I interviewed Brianna Stoddard who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Papayago Rescue House for parrots (papayagorescuehouse.org).
Could you tell us a bit more about Papayago Rescue House (PRH)?
We support parrots for whatever is needed, for example, rescue, rehabbing, training and rehoming. A lot of people have birds and parrots are the 3rd most popular pet. We support parrots that can’t be cared for anymore. We understand that different life situations happen and we are here for the ones that need surrendering. We also offer short-term boarding as well as a safe environment for nail trimming.
How many parrots have you helped and is it only parrots or other birds too?
Primarily parrots. Over 500 have come through the rescue. In special cases we’ve taken in Finches. We have two Diamond Doves that are part of the rescue too.
When did you start wanting to get involved with helping parrots and other birds?
We started getting involved with birds because of a parakeet we bonded with. There was nowhere anyone could go to adopt a bird. Our interest attracted more birds and the rescue grew organically out of our love and the need in the community. We are the only parrot rescue in the area.
Is there a specific kind of food parrots like?
Vegetables and Avian pellets. We provide a vibrant diet through nuts and a wide assortment of vegetables. Interestingly parrots can also handle spicy foods like jalapenos.
What is something interesting about parrots that people usually don’t know?
Parakeets are the best talkers and hold two world records. They are better talkers than African Greys. Parrots have a human lifespan but for Parakeets over-population, over-breeding and poor diet has reduced it to 15 to 20 years.
What is a story you love to tell?
Coco came from a place of abuse and chews on her skin and pulls out her feathers as a result. We were contacted to come and get her or she was going to be left on the sidewalk. Her lungs are damaged due to second-hand smoke and it took months to get the smell of cigarettes out of her feathers. Coco is now the PRH ambassador. (pictured above)
Where do the parrots in your rescue come from?
Every day people, often elderly people, can no longer keep them and family members can’t take them in.
What do you want the community to know about PRH?
We are here. Parrots need rescue. We need volunteers to help clean, prepare food, and help with community events. We have in-person and online volunteer opportunities. We also need people to realize it is a process to adopt a parrot. These are wild creatures and we always try to fit bird personality to potential adopters. The birds will always have a home at PRH if it doesn’t work out.
How can the community help you?
We need help raising awareness that parrots need rescue. We need volunteers, funds and adopters. We are 100% donation driven and all donations go to the parrots in rescue.
What must people know if they want to adopt a parrot?
A parrot is a 30+ year commitment. They are messy and noisy. We take care to educate prospective adopters and match personalities. Some parrots need a lot of mental stimulation. But on the other hand, parrot ownership gives tremendous joy where there is a bond of trust on both sides.