b eak to tail - the soaring predictor

BEAK TAIL TO

Parrot Education & Adoption Center ®

Issue 54 publIshed quarterly 4 q 2009

FRIEDMANIA HITS SAN DIEGO!

What’s Wrong with this Picture? Effectiveness Is Not Enough by Susan G. Friedman, PhD

As to diseases, make a habit of two things – to help, or at least to do no harm. - Hippocrates

Of the many important facets expressed in Hippocrates’ simple ideal, surely one of the most important is its universality. Indeed, this ethical principle is as applicable to caregivers as it is to physicians; to behavior problems as to diseases; and to parrots as to people. However, as straightforward as the dichotomy between helping and harming may first appear, it can be a complicated subject regarding the procedures used to change an animal’s behavior.

What’s Wrong with this Picture?Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for birds to be pinned to the ground with a stick for biting, deprived of food and social interaction for resisting stepping onto hands, and left in cold showers for long bouts of screaming. Thankfully, most people have no problem judging these strategies as inappropriate to the point of being physically abusive. However, consider the following suggestions for solving common behavior problems with parrots:• When a bird bites, drop it on the floor.• When a bird refuses to come out of its cage, grab it with a towel or

glove.• When a bird is noisy, cover its cage or swing it on your hand until it’s winded from flapping.• When a bird chews a cupboard, spray it with water or bang a spoon on a pan.• When a bird resists stepping up, make it go from hand to hand repeatedly like climbing a ladder until exhausted.It may be harder to judge the inappropriateness of these strategies because they have been suggested to caregivers so often for so long. The people who continue to advocate them do so on the grounds that these strategies can be effective for reducing problem behaviors. They say with a shrug, “As long as it works!” Inarguably, these approaches do work some of the time. continued on page 9

The ABCs of Applied Behavior Analysisby DJ Sommers and Melanie Ariessohn

ABC - the most important concept to use when interacting with your parrot. Always Be Calm? Amazons Behave Crazily? Avoid Bewinged Creatures? At Dr. Susan Friedman’s eight-hour workshop in San Diego on September 12, an enthusiastic roomful of PEAC members and others from the parrot community learned the essentials of Applied Behavior Analysis and how to identify and effectively manipulate the ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) of any learned behavior to turn your “bad boy” parrot (or dog, child, supervisor...) into someone you’re happy to spend time with!

Dr. Susan Friedman

continued on page 9

Beak Tail issue 54 4 Q 2009TO2

Letter from the Executive Director

What makes PEAC a very special organization? It’s our volunteers! If you attended Living & Learning with Parrots on September 12, 2009 in San Diego, you not only enjoyed a fabulous day of learning, but also reaped the benefits of innumerable hours of detailed and dedicated preparation for this event. Dr. Susan Friedman’s engaging and clear delivery, passion for teaching, and timely use of video examples helped us all more clearly understand how to become better teachers for our feathered companions. Like many worthwhile endeavors, LLP left us all yearning to learn even more, so we’re including another of her excellent articles in this issue. For further information please go to www.behaviorworks.org. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the following members of the PEAC San Diego Leadership Team who made this event tremendously successful:DJ Sommers – for her tireless effort and countless miles driven in spreading the word of the event, setting up the night before, arranging hotel and dinner accommodations and giving Dr. Friedman a behind-the-scenes tour of the Catamaran Hotel’s exotic bird areas, and working the raffle table. Her eye for detail made a huge difference.Melanie Ariessohn – for the use of her event planning skills, organizing the delicious breakfast, many hours of advertising effort, setting up the night before, running the raffle table, and keeping a keen eye for participants’ needs throughout the day.Teri Irvin – for spreading the word in Orange County and beyond, assisting with our vendor area, and helping with the sign-in, information and raffle tables.Tammy Oliver – for signing in participants and staffing our information and raffle tables in spite of a recent surgery; what a trooper!

And finally, to Rene Pina, another of our key volunteers, who organized and staffed our vendor area, making it enormously successful, in addition to documenting the event in photographs for us.

Thank you to each of our volunteers – YOU are what makes PEAC special and successful, and I value and appreciate everything you do at events like this and every day to further our mission of education to better the lives of companion parrots everywhere.

- Barbara Crouse

PEAC BoardTodd Cecil, DVM, DAVBP -

AvianDawn Danielson

Jeff Greer

Executive DirectorBarbara Crouse

Operations ManagersMelanie Ariessohn

Tammy Oliver

Admin AssistantJeff Greer

Membership/SponsorshipBarbara Crouse

Bird Intake CoordinatorTeri Irvin

Volunteer CoordinatorTBA

Adoption CoordinatorTBA

Adoption CommitteeMelanie Ariessohn

Gary BaerSue BaerTeri Irvin

Bobbie SevierLiz Wilson

WHAT WE ARE

Parrot Education & Adoption Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer

organization dedicated to educating its members and current and potential

bird owners about the proper care of pet birds. Unwanted or found parrots are accepted at PEAC and in turn are

adopted to qualified applicants.

Sharing current information and correcting misconceptions about parrots are the major aims of PEAC. Our goal is to keep abreast of the

latest developments in the world of aviculture and share them with you,

our members.

PEAC was founded in 1996 by Bonnie Kenk, who served as the Executive

Director for its first 12 years.

CONTACT US

Parrot Education & Adoption Center

P.O. Box 600423San Diego, CA 92160-0423

Beak to Tailpublished quarterly

Issue No. 54

Phone: 619 287-8200Fax: 909 563-8418

e-mail: [email protected] site: www.peac.org

4 Q 2009 issue 54 Beak Tail TO 3

PEAC Volunteersin San Diego /

Southern California

April Adcock

Kathy and Richard Anderson

Melanie & Shannon Ariessohn

Gary & Sue Baer

Gale Chan

Barbara Crouse

Jeff Greer

Teri Irvin

Tammy Oliver

Rene Pina

Steve Scott

Bobbie Sevier

Ken and Diane

Shedarowich

DJ Sommers

Mary Taylor

PEAC ArtistLinda Ruschat

WebMasterGarry Wallan

Newsletter EditorMelanie Ariessohn

PEACPolicies and Procedures

1. PEAC does not purchase birds, even to remove them from bad situations.

2. PEAC will accept birds donated to our organization.

3. PEAC does not breed birds or place any birds into breeding situations.

4. PEAC does not adopt birds to children.

5. Potential adopters of small birds are required to attend our “Avian Basic Care” seminar.

6. Potential adopters of medium to large birds are required to attend at least the following three seminars: “Avian Basic Care,” “Parrot Personalities,” and “Behavioral Problems.”

