A little about me, and my team
I am proudly serving as the state coordinator for the National Cockatiel Society, and have been a member in good standing since 2007. I have also been serving as the Educational Director since 2009, and have just recently been named Regional Director for all of New England as well. How exciting!
Besides producing hand friendly socialized cockatiels, making bird sketches, and hand made jewelry from the discarded feathers of these beautiful birds, I am also available to answer any questions you may have about them. I will be happy to help you in any way I can. If I don't know something I will do everything in my power to find someone who does.
In early 2008, I started doing educational workshops at the Kennelshop in Lewiston. I bring several birds in with me and teach how to properly care for these magnificent birds. With proper supervision, cockatiels make wonderful pets for kids of all ages. I will post upcoming workshops as I schedule them. I hope to see you there! I have also booked a workshop with both the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries and may be doing one in Lisbon Falls soon as well. I have also been invited to the Kennelshop in Augusta, and a school in Portland, which I am looking forward too very much. I have done workshops at the Pelletiers karate dojo and also with the Girl Scouts that my daughter is a member of. They are actually working on a badge with the NCS logo on it, a first of its kind.
If, after reading this, you are ready to own one of these magnificent birds or would like to have me come do a workshop, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at (207) 344-8640 between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday. I can also be reached by mail at: P.O. Box 556, Auburn, Maine 04212-0556. Because this is my home, my flock can be viewed between 10 am and 5 pm daily, by appointment only. Thank you for understanding, and many blessings Ruth and the feather kids
Besides producing hand friendly socialized cockatiels, making bird sketches, and hand made jewelry from the discarded feathers of these beautiful birds, I am also available to answer any questions you may have about them. I will be happy to help you in any way I can. If I don't know something I will do everything in my power to find someone who does.
In early 2008, I started doing educational workshops at the Kennelshop in Lewiston. I bring several birds in with me and teach how to properly care for these magnificent birds. With proper supervision, cockatiels make wonderful pets for kids of all ages. I will post upcoming workshops as I schedule them. I hope to see you there! I have also booked a workshop with both the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries and may be doing one in Lisbon Falls soon as well. I have also been invited to the Kennelshop in Augusta, and a school in Portland, which I am looking forward too very much. I have done workshops at the Pelletiers karate dojo and also with the Girl Scouts that my daughter is a member of. They are actually working on a badge with the NCS logo on it, a first of its kind.
If, after reading this, you are ready to own one of these magnificent birds or would like to have me come do a workshop, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at (207) 344-8640 between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday. I can also be reached by mail at: P.O. Box 556, Auburn, Maine 04212-0556. Because this is my home, my flock can be viewed between 10 am and 5 pm daily, by appointment only. Thank you for understanding, and many blessings Ruth and the feather kids
The heart of the team
This is my daughter Kerin with her pearl pied cockatiel Mr. Cuddles. Kerins' job here is socializing the baby's and she does a fabulous job! Kerin is 13 years old, and has been helping me for more than eight years now. I believe that when supervised, children and cockatiels are a match made in heaven. Just make sure that if you adopt a cockatiel for your child that you want it as much as they do and that you are willing to give it the care it needs should your child neglect their duties.
When Kerin was 5 years old she was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, and I was told to plan a funeral less than two months before her 6th birthday. For 18 months we lived at the hospital, and dreaded the treatments that although designed to save her life, were indeed taking it away from her. Toward the end of her treatment, she went from a plump healthy 91 pounds to a mere 31 pounds, in just two short months. She couldn't eat or go to the toilet by herself and she couldn't walk due to weakness. Again we thought this was the end, and so we decided to go home and continue treatment from there.
Then a special cockatiel named Stormy came into her life that changed everything. That was just the beginning of her love for these very special birds, and just when she had given up hope and refused to try any longer. Although Kerin has since gone into remission, she recently suffered a heart attack due to complications from the chemo, and a stroke. With the help of her birds she continues to get stronger and her love for these birds has never faltered When she grows up she wants to be an avian vet. Here you can see, with Mr. Cuddles' help, she is getting a good head start.
When Kerin was 5 years old she was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, and I was told to plan a funeral less than two months before her 6th birthday. For 18 months we lived at the hospital, and dreaded the treatments that although designed to save her life, were indeed taking it away from her. Toward the end of her treatment, she went from a plump healthy 91 pounds to a mere 31 pounds, in just two short months. She couldn't eat or go to the toilet by herself and she couldn't walk due to weakness. Again we thought this was the end, and so we decided to go home and continue treatment from there.
Then a special cockatiel named Stormy came into her life that changed everything. That was just the beginning of her love for these very special birds, and just when she had given up hope and refused to try any longer. Although Kerin has since gone into remission, she recently suffered a heart attack due to complications from the chemo, and a stroke. With the help of her birds she continues to get stronger and her love for these birds has never faltered When she grows up she wants to be an avian vet. Here you can see, with Mr. Cuddles' help, she is getting a good head start.
