Wish List

Our number one (1) need is MONEY.

That’s what makes everything else happen.  It’s a misconception that non-profit animal shelters get services and goods for free or at a significant discount because after all everybody has a soft spot for animals.  I’m not sure how that grossly inaccurate roomer was started.  We pay just like everyone else.  99% of places don’t even honor our tax-exempt status.  Only our veterinarian, Dr. Wright, gives us his services at a modest discount.  Every body struggles with our countries economic hardship.  Non-profits are hit especially hard.  Non-profit avian shelters are hit harder.  Parrots are very costly to maintain properly.  Your average person that’s in a giving state of mind generally doesn’t think of parrots.  I’ve actually had many people say things like, “Parrots are a wealthy persons pet!  How could they end up in a rescue?”  My answer:  “Life.  So many things happen that get in the way of that lifetime commitment once made.”  So I humbly ask that you help us.  It’s not the amount you give but the number of you that are willing to give. 

You can mark your gift to go exactly where you want it to go.  Help us to purchase land, build indoor/outdoor aviaries.  Make your monitory donation to ‘Building Fund.’  Ear mark your contribution to go to food, medical expenses, supplies, our mortgage, our truck, or to our general operating fund.  We accept all major credit cards.  We accept debit cards, electronic bank drafts, personal checks, money orders, and cashiers checks. 

Keep in mind that our staff is comprised entirely of volunteers.  100% of monitory donations go directly back to the parrots.  We dig into our own pockets to keep the dream of Arizona Exotic Bird Rescue, Inc. alive.  We don’t charge to accept a parrot unlike other rescues.  We don’t demand a monthly support check from those persons that face the hardship of surrendering a parrot.  We are a non-profit run the way I believe all non-profits should operate.  Okay.  Now the rest of our list!

Crocks!  Where do they go?!  How come we never have enough of them?!  We need them.  All sizes.  Especially the medium to large sizes as most of our parrots are large.  Color doesn’t matter.  Condition does!  If it’s cracked or chipped we can’t use it. 

Grapevine and Manzanita Play Stands!  We never have enough of them!  With three locations and an expanding population we are forever in need.  They must be in good repair.  Already slightly chewed is fine.  No broken bases with wheels missing.  It takes time and money to repair busted broken items.  We have a shortage of both.  I hope you understand. 

CAGES!  CAGES!  CAGES!  They must be complete.  No missing trays, grates, feeding areas, doors.  Complete as with all parts.  Cages must be in good condition.  No broken welds.  For the most part free of rust.  Small areas can be easily retouched.  The finish needs to be in good condition without being need of being totally refinished.  FYI:  To refinish one small/medium size parrot cage costs more than to purchase it new!  Our cages are newer powder coat finish or stainless steel.  Remember that our parrots are generally big guys.  African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, and large breed Macaws.  But on the other hand we get our share of Mini Macaws, Pionus, and Conures.  All cages must be free-standing. 

Carriers.  We always need carriers.  Rust free, completely intact, clean carriers.  From Cockatiel size to Macaw sized we need them. 

First Aid and Medical Supplies!  Veterinary medications!  Avian Supplements!

Perches!  We need perches!  All kinds.  Or we happily accept the supplies to make them.  Parrot safe woods and the necessary hardware to make perches is just as good. 

Acrylic Recycling Bird Feeders!  These food saving feeders, for cages have been a part of our wishes for years.  You can see them at this website:  http://www.bird-zerk.com/  There’s other manufactures.  Prices all run about the same.  We’d be delighted to have used or refurbished ones!  BIRD-ZERK gives a guarantee and replaces those that have any issues.  He does refurbish.  They just need to be sturdy and in good shape.  This would save us a bunch of money in food costs. 

Shop Vacuums!  Big, Powerful, Wet-Dry Shop Vacuums.  14 Gallon and larger!  The BIGGER the BETTER!  Lightly used and squeaky clean or brand spanking new with all four wheels and attachments would be an answer to our prayers. 

A Jig-saw!  Working condition is a must.  Nothing that needs repair or is operated entirely by a treadle type foot peddle. 

A Lathe!  We need one bad!  Don’t mean to be overly selective but it needs to be in working condition and simple enough to be operated by an old lady.  I’d love to be able to make rounded corners on toys. 

Gift Cards!  We love VISA & Master Cards.  Home Depot and Lowe's are big on out list. 

