Sam Morley, of Feather Friends Rescue, with Twiggy the parakeet.
ALL CREATURESFIFTEEN years ago, Sam Morley moved to a West Wight village and built an aviary in her garden.
"Before long, people started giving me birds they couldn’t keep any more. I then started helping the charity Friends of the Animals with bird rescues," Sam recalled.
"Eventually I realised there were so many birds in distress that a dedicated charity was needed, so I set up Feather Friends Rescue," said Sam.
Over the years, what started as a hobby has grown into a vocation. Sam now has around 500 rescue birds at home, in seven aviaries. They range from tiny finches to large parrots.
"Birds come to us for lots of different reasons," said Sam. "Some people find as they get older, they can’t look after their aviary birds.
"We’ve rescued birds that have been left behind in holiday homes when visitors have left. Parrots have come to us because their owners find they are too noisy or aggressive.
"There is a problem of people taking on birds like parrots without realising they are a big commitment. Parrots need plenty of stimulation, otherwise they can develop problems like aggression. You have to treat them a bit like children, giving them plenty of attention," said Sam.
"Unfortunately if owners are bitten, they become afraid of the parrot. I recommend that an inexperienced owner should choose a cockatiel rather than a parrot."
Sam’s dream for the charity is to raise enough money to buy a piece of land and have a bird sanctuary with large walk-in aviaries, where birds can fly or perch while visitors watch them.
At first, Sam raised funds by selling bric-a-brac at car-boot sales. Last November, Feather Friends opened a charity shop in Pyle Street, Newport, behind BHS.
Staffed by volunteers, the shop sells all sorts of donated merchandise, from small items of furniture to clothing. Goods can be sold on a 50:50 basis, with proceeds shared between the charity and the donor. Free collection is available.
Rescue parrots Robin and Alfie live in cages in the shop, entertaining visitors. They are both African greys, seven years old.
Robin was rescued by Feather Friends five years ago, when his owners moved to the Island, into accommodation where they could no longer keep him.
When Alfie was rescued, he had plucked himself almost bald but, after two years, is nearly fully feathered again.
Feather Friends Rescue can be reached on 07704744017.