7. Potential adopters will receive a copy of our adoption application after attending the required seminars.

8. All potential adopters will receive a home visit performed by one of our volunteers before being approved for adoption.

9. Approved adoption applications will be placed on a waiting list if a bird is not currently in our system that would be a good match for the approved adopter.

10. Only one parrot acquisition/adoption per home or PEAC membership is allowed in an 18-month time period.

11. Adopters are required to pay an adoption fee and reimburse PEAC for veterinary fees the bird may have incurred.

12. Adopted birds are to remain in the home and be treated as a member of the family.

13. Adopted birds may not be sold, given away, bred, or used for any type of monetary purposes.

14. After attending the mandatory seminars, those wishing to adopt a first-time large bird, such as an Amazon, African Grey, Cockatoo, or Macaw will be required to spend hands- on time with the species of their choice under supervision of one of our volunteers before being approved.

15. As a general rule, we will not place a Cockatoo, Macaw or other noisy bird in an apartment or condominium.

16. PEAC will not adopt birds as companions to other birds.

17. PEAC does not place birds into aviary situations.

18. Birds must remain in a 100% smoke-free environment.

Beak Tail issue 54 4 Q 2009TO

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• White-fronted: “Sweet Pea” was recently found; we think she’s a young female. She is somewhat fearful of hands, unless they are holding a food tidbit! She eats pellets readily, loves her veggies, and will make someone a very nice companion.

Macaws • Hybrid: 13-year-old “Kiki” is a beautiful bird who loves to take daily walks. She is very talkative & speaks appropriately.

If you’re interested in adopting any of the birds listed above, you must attend all the seminars required for adoption and complete an application before being approved for adoption. You must also show proof that you have an adequate cage and are acquainted with an avian veterinarian before taking your bird home. Adopted birds may not be bred, sold, given away or used for any type of monetary purposes! A minimal adoption fee is required as well as reimbursement for any vet fees the bird you are adopting has incurred.

Roz looking “punk” after her shower.

available for adoPtion in san diego/southern ca

contact barbara at 619-287-8200

african greys• Congo: 14-year-old “Murphy” is one cute, talkative bird. She loves to tell people “You’re good.”

• Congo: 14-year-old “Casey” is a very cute, small grey. She talks in a variety of voices, and has a lovely repertoire of wild bird calls, as well.

cockatoos• Sulfur-crested: “Milo” aka “Cup-cake” is of unknown age, but lives up to his second name, as he is a sweetie. • Umbrella: 14-year-old “Honey” is a real sweet girl, as her name implies.

aMazons• 27-year-old “Roz” is quiet, tiny for a blue-front, and very sweet natured. She eats her veggies and pellets with gusto. She enjoys flapping wildly and is learning to play with foot toys. She gets along well with other birds, and is an all-around cutie who’s looking for a new nest.

• Double-yellow head “Pickle” is 37 years old. She is very sweet and quiet. In her youth she learned tricks like roller-skating. She loves to perch on your hand and have her head scratched. She is a little afraid of some men and doesn’t like cats, but says she may be willing to compromise if she feels you are a good match.


Volunteers Needed for Parrot Education & Adoption Center, San Diego!

PEAC is always in need of qualified volunteers, and the need today is greater than ever. Recently, we’ve experienced a huge increase in the number of calls to relin-quish parrots to our adoption program.

We are currently seeking help with the following positions and would love to hear from you regarding any of these opportunities:

Foster Volunteers: We cannot bring new birds into our program without trained and qualified foster help. Please consider helping us provide a safe, loving, tempo-rary home for a bird in need. PEAC provides caging, toys, and pellets for our foster birds, and foster volunteers join our loyal and supportive volunteer team. Perhaps you cannot accommodate a large cage and play gym, but could help with a smaller bird, such as a Conure. Of course, our birds will come to you well vetted to ensure the safety of those living in your home. Please let us know if you can help.

Adoption Coordinator: This individual will work closely with our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Foster Volunteers, and Adoption Committee members to identify poten-tial permanent homes for our foster birds.

Please contact the PEAC San Diego office for further information.Email: [email protected]

Phone: 619 287-8200

Come join our team!


Dr. Todd Cecil, La MesaDr. Jeffrey Jenkins, San Diego (Hotel Circle)

Dr. Brian Loudis, Encinitas

PEAC San Diego would like to extend a huge thank you to the following Avian Board-cer-tified veterinarians, who have generously agreed to provide discounts on veterinary care for our program birds:

An African Grey calling to make a vet appointment

Dr. Loudis will give a certificate good for his exam fee (to be used within 10 days of adoption) to adopters of our PEA C San Diego foster birds.


Parrot education & adoPtion center - San diego 2009 Seminar ScheduleWhile many of our seminars are required for adoption, others are also encouraged to attend, to expand their knowledge in order to provide the best home possible for their own companion birds.

“People protect what they love. We need to provide the information so that they can love.”

- Jean-Michel Cousteau

October 18: Parrot Personalities (required for adoption) Understanding, Preventing & Resolving Behavior Problems (required for adoption)

November 15: Toy Making Workshop - REGISTRATION FORM ON PAGE 13

Seminars are held at Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way, Room D-6, San Diego. Seminars begin at 1:00 pm; second seminar in October begins at 2:15 pm. Seminar check-in begins at 12:30 pm.

