Hi all,

I wanted to let all of you know about some changes I am making to my business that will affect bird owners, and one change in particular which affects APS members.

First of all, for reasons described here - http://frombeakstobarks.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/the-end-of-an-era-goodbye-housesitting-hello-home/ - I am no longer offering housesitting/overnight services in my pet sitting business.   However, I will be putting the finishing touches on my new bird room when I get back from my final housesit this weekend, so I have decided to start offering bird boarding services on a limited basis (and other animal boarding on an even more limited basis).  I'm still sorting out the prices and paperwork for this, but I will most likely have all of that finished and up on my website by this weekend as well.

Secondly, I moderate a few parrot-related groups on Facebook:

The Parrot's Pantry (about feeding and nutrition): https://www.facebook.com/groups/156496311144601/

The Parrot's Workshop (about toy-making and enrichment): https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheParrotsWorkshop/

The Parrot's Feather (about feather destructive behaviors): https://www.facebook.com/groups/382456301808577/

The Parrot's Patio (catch-all group for everything else): https://www.facebook.com/groups/265492713553840/

I have offered a deal for all of these groups that any of the members can schedule a behavior consult with me at a pay-what-you-will price.  It only seems fair that I should offer the same deal to *Paid* Members of APS.  So basically, if you are a member of APS and you have paid your annual dues, you can schedule a behavior consult with me and decide for yourself what you want to pay instead of paying my regular $75 fee.

Also, I have decided to donate 10% of all bird-related services I offer to APS, so 10% of every bird sit, bird boarding, behavior consult, or bag of chop'n'freeze will go to the group.

And finally, after the hellish month I've had, and in celebration of finally finishing the bird room that I've been working on since November, I've decided to host a Bird Room Open Nest (kinda like an open house, but, you know, for birds instead of people) some time in February.  I don't know when yet, but if folks have a day/time preference, I'd love to hear it.  Drinks, snacks, and music will be provided, but it will be BYOB.  Everyone will be welcome to come see my flock's new digs, hang out, chat, and just relax.  I look forward to just chilling with everyone!

That's it for now.  I'll post more info about the Open Nest when I have a date and time locked down.

Be well,

Emily