I went to the Nursing Home with my dad today to see my mom. Many of the "residents" there were saddened since my father did not bring the dog, as he does every day, since we were going to dinner afterward. They look forward to seeing him.

So I had a thought.... but I am not sure if it will fly (no pun intended... you all know where I am going with this).

What do you think about me bringing one of my birds -maybe one of the Ekkies or Chaos (my caique)? Do you think the old folks will appreciate the birds? I'm not sure. Basically, a majority of people love dogs. But birds are another story as much as I hate to admit that. Then I thought perhaps Bob, my B&G -he's gorgeous and ever so gentle.

Now, the flip side...do you think it will stress the "chosen bird" out too much?

I think they would love it. Our nursing home in Beloit (and the long term care in the hospital) has a huge class cage with canaries and finches. For many people the best part of their day is spent just watching them. The nursing home also has a quaker for the residents to watch. They don't get to handle him, but they really enjoy his silly antics.

Maybe you could try just a short visit at first, and see how the bird does. If he's too anxious, just leave and don't bring him back. I would take a bird who is good with car rides, and likes other people.

I also don't know that I would let them handle whatever bird you bring. If they got scared and dropped their arm or something, it could be bad for both the bird and the person holding him.

Someday I want to be able to take Ollie to nursing homes, and schools. I think it would be great to be able to teach the young kids some things about good bird care.

Great idea, Camille! Maybe I will take Jessie, my TAG. As long as she has an audience, she will perform! And she just loves people - hates birds - but loves people! She's also blind in one eye and cross-eyed in the other, so maybe they will have a "connection"...

I did check into going into a home with the birds when my dad was there and also a member of my club worked at one. In NJ, you have to put them through a round of antibiotics (for Psittacosis)each time prior to a visit and have written proof from their DR they are not carring Psittacosis.
Not once, but EACH time you visit. That put a real damper on me going in or my club for pet therapy.
Maybe it has changed. I dont know.

Okay - I'll check. My sister-in-law is the Administrator for a nursing home. Kathy and I were thinking of taking her Amazon there several years ago to entertain the old folks. She never mentioned anything, but, then again, maybe she didn't know.... I'll call. Thanks for the heads up!

We use to do this at The Fountains where we hold our bird club meetings. The alzheimer patients use to love to pet and hold the birds, that is until someone asked about the legally of letting her relative near such an animal, who was responsible if they were bitten, etc.?The State notified us we were breaking the law! Read your NJ Permit - "The public may not come into contact with the regulated species listed on this permit" "All regulated species listed on this permit must remain caged when not in the residence of he permittee."
I know this sucks! Sure has put a damper on our outreach programs especially where we would take pictures with kids holding the birds - great P.R. If you have any questions just give me a call.

Kathie, what a great idea. My Mom is also at a nursing home and it's never occurred to me to take any of my fids to see her. Liza Loo has such a perfect, outgoing personality that she'd be great for a visit such as this. I have a patient care meeting set up for next week and will bring up the question then.

Yes, this does stink. So how do people do bird shows, such as the NJ Bird Man? The State of NJ is really crazy with these laws. My mom is an Alzheimer's patient. Now I am not sure what to do. Thanks for the info!

Wow- I had no idea of the rules and regulations! I can understand them to a certain extent though.

So that's the entire idea of this 'permit' you need to have in NJ with your fids. It seems to be a waste of money or for someone to push some really freakin stupid concept around.