Seminar fees (per person/day): ADVANCE REGISTERED AT THE DOORPEAC Members: FREE! $5.00Non-members: $10.00 $15.00

Advance registration is due on or before the Wednesday prior to the seminar date. NO EXCEPTIONS.Credit card payments ($20.00 minimum) can be faxed to 909 563-8418.

PayPal is available through [email protected]

Though we love your birds, PLEASE leave them at home while you attend these seminars.

Happy Holidays from pEaC!


register Me:

Sign Me Up in Sunny San Diego for these 2009 Seminars

DATE TITLE #ATTENDING AMOUNT DUE

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE

Name: __________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________

Address: ______________________________ City: ___________________ State: ______ Zip: _______

Email: _____________________________________ Credit Card: ________________________________ (VISA MC AMEX) Exp. ____/______

Make checks payable to PEAC and mail with the registration form to PEAC, PO Box 600423, San Diego, CA 92160

thank you for your generous donationsto the birds of PeaC in southern California

April Adcock

Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa

Gale Chan

Dr. Cheryl Clark

Barbara Crouse

Susan Friedman, PhD

Susie Kidder

Totally Organics

Rene Pina

Wesco Pet Products

West Valley Bird Club

West Valley Bird Society


ABCsWe have all come a long way since the days when squirting a bird with a spray bottle or running to cover its cage were acceptable ways to stop it from screaming. Many of the old methods used to change or redirect the behaviors that we find unacceptable have proven to be more damaging than trust building. This is why it is so important to stay educated and up to date in the world of animal behavior, and especially where parrots are concerned, as they are probably the least domesticated of the animals we commonly keep in our homes.

The Parrot Education and Adoption Center’s primary focus is on educating bird owners and the general public on parrot care and training by constantly keeping abreast of the latest information and offering it in our monthly seminars and special conferences. We were proud to have presented Dr. Susan G. Friedman and her Living and Learning with Parrots workshop in September. Dr. Friedman provided us with a wealth of information on positive ways to interact with your parrot by assessing its behavior to find out what’s causing it (“what it really wants”), and then by giving the bird choices, to help build a trusting and rewarding relationship. Who would have known that empowering your bird could work to benefit both of you?

Here’s another ABC for our members and friends: ABC – Always Be Connected, not only with your parrot and its needs, but with PEAC, through our newsletter, website, and email blasts, as we keep you abreast of coming events. So keep

continued from page 1

a birdie eye peeled for information on Barbara Heidenreich’s PEAC San Diego workshop on 7/31/2010! ~+~

continued from page 1

What’s Wrong with this Picture(Indeed, the fact that these strategies are only effective some of the time explains the persistent use of them, in the same way intermittent jackpots account for persistent gambling.) However, underlying the issue of effectiveness is a much larger problem: The lack of appropriate criteria on which to judge, and select, the procedures we use to reduce problem behaviors. Effectiveness is one criterion, but effectiveness alone is not enough.

Intrusiveness & Social AcceptabilityThe lack of a standard to help us select behavior reduction procedures is a crucial matter. Without such a standard, we are likely to intervene on the basis of effectiveness alone, without due consideration of humaneness. To be maximally humane, our interventions should be as unintrusive for the learner as possible and still be effective. Carter and Wheeler1 define intrusiveness according to two important criteria: 1) the level of social acceptability of an intervention, and 2) the degree to which the learner maintains control while the intervention is in effect.

The social acceptability of a behavior-change procedure is a personal judgment about what is appropriate and reasonable for a specific problem and animal. Research on the acceptability of behavioral interventions has

consistently shown that teachers, psychologists, parents and children rate positive reinforcement-based procedures as more acceptable than punishment-based procedures. 2,3 The known side effects of punishment based procedures further support this judgment. These side effects include increased aggression, generalized fear, apathy, and escape/avoidance behaviors, all of which are frequently observed in captive parrots. When we see these behaviors displayed by animals in our care, it may be an indication that they experience life among humans as punishing, in spite of our best intentions.

There are additional problems with punishment-based procedures to consider carefully, as well:• Punishment doesn’t teach learners what to do instead of the problem behavior.• Punishment doesn’t teach care-givers how to teach alternate behaviors.• Punishment is really two aversive events – the onset of a punishing stimulus and the forfeiture of the reinforcer that has maintained the problem behavior in the past.• Punishment requires an increase in aversive stimulation to maintain initial levels of behavior reduction.• Effective punishment reinforces the punisher, who is therefore more likely to punish again in the future, even when antecedent arrangements and positive reinforcement would be equally, or more, effective.

Intrusiveness and Learner ControlThe second of Carter and Wheeler’s criteria, the degree to which a behavior reduction procedure


preserves learner control, is essential to developing a standard of humane, effective practice.Research demonstrates that to the greatest extent possible all animals should be empowered to use their behavior to control significant events in their lives, i.e., to use their behavior effectively to accomplish a desired outcome. Indeed, that is what behavior has evolved to do. When an animal’s attempts to escape aversive events are blocked they tend to give up trying even when their power to escape is restored. This phenomenon, called learned helplessness, has been replicated with a wide variety of animal species (e.g., dogs, cats, monkeys, cockroaches, children, adult humans4).

Response blocking is associated with additional pathological effects such as depression, learning deficits, emotional problems4 and suppressed immune system activity.5

Parrots’ functional behavior is made ineffective whenever we ignore their bites, force them to go in and out of cages, and coerce them to step on and off our hands. Even locking a parrot in its cage with a fear-eliciting toy, based on the rationale that “he’ll get used to it,” renders parrots unnecessarily powerless to escape. When a lack of control becomes a life-style, it may result in the aberrant behaviors captive parrots do such as excessive screaming, feather picking, self-mutilation, mate killing, and phobias.

A Hierarchy of IntrusionsWithin the field of applied behavior analysis, there is a 40-year-old standard that promotes the most

positive, least intrusive behavior reduction procedures (also known as the least restrictive behavior intervention, LRBI). This standard is upheld in public federal law protecting children (IDEA, 1997), and the Guidelines for Responsible Conduct for Behavior Analysts (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2004). According to this federal and professional standard, procedures with aversive stimuli are more intrusive and would be recommended only after less intrusive procedures have been tried.

