The mother of cockatiels’ guide to adoption application success
So you have decided you want to adopt a bird. Firstly, let me thank you for coming here instead of rushing to your nearest pet shop - thank you for not supporting an industry that neglects and exploits animals.You have run into an issue, however - the Cheeky Beaks...
How to Prevent Problem Behaviours: Understanding Emotional Arousal in Your Bird
We all know the top problematic behaviours that often lead to the surrender of a pet parrot: screaming, biting and feather destructive behaviour. All these behaviours are very hard to live with, both for the human and the bird! These are complex behaviours and, if a bird is demonstrating one or more of them, any underlying physical causes must first be ruled out by a qualified avian vet…
First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot
Introducing a feathered friend to your home can be most exciting. Bear in mind however, that like us, birds come with baggage, trauma triggers, and oftentimes undesirable behaviour. Having the grit to work with that bird, through the good and the bad, can make all the...
Different Kinds Of Fostering
A common issue we face at Cheeky Beaks is that the term fostering means different things to different people - some of our applicants believe that fostering is a step before adoption, some believe that they will get 'first pick' of the birds they are fostering and...
Avian Anxiety
Avian Anxiety... By Abi Strachan Anxiety is a lot more common than anyone likes, not only in people but companion birds too. The thing is, these birds have been removed from their natural habitats, where their wild instincts and flocks kept them comfortable and...
How to catch a stray parrot and what to do once they’re caught
How to catch a stray parrot and what to do once they’re caught. So you’re sitting on your stoep and suddenly you see a bright flash of color out of the corner of your eye, you look over and there you see it, a parrot in your garden. You know you should catch it,...
2 Years later…
A day many didn't think would come. Many obstacles, much heartache, great expense, and every challenge imaginable later, here we are. Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue is two years old. This year has been a busy one, with more than 250 birds being helped, we've helped some...
Re-surrendering Your Adopted Parrot
Sometimes Giving Up Is Your Best Choice By Abi Strachan Often in rescue, we encounter various situations resulting in the surrender of birds. Let me tell you, we only want what's best for the bird. Yes, we're under pressure, and our resources are stretched thin, but...
The cost of ownership – an important but rarely spoken about issue.
The mother of cockatiels presents: The cost of ownership - an important but rarely spoken about issue.By Kathleen Boshoff I would like to discuss an aspect of bird care that makes us all uncomfortable: money. At Cheeky Beaks, we often receive pleas for help when a...