A Helping Wing Parrot Rescue

06/19/2026

Training day with these two cuties! 🦜❤️

Today we spent some time working with Charlie the Hahn’s Macaw and Gobo the Senegal, and both birds did a fantastic job with targeting and stationing.

Charlie can be a little flighty, so we’re focusing on stationing on her door perch and helping her build confidence staying in one spot. Gobo has limited vision and can be a bit nippy at times, so we worked on approaching him from his good eye, making interactions more comfortable and predictable for him.

The entire training session lasted about 5 minutes. One of the biggest keys to successful training is ending on a positive note before the bird gets bored or loses interest. We always want them looking forward to the next session!

Eren picked up the second session this afternoon, and tomorrow we’ll be starting with a couple of other birds.

Slow and steady wins the race—every small success builds trust, confidence, and communication. 💚

Have you tried target training with your bird? We’d love to hear how it’s going!

06/19/2026

Small but mighty lol

06/18/2026

It’s that time of year again for our feathered friends… the regurgitating on toys, perches, cage bars, food bowls, and sometimes even their own feet. 😅
Yep… hormones.
One of the first things we do when a bird starts getting hormonal is take a good look at what’s going on in their environment. Is there a favorite toy they’re treating like a mate? A perch they’re nesting on? A dark corner they’ve claimed? Sometimes simply removing a toy, rearranging the cage, or changing the cage location can make a big difference.
We also make a few dietary adjustments. During hormone season, we cut back on nuts and avoid warm, mushy foods like rice, pasta, and similar comfort foods that can encourage breeding behaviors.
Other things we focus on:�🦜 Rearranging cages and perches�🦜 Encouraging more foraging and enrichment�🦜 Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule�🦜 Limiting access to dark, nest-like spaces�🦜 Redirecting unwanted behaviors with training and activities
Every bird is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
What are some of your favorite tricks for helping your hormonal birds through the season? Share your tips in the comments below!

06/18/2026

Medicating Your Bird! 💊🦜

One of the questions we get asked frequently is how we get so many birds to take their medications without turning it into a wrestling match.

The truth is, not every bird is comfortable with a syringe. In fact, some of our birds are absolutely terrified of them. Since stress can make an already sick bird feel worse, we try to think outside the box whenever possible.

Our little secret? Food!

Walnuts are usually our go-to choice. They tend to absorb liquid medications well, and most birds think they’re getting a special treat instead of medicine. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Now, I’ll admit that when it comes to Nystatin, I sometimes cheat a little and use gluten-free waffles. 😆 Somehow they soak it up perfectly, and the birds are more than happy to eat every last bite.

Of course, not every medication can be given this way, and it’s always important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions. But for many birds, hiding medication in a favorite treat can make the process much less stressful.

What are your favorite tricks for medicating your birds? Share them below! ⬇️🦜

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

☀️🥗 A Healthy Wednesday Morning Bowl! 🥗☀️

Breakfast is served at A Helping Wing! 🦜

Today’s bowl features a fresh seasonal chop packed with vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and greens, alongside Roudybush pellets, a few Cheerios, one walnut piece, and a whole pecan. We like to offer a variety of textures and flavors to keep mealtime interesting while providing balanced nutrition.

Every bird has their favorites. Some head straight for the nuts, others dig through for the sprouts, and a few seem determined to throw everything on the floor before deciding what they actually want to eat. 😂

What’s in your bird’s bowl this morning? We’d love to see photos or hear what your flock is enjoying today! 👇🦜

🦜💚🥕🥦🥜🍎

06/17/2026

Good morning from the flock!

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

Whoopie Bear soaking up the sun today! He's just so handsome 😍

06/16/2026

We had Melanie out today working with some of the birds, and as always, everyone had their own agenda! 😂

Jessie the Senegal spent much of her session carefully eyeing Melanie up, making sure she was fully aware that treats were expected and should be delivered promptly.

Echo the Hahn’s Macaw was busy hamming it up and showing off for anyone willing to pay attention.

Luca the Pineapple Green Cheek was, well… absolutely adorable. Some birds just make it look effortless.

And then there was Walker. 🤦‍♀️ Our handsome Blue & Gold Macaw apparently decided today was the day he wasn’t going to take things nicely. Whether it was treats, requests, or general life advice, Walker had opinions and wasn’t afraid to share them!

Every bird learns differently, and days like today are a great reminder of how important it is to work with each bird as an individual. Thank you, Melanie, for spending the day helping us better understand and work with our feathered flock.

Which bird do you think was the biggest character today? 😆