To assist in making these judgments, Alberto and Troutman6 described a hierarchy of procedural alternatives for behavior reduction. At the top of the hierarchy are Level 1 procedures (variations of differen-tial reinforcement of alternate behaviors) that are considered most socially acceptable and maintain the highest amount of control for the learner. At the bottom of the hierarchy are Level IV procedures that are considered least socially acceptable and maintain the least amount of control for the learner (positive punishment procedures).

As to the question, “Is effectiveness enough?” the answer is a resounding “NO!” when it comes to selecting behavior interventions for children. Surely a similar intervention hierarchy, both ethical and feasible to implement, would be in the best interest of captive animals, their caregivers and the professionals working with them to solve behavior problems. By selecting the least intrusive, effective procedures (i.e., positive reinforcement-based and empowering) we increase the humaneness of our interventions without compromising our learning

objectives.

A Proposed Hierarchy of Inter-vention StrategiesExpanding on Alberto and Troutman’s hierarchy for teachers, Figure 1 shows a proposed hierarchy of intervention strategies that takes into account distant and immediate antecedent arrangements. The overwhelming majority of behavior problems can be prevented or resolved with one or more strategies represented in Levels 1 - 4 (i.e., arranging distant and immediate antecedents, positive reinforcement and differential reinforcement of alternate behaviors). Level 5 (i.e., negative punishment, negative reinforcement, and extinction) may occasionally be the ethical, effective choice under certain circumstances. Level 6, positive punishment (i.e., the application of aversive stimuli that reduces the probability of the behavior occurring again), is rarely necessary (or suggested by standards of best practice) when one has the requisite behavior knowledge and teaching skills.

PEAC San Diego would like to thank Barbara Crouse

for the delicions homemade jams, preserves, and other

apricot goodies that she donated for sale during Dr.

Friedman’s workshop on September 12. We hope to

see these extremely yummy and very hot selling items at future PEAC events. Thanks again, Barbara, for your hard work in the

apricot mines and your very generous donation!


Level 1:Distant Antecedents - address medical, nutritional, and physical environment variables.

Example: Resolve feather picking by surgically removing ingested metal, improving diet, adding natural branches and paper items to cage, and increasing opportunities for stimulating activities and exercise.

Level 2:Immediate Antecedents - redesign setting events, change motivations, and add or remove discriminative stimuli (cues) for the problem behavior.

Example: Move play gym away from window frame to prevent chewing; provide focused 1:1 time before leaving parrot on play gym to reduce wandering; remove earrings before holding bird to reduce snatching.

Level 3:Positive Reinforcement - contingently deliver a consequence to increase the probability that the right behav-ior will occur, which is more reinforcing than the problem behavior.

Example: When caregiver says “Crate!”(A), if the parrot walks into the crate (B), then the caregiver praises and gives a treat (C). Going into crate will likely increase.

Level 4:Differential Reinforcement of Alternate Behavior - reinforce an acceptable replacement behavior and re-move the maintaining reinforcer for the problem behavior.

Example: When caregiver walks in the room (A) if the bird keeps two feet on perch (B) then the caregiver praises and offers a head rub. When the caregiver walks in the room (A), if the bird frantically rocks back and forth (B), then the caregiver ignores the bird. Keeping both feet on the perch will likely increase and rocking will likely decrease.

Level 5 (no sequential order of intrusiveness intended):a. Negative Punishment - contingently withdraw a positive reinforcer to reduce the probability that the problem behavior will occur.

Example: As caregiver installs seed cup (A), if parrot bites cage bars (B), then the caregiver removes seed cup for 5 seconds (C). Biting cage bars will likely decrease.

b. Negative Reinforcement - contingently withdraw an aversive antecedent stimulus to increase the prob-ability that the right behavior will occur.

Example: When caregiver offers hand, holding a towel with other hand (A), if the parrot steps up (B), then the towel is removed (C). Stepping up will likely increase.

c. Extinction - permanently remove the maintaining reinforcer to suppress the behavior or reduce it to base-line levels.

Example: Enlist children’s help to ignore the parrot’s attention-maintained swear words. Swear words will likely decrease.


Level 6:Positive Punishment - contingently deliver an aversive consequence to reduce the probability that the prob-lem behavior will occur.

Example: As caregiver passes through doorway with bird on hand (A), if the parrot bites (B), then the care-giver shakes hand sharply dropping the bird on the floor (C). Biting will likely decrease.Figure 1. A proposed hierarchy of behavior change procedures using the most positive, least intrusive, effec-tive criteria (Level 1 most recommended - Level 6 least recommended).

A Note for Professionals Consulting on BehaviorWhat makes behavior analysis unique according to Bailey and Burch7, is also relevant to professionals work-ing with animal behavior: Both behavior analysts and animal behavior consultants supervise others who carry out the behavior intervention plans, such as paraprofessionals and caregivers. The interventions are usually implemented where the behavior problem actually occurs, rather than an office. The participants are often very vulnerable and unable to protect themselves from harm. These similarities, and others listed be-low, suggest that the ethical standards established for behavior analysts may also have widespread relevance to behavior consultants working with any species of animal. For example, the following behavior analysts’ standards appear desirable for all behavior-related professions:• Protecttheparticipants’welfareatalltimes.• Useinterventionsthatarecustom-tailoredforeachindividual.• Designinterventionsonthebasisofafunctionalassessmentoftheproblembehavior.• Useonlyproceduresforwhichthereisascientificbasis(evidence-basedtreatment).• Usescientificmethodstoimplementandevaluateinterventions(e.g.,collectpre-interventionbase line data and ongoing treatment data until the intervention is terminated).

