well.  I know how to apply for 501c3 status, write grant proposals and run a non-profit organization.  I just know that I need far more avian education before I would be anywhere near qualified to open something like that.  Any suggestions of where/what to study would be fantastic!  Sorry this e-mail ran so long.

Answer
Hi, Jennifer.  Thanks for posting!

My education is in business.  I've acquired my knowledge of parrots over 18 years of raising/breeding/handfeeding/caring/selling them (as well as having pet birds).  I also have racing homing pigeons, which gives me a different perspective with a different type of bird.  I also study wild birds.  Throughout this process, I've learned lots from my avian veterinarian, from reading all the information I could find on birds in general, parrots (some specific to certain species and in general), talking with other breeders, attending conferences, researching medical-related areas specific to parrots, studying nutrition (human and bird-related), general first aid, animal psychology, etc., etc.  I've learned lots from hands-on experience with parrots and other birds/animals over the years.  This would be one way for you to go.

As far as a formal school of instruction, I would think avian veterinarian technician would be a good way to start.  However, I've had vet techs come to me for information!  You would also need to check the laws, etc., in the area where you live to see if any licensing or special training/education is required.  You would need to have much knowledge in parrot behavior, psychology, how to deal with injuries, you'd have to have rapport with a good certified avian veterinarian because any birds you would take in would likely require some type of avian vet care.  This would be a big job so you'd have to have a way to house these birds properly, lots of available time, necessary funds, etc.    

As far as getting started, when I did rescue work, I joined local bird clubs, advertised myself in newspapers, listed my name with local humane societies, rented space at local bird fairs/shows/auctions to advertise my services, etc.  It's a matter of making yourself known in the community once you have the knowledge of how to deal with these special types of birds.  I would suggest you might start with acquiring some parrots of your own so you can start to learn how to care properly for a parrot.

I would suggest you speak with others who do this already in your area to see what they might suggest you do.  They are out there...you just need to find them somehow.  Local humane societies might be able to help.  Local humane societies are usually called in when parrots are found in less than desirable situations.  You might want to search the net to see if you can find someone who can offer more information.

I don't know how much help I've been.  Come back with any additional questions.

Chrys