Flock with Helen - Corvid Specialist and Rehabber Support

I DID IT 😮 I am officially now a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) 🥳

Specialising with corvids (i.e ravens and crows) And anxious dogs.

With the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC

What can I say? After years of studying and support from the most amazing mentors, friends and colleagues I've achieved something that I thought I couldn't do.

After university I went on to follow the CAB process but each time I went to apply for the examination I felt like I wasn't 'good enough'. But I am!!!!

🖤🖤🖤

This qualification means the world to me, because it not only shows that my skillset and knowledge continues to improve but I can help MORE feathered and Fur Family.

It is also one of the most TOUGHEST and rigorous processes I've been through. Which is so important. Testing my practical and theoretical skills.

And I created something a little different, something that was needed: a way to coach Guardians and support Behavioural wise our corvid friends.

The process involved three cases:

A captive born raven
A disabled crow
A anxious dog

I have absolutely loved seeing their journey and updates, and I am over the moon you allowed me to work with you.

🖤🖤🖤

I hope that more people will take the step to fulfil accreditation and qualifications: especially those who work with birds.

Yes it's scary. Yes it's stressful. But it's absolutely been worth it every second of the way.

Always believe in yourself. I nearly lost that. But luckily found myself again.

Thank you 🙏

Today is the day 🙏 you've all been incredibly supportive ❤️

The final assessment to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in corvids.

If I don't get 100% I'll need to retake, if I run out of time I'll have to retake. It's an extremely rigorous progress which makes me so much prouder.

If I don't make it I'll just 'try again'.

Sorry for the radio silence 🔕 I've been taking a break and studying hard

It's my final examination Friday and I'm nervous. I've been really struggling with my back and the heat which has made studying so hard.

Today I've spent time with DAVE! and tried an ice bath and ice packs 🧊 but sadly life can't stop in rescue work. But there's also some time for rest 🙏 even if some may struggle we need to look after ourselves.

This little one was terribly lucky 🖤

Just when I thought things were getting a little quieter! Another magpie, she or he is beautiful.

We've had some new arrivals and I'm keen on educating people more as it seems there are too many corvids being tamed and released.

This little one (name pending) was found dehydrated and in urgent need of food. You've probably seen my post on Russell's Rescue.

We've seen a rise in cases like this, and although I try to open up hearts and minds and don't judge those who makes mistakes, in some cases I'm just saddened.

This bird was defenseless, no survival skills and released tame.

So tame in fact it spent over a week searching for people, landing on them in parks, asking for food. Being given water by residents.

Then finally it became too much and they walked into a care home. An absolute delight for the residents!

But not all feel this way 💔 many see them still as 'vermin' and it could be quite scary to some if a bird suddenly lands on them.

This little one is now safe.

Can disabled birds have a good quality of life in captivity?

This is a question that comes up alot, there is often dividing opinions so please keep comments civilised.

💖

I personally think disabled birds can have a good quality of life in captivity. However their needs need to be met.

They need to thrive not just survive and live happily free from suffering pain or disease ✅️

They may need companions of their own type ✅️

They will need enrichment to fulfil their needs ✅️

They must have space to exhibit normal behaviours ✅️

The list goes on ^

Some birds sadly don't thrive in captivity, in fact many woodpigeons can struggle because of their sensitive nature.

And older wild birds may never adapt.

However DAVE! is so happy, and I've had older birds thrive too.

It's important we discuss these subjects but as I always say, keep your hearts and minds open.

My main goal in rescue is rehabilitation and release, however we provide sanctuary for some birds who can live in captivity in harmony and thrive.

💖

It's not a one size fits all scale, each bird is an individual. So we must always take this into account.

And last but not least we don't ever see them as pets.

They are our flock family. We are their pets ;)

Thanks for reading,
Helen

This time last year I was the Teacher, today I'm the Student 🙏

Thanks for all of your support, I now have only part 3 to complete of my CAB. The assessment is a rigorous process including 3 oral examinations, 3 case studies and footage of me coaching and training birds/dogs and their Guardians.

'The Clinical Animal Behaviourist role involves the clinical application of the science of animal behaviour, and the modification of the behaviour of animals that are demonstrating all types of undesirable, inappropriate, problematic or dangerous behaviour, including those with a potential link to pathologies that require diagnosis in collaboration with a veterinary surgeon.' APBC

My final assessment is later in August, wish me luck 😎

Part 2 of 3 oral examinations to become a Full Member & Avian Behaviourist, the first specialising in corvids with the APBC 🖤

I already have a Batchelor of Science in Animal Welfare & Behaviour (degree) but this accreditation is important to me.

Today will be a tough one. So please wish me luck 🙏 I've worked relentlessly hard these past 24 years and qualifications aswell as experience is incredibly important to me.

My three cases (including dogs):

A captive born raven
A disabled crow
A anxious dog

In spring/summer I do limited sessions to support others, it's been a tough year! 🖤

All I ask is a small voluntary donation to our rescue. Outside these times there is a low cost option to support others.

This winter I'll also be offering group coaching and webinars 🙏

Contact: [email protected]

Part 1 of 3 oral assessments to reach CAB level in my behavioural work with birds (corvids) and dogs 🖤

It is incredibly indepth and challenging. But it's so important to me and will help me to help more birds.

It's not just about the oral examinations, I've submitted countless reports, risk assessments and video footage.

Wish me luck 🙏