The approach that I have with my angels is unlike any other rescue I have come across so far. The babies I take in have often been through a lot or have been ‘born’ with disabilities. With these angels it is especially important to let them have autonomy, although I believe that autonomy is essential for any Bird. I take great care in daily life to make sure that my flock have opportunities to choose. My Birds are my equals, not my pets & I don’t force them to do anything they are not comfortable with. I let them choose toys, activities & offer them 2 treats so they can choose which treat they would like. None of my Birds are tamed either, if they want to sit on me, be held, kissed, tickled or cuddled they can, but if not then they can be themselves. Before I attempt to tickle the head of one of my Birds, I will always ask first. If the answer is yes, they will lower their head, so if they don’t want a tickle, it is obvious to us & we can ensure that we don’t push them.
This may sound to a lot of people like they can do whatever they want, but that is not how my flock see it. It is incredible to see a Bird who has just arrived realize that they have a say in whether or not they will be touched for the first time in their lives. A Bird who alarm calls & gets distressed whenever a human is near suddenly calm & relax as they realize that, at last, their body is their own & they have the right to say no. I have seen Parrots plucked bald freeze in shock when I recognize what their body language is trying to say for the first time. It is my goal to tune in to every one of my angel’s individual needs, wants & likes & try my best to make them feel whole & seen. I do perch training & flight training, but only with Birds who want to take part & only when they are in the most happy mood to take part.
When people hear that I don’t tame my Birds, they can sometimes mistake this for them being ignored, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When I spend time with my angels (every moment is spent with them) I want it to be a meaningful connection where they feel completely free, relaxed & connected. I set them up enrichment activities, have long chats with them all & give them anything they need from me. I don’t have Birds in my life because I want something to perform & tweet on my finger, I have them in my life because everyone is an unspeakable blessing who I want to give the best life I can. I treat every Bird as an individual & let them choose where they want to live & whether they want to live in with other Birds or in their own space beside them.
Tuning in to what each Bird is communicating by their body language & attempts to connect with people is so important. Not only do they feel connected & secure, but I can notice any illness very early in them because of micro changes in posture or the way they move. I have spotted what I thought was a very advanced respiratory infection in my Meyers & when taken to the vet, before examination the vet said that there is no sign by just looking, but agreed to have a listen. The vet detected a very slight crackle & was shocked that I had noticed as it was in such early stages. Because of this he could have treatment early & avoided so much pain & suffering as a result.
In this flock like no other, Birds sing, play, love, chat, listen, trust & learn the power of being who they truly are. Who could have imagined that 2 letters could be so powerful?