Fresh Nuts!  In the shell or out.  Always unsalted.  Always fresh.  There are a lot of internet wholesale dealers.  Perhaps someone can do research as to which ones sell pet quality at the best price.

Pellets!  ZuPreem, Harrisons’, or Roudybush are what we feed. 

Dried Beans, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Pasta!  Or Gift Certificates to Lee Lees’ or grocery stores.

Gift Certificates To ‘Ranch Market’ in the Mesa area!  http://www.leeleesupermarket.com/

Printer-Copier-Scanner-Fax.  One piece of equipment.  New, unused or never used. 

Van, Truck or SUV!  It needs to be in good repair unless it comes with a mechanic.  It can be old.  I’m old but I still work just fine.  I might not be as classy looking as I was in my younger days but I can still accomplish more than the average person my age.  That’s all I ask of a vehicle.  We’d like it to come with all of the needed parts.  It needs to have a safe non-leaking air-conditioner.  Doesn’t have to be beautiful.  Just functional. 

Air Cleaners with Hepa Filters!  It’s helpful if replacement filters are still on the market.  That’s the problem with the few we have.  After time the filter wears out and if you can’t get a new one…  Well you’re out of luck. 

UV Full-spectrum Lighting Fixtures with Bulbs!  We have received UV bulbs that the fixtures are no longer manufactured.  We have received a couple of nice fixtures that the bulbs are no longer available.  Unfortunately they don’t match. 

High Definition Web Cam!  This must be suitable to place on a tri-pod for live feed to our website so folks can see the parrots in action.  We’ll also need the software to accomplish this feat.  Unless you know more about it than I do you’ll need to do some research.  It looked to me like something suitable for a conference room would do.

Non-Profit Accounting Software!  We had Microsoft Money for non-profits and it canceled out after the first few months.  Once there were no longer updates available the company disabled it to force consumers to purchase the program again. 

Hand-held Cordless Drills!  Our off-brand bargains weren’t a bargain after all.  Each worked for less than twenty-minutes.  This was a lesson to read the fine print on EBAY.  The extra battery made a great paper weight. 

Bird Baths and Fountains!  They need to be functional and thereby hold water.  The outside guys, ‘Gods’ birds,’ need to be able to get a drink and bathe. 

Carpet Samples!  The large size.  These are really nice to set cages on.  We don’t use shirting because it takes up too much space but carpet samples can be helpful in catching droppings from food.  Read the labels to make certain the backing or fiber construction isn’t toxic. 

Trash Bags, Simple Green Cleaner, Brooms (new), Old Towels, Scrub Brushes, and Dust Mops, Light Bulbs, Extension Cords, Paper Towels, Plastic Wrap – You get the idea. 

Someone artistic!  Then we ask that they be willing to donate not only their talent and supplies but a bunch of time to make our walls look like a rain forest.  We’ll also express our gratitude with a free ad on our website designed by the self-taught talented me.  

Solar Electrical System!  Help!  Our electric bills are off the charts.  Nothing around here is efficient.  Everything racks up the bills. 

Plumber, Brick Mason, Electrician, Landscaper, Handyman/woman!  All must work purely for the joy of being around the parrots.  It’s helpful if you want not only to donate your talent and time but spare parts as well.

Welding Equipment!  Something metal is always breaking.  We have a board member that knows how to use an arc welder but doesn’t have the equipment.  I’m lost when it comes to this item.  Just know we need one. 

News Papers!  Minus the shiny ads, please.  I once spent eight hours removing the ads from a welcomed load of news papers.  While I generally multi-task by holding a parrot no matter what I’m doing I can tell you they are counter-productive when it comes to the project.  They aren’t happy with getting the throw a-way stuff to chew.  No.  They want to leave their mark on the good stuff. 

Property and/or Land!  I saved the biggest for last.  Should you be in the position to gift either or, you receive the satisfaction of helping a multitude of parrots.  In addition you receive the unending gratitude of not only the birds we care for but our Board of Directors.  Your gift is tax-deductible. 

This is what we need.  My grandma used to say if you don’t ask you deprive someone the gift of giving.  I can tell you the wishes that have been granted in the past have enriched our lives and made day to day tasks measurably easier.  You make a daily difference in our world.  We are surrounded by numerous reminders that you care. 

Thank You,

Jan and The Parrots of Arizona Exotic Bird Rescue, Inc.  

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