The following is contributed by Helen Miller
who owns an Exotic Bird Rescue....

The name of her exotic rescue is F.R.A.T. Birds.
Foster - Rescue - Adoption - Training
Contact: Helen@northwestbirdclub.org

I started my rescue June 2nd, 2006. My aviary is a 20' x 100' greenhouse. I had a retail bedding plant business in the past. For a long time it sat idle and was used for storage. I was asked by a good friend that has been into rescue for over 30 years if I was interested in rescuing unwanted, abused, untamable, retired, etc. birds. It didn't take long to make a decision.

My husband and I got to work dismantling tables, varmint proofing the walls and making necessary changes to accommodate the new arrivals. In the first 6 months I took in 12 birds, Quakers, Duskies, a Mitred Conure, and a Blue & Gold Macaw. In that time I was also given a sweet, beautiful Mastiff puppy, that would be my guard dog. I moved my pet B & G Macaw from the house to the aviary and we were good to go. Being concerned about new birds, a new puppy, just everything, so I slept in the greenhouse for 5 months until I felt comfortable leaving the guys on their own.

Now, 3 years later my puppy is still sweet, beautiful and BIG ! She's great with the birds. And the bird population....well....
I have 78 full grown birds from Parakeets, Lovebirds, 3 Macaws,
9 Cockatoos, and everything in between to grace my life.

I spend hours cleaning and working with each of my family members every day, and thoroughly love it. I have had so much success with the abused, neglected, and once, mean biters, that I have to say I'm proud of myself. I love each and everyone of these beautiful creatures so much. They brighten my days and make me so happy.

When I take in new birds I have a very simple agreement that I have drawn up. The person giving up their bird has the option of signing it or not. Most people want their bird to stay in my possession. But if something were to happen to me that I could
no longer care for them, they go back to the original owner or one of their family members. I encourage them to come and visit their bird if they want, and for the first month I try to stay in touch and let them know how their bird is doing.

Raffie, my Blue & Gold was given to me when she was 3 months old. At 4 months of age she and I would go to nursing homes, schools, birthday parties, etc. She used to wear hats, coats, glasses, and sometimes shoes. She's not into dressing up anymore, but does swing from an 8' rope over my head, rides a remote control skateboard, and will let any age person hold her. After starting the rescue I have introduced some of the rescue birds to my programs. And most times, on an outing the once scared, aggressive birds change completely to a sweeter or not so shy being. It's incredible and so rewarding.