ConclusionEffectiveness is not enough when it comes to choosing and applying behavior-change interventions with animals. Borrowing from the field of applied behavior analysis with human learners, an expanded hierar-chy of procedures is proposed that adds a second criterion to effectiveness – relative intrusiveness. Without this ethical standard, interventions are likely to be selected on the basis of convenience, familiarity, speed, or blind authority, and may inadvertently produce the detrimental side effects of punishment and learned helplessness in our parrots. The commitment to using the most positive, least intrusive, effective interventions slows us down so that we think before we act, and make choices about the means by which we accomplish our behavior goals. In this way, we can be both effective and humane, a minimum standard of care we should rise to meet on behalf of the welfare of captive animals and caregivers alike.

Author’s Note: Gratitude is sincerely extended to the extraordinary volunteers on the Parrot Behavior Analysis Solutions (PBAS) Administration and Threadleader’s email lists for their contributions to this article; and to the North American Veteri-nary Conference for the opportunity to present an earlier version of this paper, January 2009.

References1. Carter, SL, Wheeler, JJ. Considering the intrusiveness of interventions. The International Journal of Special Education; 2005, 20, 132-142. 2. Elliot, SN. Acceptability of behavioral treatments: review of variables that influence treatment selection. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice; 1988. 19, 68-80.3. Miltenberger, R. Assessment of treatment acceptability: A review of the literature. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education; 1990. 10, 24-38.4. Maier, SF, Seligman, MEP. Learned Helplessness: Theory and evidence. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General; 1976 105, 3-46.5. Laudenslager,ML,Ryan,SM,Drugan,RC,Hyson,RL.Copingandimmunosupression:Inescapablebutnotescapableshocksuppresseslymphocyte proliferation. Science; 1983. 221, 568-570.

6. Alberto,PA,Troutman,AC.AppliedBehaviorAnalysisforTeachers(6thed.).UpperSaddleRiver,NJ:MerrillPrenticeHall;1999.7. Bailey JS, Burch MR. Ethics for Behavior Analysts. Mahwah, NJ: LEA; 2005.

Reprinted by Permission of Good Bird ™ Magazine, Vol 4-1; Winter 2009 www.goodbirdinc.com


PEAC San Diego Presents Our Holiday Season Toy-Making Workshop

Sunday, 11/15/09; 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Check-in: 12:30 pm

Marina Village Conference Center, Room D-6

1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109

Cost: PEAC Members: $20.00/person with registration by 11/11/09; $30.00 at the door Non-members: $30.00/person with registration by 11/11/09; $35.00 at the door

This hands-on workshop includes instruction on identifying various parrot play styles, instructions to make a variety of bird toys, ideas for toy-making materials, and much more. Each participant can expect to complete at least two parrot toys for their own bird(s) or for holiday gift giving. Cost of workshop includes all needed materials. Light refreshments will be served.

Yes, I want to register for the Toy-Making Workshop!

Name: __________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Check all that apply: Type of Bird I’m Making Toys for:

___________________________

__ Workshop (PEAC members): [ ] $20.00/person

__Workshop (non-members): [ ] $30.00/person

__ Late registration (after 11/11/09) [ ] $30.00/person (PEAC members)

__ Late registration (after 11/11/09) [ ] $35.00/person (non-members)

I’d like to donate an additional $________ and be recognized as a sponsor of this event.

Total Amount: $________

Payment method: (check one)

__ Check enclosed for $__________ Mail to: PEAC, P.O. Box 600423, San Diego, CA 92160

__ Credit Card: Visa MasterCard AmEx Card #: _____________________________________

Exp. Date: ____/____ Signature: ____________________________________________

__ PayPal at [email protected] Fax Credit Card payment to (909) 563-8418

Get Into the Holiday Spirit!

Proceeds Support Parrot Education & Adoption Center, San Diego www.peac.org

Special thanks to Rose’s Pet Emporium for their sponsorship of this workshop


Sunday, 11/15/09; 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Check-in: 12:30 pm






Name: __________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________


___________________________
















Sunday, 11/15/09; 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Check-in: 12:30 pm






Name: __________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________


___________________________
















Sunday, 11/15/09; 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Check-in: 12:30 pm






Name: __________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________


___________________________














Special thanks to Rose’s Pet Emporium for their sponsorship of this workshop Special thanks to the following for their generous sponsorship of this workshop:

Rose’s Pet EmporiumDiane O’Neill


ANCHORAGEPEAC

Board and VolunteersAnchorage, AK Chapter

Karen WebsterManaging Director

BOARD

Debbie Cather

Kathy Doty, DVM

Jackie Frederickson, DVM

Garry Wallan

Karen Webster

VOLUNTEERS

Debbie & Jeff Cather

Sydney & Tim Kaderman

Sarah Hill & Jim Power

Eric Kennard

Becky & Dusty Menefee

Karen Ottenbreit

Elise Patkotak

Debbie & Steve Ross

Garry Wallan

Adoption Committee

Jackie Frederickson

Karen Ottenbreit

Garry Wallan

Karen Webster

Liz Wilson

anchorage

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE:

I want to thank Karen Ottenbreit for presenting our “Introduction to Training Your Parrot” seminar, and thank you to Garry Wallan for bringing in his macaw “Rain” as a demo bird. The presentation was very informative, and funny too! The demonstrations of the benefits of training with positive reinforcement were highly enlightening, and I think everyone came away with a deeper understanding of how to communicate better with our parrots. I do hope, though, that we did not damage a certain mother/daughter relationship with the demonstration of training using only negative reinforcers!!

The holidays are fast approaching, and I want to remind everyone to calendar the date for our PEAC Holiday Open House. It will be on Sunday, December 6 from 11-3. There will be tons of goodies to buy (lots of toys!!), and numerous silentauction items – including a Cages by Design bird cage!!!! You won’t want to miss this opportunity! See flyer on page 16 for more details.

My thoughts go out to all those who have been hit by the economy – it’s not pleasant for many right now. We have seen a slight increase for assistance in Alaska, but I don’t think we’ve seen the degree of economic devastation which has struck many parts of America. My thoughts also go out to those in the California area affected by the wildfires.

Winter is approaching. Stay safe, stay warm, and remember to put new bulbs in your full-spectrum lights for your avian friends. Winter’s hard on them, too.

