Container Conversions donates a much-needed container to Brainy Birds
Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation is a non-profit animal shelter located in Edenvale, Johannesburg. With more than 300 birds in their care (80% due to abuse and abandonment), Brainy Birds provides a safe, loving environment for the recovery, conservation and life-long care of parrots.
Misunderstood, mistreated, neglected or handicapped, various species of these pre-homed exotic birds have all been welcomed, fed, revived and loved. Some have been fortunate enough to find new, forever homes with families that have been equipped with the vital information needed to ensure their wellbeing.
The African Grey parrot and other varieties of cockatoo are the types of birds that mainly land up at Brainy Birds. Dee Hendrickx, the founder of Brainy Birds, claims that people may abandon or mistreat these birds because they are highly complex creatures who are completely misunderstood. These are wild animals, and sadly, people are not well-informed about the psychological problems, proper care, feeding needs, etc. of these types of birds.
"A lot of the wrong food is fed to these birds, and they suffer severely at the hands of illiterate humans. They are obnoxious, untidy, and demanding creatures that have the mental capacity of two-year-olds, but can live up to 60 years of age. They also have an extremely sore bite. It’s not if you get bitten, but when and this is the main cause for the birds being locked up in cages. People do not realise the psychological consequences of their actions when bitten by a parrot.
Why it’s so important these birds socialise with their own breed
In order to meet and socialise with other birds of the same breed, Brainy Birds also provides a service where bird owners can bring their own birds. Hendrickx explains the significance of exposing the birds to other species of their own kind. "There are many reasons for this practice. A bird that is unsocialised, such as one that is confined to a human home and never leaves or interacts with other birds of its species, may suffer if its living circumstances change. The bird won't be able to cope mentally if they are relocated out of their safe space and left behind if the owner of the bird has to travel or can't care for the bird for a while. The bird will start plucking, mutilating themselves and become aggressive
Container turned into clinic changes life at Brainy Birds
Container Conversions Pty Ltd was made aware of Brainy Birds' need for a facility where they could take care of the birds that need more attention. A container was donated, and it now serves as a small clinic for the birds that must take particular medications, are recovering from surgery, or require special care. They have birds who get sick or arrive sick and must be kept apart from the rest of the flock. This is a straightforward container that can be equipped with air conditioning and electrical connections as needed and is ideal for the demands of the bird clinic. Hendrickx claims that having this container now makes life a lot easier. Since the container is simple to clean, keeping them sterile and clean is perfect for the birds as they can spread disease through their feather dust. “We want to thank Container Conversions for this wonderful gift as it is so much appreciated!”
Not all doom and gloom
Brainy Birds recently rehabilitated an African Grey named Dobby, age unknown but they think he’s around 15 years old. Dobby was taken over by Brainy Birds from his owners. He’s already had one wing amputated due to eating part of his wing from stress. Hendrickx explains he was taken over by new owners as a partner for their original African Grey, but sadly these two birds did not bond.
“Three years ago Dobby started chewing his existing wing and did not stop until the wing was just shreds of bone and infected very badly. He was given a death sentence, even though he’s actually a happy bird. All he needed was to get to someone who understood him and his psychological issues. He was brought to Brainy Birds. We decided to help him as we believed he was not going to die. His existing wing was removed successfully and this turned his whole life around in a matter of just three days. From a very scared, sick and traumatised bird, he is now extremely happy, wingless and all, he does not stop eating healthy foods, chatting and pounces around very proudly. He stands up-right now, where as before, he hung to one side completely. We are so proud of how far Dobby has come.
How can you help out?
Hendrickx's main focus is helping those birds who have been kept in cages for so long on poor diets by educating and assisting existing parrot owners where they can.
Presently, Brainy Birds uses solar, gas, and a generator to supply all of its electricity. A gas refrigerator and a gas geyser are urgently needed. Along with other repairs, the house they are in urgently needs a new corrugated roof. Here are Brainy Birds' bank details so that anyone can donate:
Brainy Birds NPO
First National Bank
Account nr: 62638346678
Bank code: 201510
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
You can also contact them on: brainybirds.socialmedia@gmail.com
Website: www.brainybirds.co.za
You can also reach out to them on the following social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrainyBirds
Instagram: Instagram.com/brainybirdsza