Party Time!!

Some people will jump at any chance to party: But a bird carrier cleaning shindig?? Yup!! That’s exactly the event several FEBS volunteers and staff attended on June 28.

As part of our preparations for the 2025 hurricane season, we needed to ensure that all our bird evacuation carriers are clean and ready to go. A couple volunteers suggested throwing a party to “git ‘er done,” so that’s precisely what we did!

Tackling the job are (L to R) Hillard, Colton and Christine (employee).

The carriers were last used in early October 2024 when the birds were moved to our evacuation buildings ahead of Hurricane Milton. Parrot beaks and talons are hard on carriers, so each enclosure was carefully evaluated for excessive wear-and-tear. After cleaning, each carrier was stocked with the requisite two stainless steel bowls and one or two perches, depending on carrier size.

Some of the devoted volunteers who helped out: Background: Colton and Hillard; Front (L to R): Clara, Christine (employee) and FEBS officer Stephanie Dripps

Approximately 300 carriers were cleaned, prepped and stored away during the six-hour “party”. Then it was time for food, soft drinks, laughter, and shouts of “good job” and “thank you” all around!

Some of the many clean, prepped evacuation carriers now in storage.

Like anything else, bird carriers have a limited life, and we had to dispose of a number of them due to excessive wear-and-tear. Furthermore, we must increase our inventory to accommodate the newest residents of our facility since last fall.

Today we are launching an appeal for funds to acquire 145 new collapsible bird evacuation carriers. The type of carrier that works well for us comes equipped with bowls and perches. Each unit costs just under $60 when shipping costs are added.

Will you help protect our birds in case of evacuation by donating $60, $120 or $180 to this cause? Mail your check, payable to Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary, to 8933 Casper Avenue, Hudson, FL 34667. You can also donate or provide a larger grant via PayPal. Gifts can be made directly on our website too (Donate| The Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary). Please write “carriers” on the memo line of your check or in the comment box if using PayPal.

The directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and feathered residents of FEBS are eternally grateful for your ongoing moral and financial support! Thank you.