Karen WebsterManaging Director, Anchorage


Available for Adoption in Anchorage

Parrot Education & Adoption CenterP.O. Box 91707

Anchorage, AK 99509-1707907.929.2473

[email protected]

Amazons

Name: SamanthaSpecies: Double Yellow HeadAge: 14 yearsSex: FemaleNotes: Friendly in that she wants to be around people, but reserved in that she would prefer not to be touched. A true Amazon, she does love her showers! Definitely not a cud-dler, but she does have a very sweet voice and personality.

Conures

Name: WilsonSpecies: Blue-crowned Conure Age: unknownSex: unknownNotes: Wilson was a found bird, rescued after spending a day hanging out in several very tall trees close to an Italian

restaurant. Care to guess what his favorite food is? He talks quite a bit, and while there’s only interest in getting scritches from favored people, he’s VERY interested in getting attention from that favored person, playing with toys, etc..

Name: SunshineSpecies: Sun ConureAge: 2 yearsSex: MaleNotes: Sunshine came to PEAC because his owner felt that she wasn’t able to continue to provide the home he deserved to have. Sunshine is a very charming bird, and

loves attention, though his preference is women (what a flirt).

Poicephalus - Senegal

Name: SassyAge: unknownSex: unknownNotes: This bird was found and turned over to us. She can be social and outgoing when she wants to, yet like several Senegals she can be somewhat territorial of her space. She has a healthy appetite and loves to play with her toys or get cuddles and scratches from her favorite people.

WAYS YOUCAN HELP!!

Have you ever wondered how you could help PEAC, but thought “I just don’t have the ability to foster”? That’s okay, there’s lots of ways people can

help PEAC...

The Program Birds always appreciate donations of:

New toysHarrison’s Bird Food

(including Bird Bread Mix)Nutriberries

Nuts in the shell (almond, walnut, etc.)

Seasonal fruitTravel carriers Large cages

Perches

The administrative office of PEAC always appreciates

donations of the following:

StampsPhotocopier paper

Photo paper for color printersInk for color printers

If it were not for our volunteers, memberships, and public

donations, we would not be able to do what we do. A large part of our funding comes from special events and fund raisers.

We are always looking for donations for the events we put on throughout the year. If you have an item you would like to donate, please call or email us!

907-929-BIRD (2473)[email protected]


Birds of All Feathers: No Vacancyby Faye Miller

Anchorage Chapter

Poncho, a cranky middle-aged Senegal, “owns” the southeast quadrant of our home. The door to his birdhouse (CAGE is a 4-let-ter word, thus banned from our vocabulary) is open most of the time, so Poncho is free to come out and run up and down the kitchen counter that he shares with Jack and Jill, the parakeets who, unlike Poncho, are confined to their large house and not per-mitted to roam or fly around.

A small section of the south wall is occupied by Henri-the-Finch, an elderly widower (Maud passed away several years ago). Henri seems quite content watching the world go by and observing all the activity: Poncho making coo-ing noises while crunching on a slice of apple or an almond in the shell, and twittering, squawking and exchanging a wide variety of bird talk with the parakeets. Henri participates in the chatter with his distinctive, rubber-ducky-like “squeak squeak!”

Last, but not least, is M’Bolo-the-African-King. M’Bolo sleeps in his own bedroom, on top of the dresser in our bedroom. Dur-ing the day, M’Bolo presides over the entire house from the high-est perch on top of his daytime play area in the southwest corner, across the room from Poncho. M’Bolo, once he’s done with breakfast, dominates, harangues,

admonishes, and comments on everything and everyone. Even Albert-the-Cat gets it. (Hey! You! Stooopid Caaaat!)

From his vantage point and prime location, M’Bolo can see out of both the south and west win-dows. This means he gets to talk with wild birds too, and chickens, and dogs, and the occasional bi-ped (Cm’ on iiiiin!) When he’s tired of talking, M’Bolo likes to make figure 8’s flying around the house; he then settles down to play with his toys, which include a cheesy Sci-Fi novel I gave him to tear up to his heart’s content, thus preserving our own library from the ravages of his very sharp beak. This explains why M’Bolo is so articulate, you see, he’s very well read and educated, more so than a number of six year olds that I’ve met.

A delightful cacophony of bird sounds fills our house at breakfast and bedtime every day. Poncho leads the chorus every morning with his “twok twok birrrrrrrdie!” wake up scream, followed by Henri-and-the-parakeets and, yes - - Maggie the one-legged Mag-pie (that’s another story). In the evening, M’Bolo sings the famous tune from the 60’s: “Good night sweetheart it’s time to roo-oo-st”, a signal for me to get his bedroom ready and transport him there.

One evening, after everyone was tucked in for the night, my hus-band pointed out that we do have a little bit of space (right there on top of the piano!) for

a pair of lovebirds. My answer? “No vacancy…!”

Note from the author: Our birds are free to roam and fly around, but only under close supervision. Lucky for them, I spend a great deal of time indoors (I’m a small farmer and housewife).

Have a safeholiday season.

Please don’tdrink and drive!


Parrot education & adoPtion center - anchorage 2009 Seminar Schedule

Tel: 907-929-BIRD E-mail: [email protected]

While many of our seminars are required for adoption, others are encouraged to attend to expand their knowledge in order to provide the best home possible for their own companion birds.

October 15: The Birds and the Bees - Understanding Sexual Behaviors

November 19: Basic Bird Care/Strategies for Living with Parrots Successfully (required for adoption)

December 6: Toy Sale & Holiday Open House

Seminar fees (per person/day): ADVANCE REGISTERED AT THE DOORPEAC Members: FREE! $5.00Non-members: $10.00 $15.00

Unless stated otherwise, our seminars are held on the 3rd THURSDAY evening of the month at the BP Energy Center (900 E. Benson Blvd) in Anchorage from 7:00-9:00 pm. Advance registration must be received no later than three days prior to the date of the seminar. To register, please email or mail the seminar date you want to attend, and the number attending. If you are a member and registering in advance, registration over the phone or via email is acceptable. For fax or USPS mail registrations, a registration form can be found on Page 19.

