What’s coming in 2011

Here at Feathered Friends we are constantly putting your donations to work improving the habitats for our resident flock. In 2010 we started clearing 5 more acres. We will be building 4 new flights to accommodate special needs birds. Two new 40 foot Amazon flights, one new 100 foot flight for the Macaws and several other 20 x 20 small bird flights That area will be designed with individual areas built in one large flight area. It will allow birds that have been cage bound for assorted reasons a chance to be able to enjoy the great out doors. After the first 4 flights, up to 21 more will be installed to replace the older flights at the rescue.

In Georgia, the extreme summer heat presents a major challenge for the Rescue to overcome. Though many of our residents are considered "tropical,” it’s necessary for the habitats we provide to protect them from constant exposure to direct sunlight. We have to remember that in a natural tropical environment, they would live in and under the tree canopy where it is shady and cooler. To duplicate this environment, we are installing metal car ports with complete roofs, in house designed mister systems for cooling, waterfalls, free running creek, automatic feeders and a used food discharge shoot to a central hall area.

We are installing a new Misting System that was designed and built in house to provide a cooling water curtain on hot days. The birds really love those! We found that the misters will drop the indoor flight temperature 20-25 degrees on a 99 degree day. We found a new type of J feeder that limits waste and keeps food dry during rain storms. These hold enough food for a couple days, so there is more time to give the birds special treats like fruits and veggies. We are designing an additional feeding system to provide more fruit and veggies but eliminate a lot of bees and flies.

The COCKATOOS are really enjoying their new habitat, featured in the Newsletter. Having a waterfall and large water supply is enriching their lives on a daily basis.

Part of the new camping area is now open, 5 spaces for large RV parking and room for 6 tents is now available. A new restroom and shower area is to be built in 2011.

All of the original flights will be upgraded. Those of you that have been around Feathered Friends for a few years already know that in the beginning, Ron worked to build what he could by himself and with whatever materials were available at the time. Now, thankfully, with more hands to help, some new ideas and your continued donations, the old will be replaced with new.

Pictures of the newly enclosed flights will be added as they are underway.

2010 Projects

The big news is our Bulldozer which will help clear the remaining 5 acres once the trees are removed. This will let us expand, add new flights and create even more visitor areas.

Our new Porch Addition will (hopefully) have vinyl siding and gutters. A new heating system is being completed in the old porch section. 2010 saw final duct work, insulation and ceiling coverings. The large removable windows with double pane LowE glass were removed during the summer and ventilation was just right. The radiant heat in the floor works better than we hoped, keeping all the birds warm regardless of outside temperatures. There are 2 levels of lighting and we will be adding built-in speakers for music. This area is also wheelchair accessible and will eventually connect to an outdoor play area for birds and their owners.

We still need a sponsor for the siding and gutters on the new porch!

The original porch now houses the special needs birds. It is also getting redone with new removable windows, safety mesh and screening. This will provide better insulation, light and ventilation than we had before.

Our special THANKS to Joey Brush and his crew for donating their time and materials to make this new porch a reality!

The Campground has really grown and will be expanded to include a tent area, restrooms, showers and wash station. Contact Camp Host Larry for reservations

2009 Projects

The new Cockatiel flight was completed but when 30 more of these friendly little birds arrived, the entire flock was relocated to the 100 foot flight. Here they have their own fountain and cargo nets to play in.

The new Finch flight provides a great habitat with weather protection and live trees.

The new Conure flight was a gift from the Cockatiels when they moved out. Since this was brand new, we added metal roofing, the misting system and a fountain. These birds let you know they are happy!

The Garden flight (aka Villa) was the first new generation outdoor habitat with Edstrom automatic watering valves, new feeders and the misting system. The amazons all seem to be quite content and will tell you when you visit them.

Several special needs bird flights for those that cannot fly or have other issues that will not allow them to be placed in with the other birds in bigger flights.

On the road again - a roadway is being built to connect the new camping area directly to Byrd Drive. This will be at the north edge of the property.

The new camping area had been started. It will be located behind the finches and will have provisions for travel trailer hookups, outside restrooms and showers.

The new Edstrom automatic watering system is being installed on many of the flights.

The new Misting systems to keep the birds cooler during the hot weather.

The construction of the all natural vegetation flight is under way. This area will allow all species living in it to be able to be real birds.

We are also clearing out all the pine trees on the property. This will let the other trees grow, eliminate pine straw and pine cones while reducing the danger of forest fires getting near our birds.