Bird clubs are wonderful places to meet other bird
lovers, hear great (and educational) speakers, and hang around with
folks who won't wonder why your shirts are full of little holes (and
poop stains). With that in mind we offer the following two
warnings:
Most bird clubs have "bring your birds" meetings.
Although this is seemingly a fun activity, please be aware that it is
also a quick and easy way to expose your flock to potentially sick
birds. We suggest you leave your birds home and just enjoy
everyone else's birds. Make sure you use bio-safety measures
(change your clothes, wash your hands with antibacterial/anti-viral)
BEFORE you handle your birds upon your arrival home.
Many bird clubs have an "adoption program". We at
Parrots First do not believe in bird club adoption programs for many
reasons, the biggest being the fact that adoptions are a sideline for
bird clubs. We also know that many birds are taken in and passed
around (adopted or fostered) without medical testing or even a basic
exam by a vet. When "adopting" a bird from a bird club always have
a "buyer beware" mentality. Make sure that any bird you take for
fostering or adoption has at LEAST been SEEN by an AVIAN veterinarian.
Ask to see the vet records and see what tests have been performed on the
birds. Do not take anyone's "word" that the bird has been tested.
If they don't have vet records for you to see the bird has most likely
NOT been to a vet. Ask to speak to the vet! QUARANTINE any
birds you may take BEFORE putting them into contact with your birds for
30-60 days (ask your avian vet his/her advice); even if the bird has a
"clean bill of health"
Here at Parrots First we give all adopters and foster
homes copies of all vet records and test results. Because we have
volunteer veterinarians and our own account at a laboratory (Avian
Biotech), our foster homes pay nothing for vet care in the event a bird
becomes ill; with a bird club, you will probably be asked to "foot the
bill". Medical expenses for a sick bird can easily run into
hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Parrot Society of Los
Angeles - Appears to be no longer in operation. They have had
no meetings since June of '04. The do not return calls from
prospective members or people wanting to adopt birds. If anyone
has other information, please let me know so we can correct this.
West LA Bird Club - after a
long decline, WLABC is now alive and well again. If you are
looking to try a bird club, this might be a great place to start.