Seminars are subject to change or cancellation. Registration fees for non-members will be refunded only if a seminar is cancelled.

Though we love your birds, PLEASE leave them at home while you attend these seminars.


register Me:I Want to be Inside (where it’s warm) Getting My Parrot Education in Anchorage

DATE TITLE #ATTENDING AMOUNT DUE

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE

Name: __________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________

Address: ______________________________ City: ___________________ State: ______ Zip: _______

Email: _____________________________________ Credit Card: ________________________________ (VISA MC AMEX) Exp. ____/______

Make checks payable to PEAC and mail with the registration form to PEAC, PO Box 91707, Anchorage, AK 99509-1707

Your membership, support and participation at our events are essential to the future of our chapter and our foster birds! Thank you for your generosity!!

We would like to extend a special THANK YOU to the following individuals, organizations and businesses that have donated to our Anchorage chapter.

Alaska Mill & Feed

Jesse Braga/Animal House

Grey Feather Toys

Ginger Memorial Fund:

Layne Dicker & Sally Spencer

Faye Miller

Nina Peterson and Big Beak Bird Toys

Professional Legal Copy

TOPS – Totally Organic Pellets


THE “GINGER” MEMORIALSPONSORSHIP PROGRAM*

Ginger was one of the first birds Anchorage took in and the difference we were able to make in this bird’s life was remarkable. Unfortunately, we were not granted enough time with Ginger on this earth; let the story of her life carry the message of birds in need to future generations. May she rest in peace.

Through word of mouth, PEAC has become widely known. With this notoriety comes an increase in the number of birds needing our help. The increased volume of birds coming through our door has placed an additional financial burden on the organization. Just one of our macaws requires a new $20 or $30 toy at least once a month, in addition to the food costs (and thanks to the difficult times we are all facing, food costs have risen dramatically). Sadly, we have numerous parrots of all sizes, needing a variety of toys and foods, waiting to enter our program!

We are appealing to you as a fellow parrot lover to help us help these homeless birds. Please consider enrolling in our Sponsorship Program. For a monthly contribution you can sponsor one or more of our birds. In return you will receive the satisfaction of knowing that a parrot’s life was enriched by your donation and your name will appear on our Sponsorship List in our quarterly newsletter Beak To Tail. (If you wish to remain anonymous, simply check the box on the Sponsorship Program Enrollment Form.) All donations are tax deductible and will directly benefit our birds. Simply fill out the enrollment form and return

it with your donation.* After enrolling, for your convenience, you will receive an envelope each month to return your donation in. The birds are waiting and thank you for your contribution.

*All donations pertaining to the Ginger Sponsorship Program remain at PEAC in Anchorage.

THE GINGER MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM ENROLLMENT FORM

Sponsorship Levels

$50/mo. Macaw/Large Cockatoo $25/mo. African Grey/Amazon/Eclectus

$15/mo. Conure/Parrotlet $10/mo. Cockatiel/Budgie/Lovebird

I wish to remain anonymous.

I am unable to give a monthly donation, but I would like to help with a one-time donation of $_______________.

Name: ___________________________ Phone number: ____________________

Address: ________________________________ City: _______________________

State: _____ Zip: ___________ E-mail: ___________________________________

VISA/MC/AMEX Card #:_________________________________ Exp:____ /____

Or make check payable to PEAC and mail with the registration form toPEAC, P.O. Box 91707, Anchorage, AK 99509-1707


THE “CHICKEN” MEMORIALSPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

ParticiPants

Lucia Blades

Gale Chan

Mike & Julia Comella

Layne Dicker

Kelly Flynn

Kathy Fraga

Lisa Greeson

Jim & Karen Hodson

Philip & Lee Jenkins

Beverly Kirkegaard

Debra Kolen

Judy Lazar

Patrice Marcks

Ann Palik

Rene Pina

Geneva Potepan

Jean Rockwell

Chloe Rogers

Steve Scott

John & Janet Smith

Linda Stuart

Virginia VanDyke

THE “CHICKEN” MEMORIALSPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Chicken, a “Festive Amazon” (Amazona festiva) was imported in about 1970, as an adult, wild-caught bird. He was first owned by an elderly woman, a chain smoker, who had him for about 15 years and taught him to be a phenomenal talker. When she passed away, Chicken was left to her two sons, neither of

whom liked him, and they kept him in isolation. Their sister rescued Chicken and gave him to a vet tech at the hospital where he was a client. The tech kept Chicken for a few years, until becoming engaged to someone who was allergic. In 1993, she called Layne Dicker, who was doing bird adoptions; Layne immediately fell in love with Chicken. He says that Chicken was affectionate, personable, and completely trustworthy. He would sit on Layne’s shoulder for an hour with his head down getting scratched, and if Layne stopped, he’d nibble at his ear, making a little growling sound. In 1998, Chicken died of lung cancer. Layne has never completely gotten over it.

PEAC has set up a memorial fund to help homeless birds with stories like Chicken’s. But we can’t do this without your help. Just one of our Amazons or macaws requires a new $20 or $30 toy at least once a month, in addition to the food costs. And we have numerous birds of all sizes waiting to enter our program!

We are appealing to you as a fellow parrot lover to help us help these homeless birds. Please consider enrolling in our Sponsorship Program. For a monthly contribution you can sponsor one or more of our birds. In return you will receive the satisfaction of knowing that a parrot’s life was enriched by your donation, and your name will appear, if you wish, on our Sponsorship List in our quarterly newsletter. All donations are tax deductible and will directly benefit our birds. Simply fill out the enrollment form and return it with your donation.* After enrolling, for your convenience, you will receive an envelope each month to return your donation in. The birds are waiting and thank you for your contribution!

*All donations to this program remain at PEAC headquarters in San Diego. For sponsorship opportunities in your area, contact your local PEAC Chapter.

THE CHICKEN MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIP ENROLLMENT FORM

Sponsorship Levels

$50/mo. Macaw/Large Cockatoo $25/mo. African Grey/Amazon/Eclectus

$15/mo. Conure/Parrotlet $10/mo. Cockatiel/Budgie/Lovebird

I wish to remain anonymous. Do not print my name on the Sponsorship list.

