Oh Mowsie, Nikkie, joined Tailfeathers in June of 2004 after she brought her first two cockatiels, Apache (aka Patchie) and Neo home. Though she'd had Patchie for a month already and things had been going well, it was Neo she needed help with. Medical problems sent this new bird owner searching on the web for answers, and she found Tailfeathers on the referral of a good friend. At Tailfeathers, Nikkie found a pool of medical resources, emotional support and friendly people willing to share anything from helpful tips and advice to winsome stories about their birds. Without the friendly and knowlegeable people at Tailfeathers, Nikkie feels Neo would have suffered much more in those dark hours before the vet's office opened and perhaps may not have made it. She is eternally grateful that Neo still sings today, and largely gives thanks the members of Tailfeathers for this. It seemed only natural to give back when Tailfeathers invited her to join the staff of Moderators several months later. "Its a privelege to help those who have helped me. I was new to this too, and had many questions, once upon a time. If no one had taken the time to answer those questions, where would I be? I love being a moderator. I get to help people and make new bird owners feel as welcome as I felt when I first joined. When you're scared about an issue with your bird, its a relief to "see" a friendly face and talk to someone who just might be able to help. I get to give back. I like that."
Nikkie's love for birds (cockatiels in particular) began at the age of 12, when her aunt's cockatiel Chico, fell in love with her. She brought Patchie home on Mother's Day 2004 and Neo soon followed. Her passion for learning about birds grew as did her flock. In addition to a few cockatiel "purchases" such as Taxi and Silver, she began rescuing birds in need. A few she fostered until they could be placed in a permanent home (Diablo, Fergie, China), but most of her rescues she has kept. (Neo, Teika, Trinny, Buzz). She landed a job in a veterinarians office to get more hands on experience learning about birds, but sadly, they didn't cater to avian pets. Instead, she took classes in how to feed baby cockatiels and sick birds and how to medicate.
Though no longer working at a veterinarian's office, she maintains a close relationship with her avian vet. With this large of a flock (11 tiels in all including the clutch Patchie and Silver had), she feels this is critical to their health and wellbeing. Staying educated is also a priority. In addition to learning what she can (and many lessons she learns in her own livingroom and are taught by the birds themselves), she takes Apache to classrooms with her to give presentations on how to properly care for birds. Patchie's personality is best suited for this task although Taxi has also accomapnied her on such outings. Nikkie's dedication to educating the public about the specific nature of avian care inspired her to publish her own website which she maintains regularly "Nikkie's Cockatiels". In addition, she has authored articles on the Tailfeathers website including "Cockatiels" "Where to Get and How to Select Your New Bird" (authored with TaffyWDuck), "Coping With Hormones" & "Taming Your Bird". Sarah Williams will feature Nikke and her flock in her upcoming book "Living With A Cockatiel" in Chapter 8. Also, Nikkie's article "Chronic Egg Laying - A Real Concern" will be published in an upcoming Newsletter for the Gulf South Bird Club.
What's next? "Who knows", She laughs. "I'm currently working with troubled youth - my college background is in psycology and working with youth is my forte. I'm sure my birds will figure in. Kids and birds go hand in hand you know. Trust building - in that way, birds and troubled youth are very similar. Perhaps Patchie will be making an appearance very soon. And I'd like a sun conure.. one day. But first I need a bigger house!"
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