Our people greeter
One adoption certificate coming right up, mom!
This is a picture of Belladonna at the printer, a light pearl pied hen who stole our hearts early on. Here she was making sure that everything was in order for an adoption of one of the rescues. Her job was personal inspection to make sure that you were suitable to adopt one of her special flock members, and she had final say, always.
Bella was also our people greeter, and did a wonderful job. She would fly down from where ever she was perched, give you a warm welcome, and might even offer to "fix" your hair for free, if she liked you. She would try to make you comfortable and see that you had what you needed.
As much as I miss her, I am happy she is in a new home and happy just being a cockatiel. I am trying to teach her daughter Hera the same ropes, but I don't think anyone could ever come close to walking in Bellas shoes.
Bella was also our people greeter, and did a wonderful job. She would fly down from where ever she was perched, give you a warm welcome, and might even offer to "fix" your hair for free, if she liked you. She would try to make you comfortable and see that you had what you needed.
As much as I miss her, I am happy she is in a new home and happy just being a cockatiel. I am trying to teach her daughter Hera the same ropes, but I don't think anyone could ever come close to walking in Bellas shoes.
The BOSS
Some say that "big things come in small packages" and Paulie is a prime example of just that. Paulie is our resident peach face love bird, and she knows she is in charge. Although I have no interest in breeding lovies at this time, I am very happy that Paulie is a part of our family flock. She not only oversees all operations of the Aviary, but helps me with raising the baby cockatiels, as well.
Paulie came into our lives quite unexpectadly in 2008, at a bird show in New Hampshire. My daughter was showing one of her cockatiels, Twilight, and tragically he got loose and flew away. Because show birds do not have their wings clipped, it was too late to try catching him once he got out into the wild blue yonder. He was only 10 weeks old at the time, and we thought all was lost. We did find out later that he survived and was taken in by a family near by. Very gratefully, we allowed them to keep him, when we finally made contact.
Meanwhile my daughter was devastated at the loss of her "baby" and Paulie was there to dry her tears and teach her to love again. I purchased her from a wonderful breeder that was also at the show.
Paulie, like many love birds tends to be nippy when she wants attention, so I would use caution when reccomending a love bird for children. She doesn't mean anything by it, but reaction to such things can change your whole relationship with them.
Just an update on Paulie, we lost her this past summer due to egg binding. She will be sorely missed but flies free in our hearts.
Paulie came into our lives quite unexpectadly in 2008, at a bird show in New Hampshire. My daughter was showing one of her cockatiels, Twilight, and tragically he got loose and flew away. Because show birds do not have their wings clipped, it was too late to try catching him once he got out into the wild blue yonder. He was only 10 weeks old at the time, and we thought all was lost. We did find out later that he survived and was taken in by a family near by. Very gratefully, we allowed them to keep him, when we finally made contact.
Meanwhile my daughter was devastated at the loss of her "baby" and Paulie was there to dry her tears and teach her to love again. I purchased her from a wonderful breeder that was also at the show.
Paulie, like many love birds tends to be nippy when she wants attention, so I would use caution when reccomending a love bird for children. She doesn't mean anything by it, but reaction to such things can change your whole relationship with them.
Just an update on Paulie, we lost her this past summer due to egg binding. She will be sorely missed but flies free in our hearts.
The Teacher
Aries is one of the few rescues I have kept here. He was severly abused and is agressive with strangers. So much so that for fear of further abuse or neglect, due to his behaviours, I have decided that it is best if he stays here to live out the rest of his natural life. Don't let this pretty face fool you, when he wants something you know it!
I have learned over the years that you can earn the trust of any bird, but it takes time and patience. He is a beautiful, cuddley handful of feathery fun, but cannot be trusted not to bite. He is fearful, due to his abuse, and no matter what I do he seems bound and determined to stay.
Aries has taught me that patience, trust and love can come from the most unexpected places. Unless a very special girl comes along, the plan is not to breed him, mainly due to his abusive background and the fact that I do not know what his genetic make up is. He's strong willed and I hope that he holds that "fire" for life, as it makes him unique and special. When he is with me, he is a different bird, and although he has stopped biting for the most part, he will still deliver a nasty nip if he feels threatened or not happy with something that you are doing. I am very happy that he has come into our life, as he has taught me a lot.
I have learned over the years that you can earn the trust of any bird, but it takes time and patience. He is a beautiful, cuddley handful of feathery fun, but cannot be trusted not to bite. He is fearful, due to his abuse, and no matter what I do he seems bound and determined to stay.
Aries has taught me that patience, trust and love can come from the most unexpected places. Unless a very special girl comes along, the plan is not to breed him, mainly due to his abusive background and the fact that I do not know what his genetic make up is. He's strong willed and I hope that he holds that "fire" for life, as it makes him unique and special. When he is with me, he is a different bird, and although he has stopped biting for the most part, he will still deliver a nasty nip if he feels threatened or not happy with something that you are doing. I am very happy that he has come into our life, as he has taught me a lot.
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