I am unable to give a monthly donation, but I would like to help with a one-time donation of $_______________.

Name: ___________________________ Phone number: _______________

Address: ___________________________ City: _______________________

State: ____ Zip: ___________ E-mail: _______________________________

Make check payable to PEAC and mail with the registration form toPEAC, P.O. Box 600423, San Diego, CA 92160.


my son held onto my leg and cried as I desperately tried to make my exit, while the birds were already showing interest in their stimulating new surroundings and seemed not to care less whether I stayed or left. THEY were on vacation!

So, at the risk of sounding like an advertisement, the next time you need someone to care for your bird, you might consider the Purring Parrot. They even use Susan Friedman’s ABC’s, which many of us learned about during her workshop in September! They offer PEAC members a 10% discount, and there is a 20% discount for all first-time visits. You can check them out at www.thepurringparrot.com.

What to Do When Vacation (or Foot Surgery) Strikes

by DJ Sommers

We all know the challenges of what to do with our birds when we go on vacation, are ill, are having some home remodeling or painting done, or just want a little break. I recently found myself needing foot surgery and knew that I would be unable to care for my bird and the two PEAC foster birds currently under my care for a couple of weeks. Unfortunately there were no other foster homes available to care for these birds, even on a temporary basis. So, I was truly at a loss as to what I could do.

Then I remembered The Purring Parrot in San Diego. They are a relatively new and wonderful boarding facility for parrots and, yes, cats! They keep them separate, of course, and have a one-way mirror so that the cats can amuse themselves watching the birds, while the birds remain oblivious to the cats’ presence. They require that your bird have a health check and be tested for certain diseases before being allowed to stay there, to prevent any disease transmission from bird to bird. This, along with the wonderful care they provide for the birds, were major determining factors

in my decision to place these birds in their care.

So, the day before my scheduled surgery I packed up the three birds and took them down to the Purring Parrot. We were all made to feel at home immediately. The birds were placed on perches and given toys, food, water, and attention if they wanted it. My own personal bird couldn’t wait to get rid of me; at least that’s the way I felt as he started flirting with the staff and ignoring me completely. After a while, I managed to tear myself away. In my heart I felt like I did on my son’s first day of kindergarten. It was so hard to accept that he was growing up and already in school. The difference was,

WEll-stoCkEd rafflE tablE at tHE

san diEgo friEdman WorksHop


P E A C M E M B E R S H I P D I S C O U N T SCheck it out! The following companies are supportive of PEAC’s work

and have graciously offered to give PEAC members a discount on items ordered from them.(Several advertise in the Companion Parrot Quarterly, so you may want to review their ads before contacting them.)

Advanced Avian Designs, Inc.888-408-4967 - 10%

Artistic Avian Accessories209-748-5631 - 10%

Avian Antics734-782-5270 - 10%

Avian Gourmet1-888-88-AVIANwww.aviangourmet.com - 10%

Avitech, Inc.1-800-646-BIRD - 10%

Beak Boutiquehttp://[email protected] - 10%

Bell Plastics1-800-235-8265 - 20%

Birds by Donalee520-574-7290www.birdsbydonalee.com - 10%

Charlie Macaw Companion Birdwear800-704-3003Regular price: $28.50PEAC price: $19.50

Featherwear925-280-9666 - 10%

Feathered Follies925-280-9666 - 10%

Firefly Studios800-777-9242 - $2.00 off shirts

Freeway EnterprisesHome of the Birdie Play Stand707-678-9065 - 10%

Grey Feather Toy Creationswww.GreyFeatherToys.com866-355-59045% (must use discount code! PEAC)

Hidden Forest Art GalleryFallbrook, CAwww.gaminiratnavira.com - 10%

Manzanita AvenueFred Bird & Company530-347-6339 - 10%

Noah’s Kingdom1-800-662-4711 - 10%

The Other Species StoreUnique Pet Accessories909-988-3321 - 20%

Parrot Island952-928-9985888-9PARROT (orders only)www.parrotislandinc.com - 10%

Pet Concepts (Beak Appetit)1-800-467-4677 - 15%

Premium Pet Kitchen1-800-945-245120% off first order

Puppy Pawswww.puppypaws.comCoupon code: PEAC - 15%

The Purring Parrot619-223-2326www.thepurringparrot.com - 10%

Rose’s Pet Emporium888-418-2269www.rosespet.com - 10%

Scooterware914-255-MOONwww.scooterware1.com - 10%

Southern Cross941-283-3037 - 10%

Sunrise Solutions/Hide N Sleep303-469-4217 - 10%

White Wing Farms360-942-366925% (write “PEAC member discount” on order form)

Wings & Whiskers714-522-2554 - 20%

Wings and Beaks951-308-1020www.wingsandbeaks.com15% - Discount code: 7322

San Diego StoresFeathers - San MarcosBirdland - North ParkThe Purring Parrot - Point Loma 20% discount for 1st-time boarders

Los Angeles StoreParrots Naturally - Tarzana10% discount on toys, food, and accessories. Generous savings on cages when you complete PEAC’s adoption process. Please call for pricing.

Cleveland Area StorePet Paradise - Willoughby

Anchorage Area StoreAlaska Mill & Feed10% on companion bird food, toys, supplies, etc.

Costa RicaLaguna del Lagarto Lodge25% discount on prevailing room rates.www.lagarto-lodge-costa-rica.com

beak to tailParrot education & adoPtion center®

P.o. box 600423san diego, ca 92160-0423

u P c o M i n ge v e n t s

October 18, 2009“Parrot Personalities” /“Behavior Problems”

(San Diego)

November 15, 2009Toy-Making Workshop

(San Diego)

November 19, 2009“Basic Bird Care” / “Strategies for Living with Parrots Successfully”

(Anchorage)

December 6, 2009Holiday Open House & Toy Sale

(Anchorage)

Parrot Education & Adoption Center®

b eak to tail - the soaring predictor

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