Copyright © September 2001 - 2008 All rights reserved.
Photographs, articles, some backgrounds are the property of LITTLE DARLINGS
This page was last updated on: March 3, 2008
This site and design layout was made by Darlene Johnson of LITTLE DARLINGS
RECOMMENDATIONS and GENERAL COMMENTS
From: Dan Webb To: Little Darlings Sent: Sunday, March 02, 2008 2:27 PM Subject: Testimonial
Although I have known Darlene for a couple of years, this was the first time I had the pleasure of dealing with her. I contacted her about adding a new feathered soul mate to my family. I saw that she had some baby White Capped Pionus for sale and asked if one of them was still available. She got back to me very quickly and said that there indeed was a baby available. A couple of weeks later I went to go visit “Max” for the first time. It was love at first sight!! The first thing you noticed when you walked into her nursery was how clean and brightly coloured it was. Darlene answered all my questions and was very professional to deal with. I was able to visit and play with Max every 2 weeks until he was fully weaned and ready to come home. Thanks to Darlene’s nurturing, Max is a very happy and well adjusted bird and a great companion. I would highly recommend Little Darlings Aviary if you are looking for a companion parrot. Darlene is more than just a very successful and well respected breeder she is a producer of lovable, sweet natured pets. Thanks Darlene!!
Dan Webb
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From: Andy Smart To: mylittledarlings Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2004 7:34 PM Subject: Hello Darlene..
Hi....just a letter of Thanks!!
Joey helped!! His parts are the ones were he's bragging about himself!!
All the Best.
Sincerely; Andy & Linda
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The One Year Old
This is a True Story. It is about a Senegal Parrot named Joey who today turned "1". To say that we are pleased that we have this little guy as part of our Family, would be likened to what any parent would say about a child. Sure, we know that he is a bird ( he doesn’t ), a pet so to speak, and a child is a child. But, we also have children / with children and when we speak of Joey to our friends or Family, it is as if we were talking of a child that lives ( rules ) our house. They ask the same questions; how is he? does he talk yet? does he roam around the house? is he trained to go to the bathroom in a specific place…etc etc. So I ask you, are these not the same questions of a new child??
When we went looking to ‘adopt’ this child, we were fortunate to come across a place of business; yet I don’t like to call it a business, it is more of a place of Love of animals. I am not an overly religious man, yet I do believe in God, and I know when he looks down on Earth at times, His eyes smile as they pass over Embro. This is where "Little Darlings" is located. It is where a wonderful caregiver called Darlene raises Little Angels ( that truly do have wings ). From the moment their Parents snuggle to each other, until the little ones leave their ‘nest’ to go to a Loving home, they are cared for, caressed, fed, exercised, taught and above all, Loved by this wonderful Lady.
During our many visits to become adjusted with our new Family Member, we learned many things that can’t be read, watched on video, or surfed on the web. We saw things that one remembers, because they are actual interactive moments of Love shown to a baby bird. Whether it was our bird, our possibly someone else’s being weaned, the same equal amount of time, precious handling and playfulness was shown to all.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to adopt your new ‘child’ from Darlene, you will notice the things we have mentioned. If your own "Little Darling" wants to stay with her a little longer than normal length of weaning, consider yourself lucky. Lucky to have found a Breeder that doesn’t force feed your little one, or lets it fend for itself until it has to eat or starve, just in order to get it into your hands and your cheque into theirs !!! The weaning process can be the most critical time for the little one to understand what a Human is and thus the bonding to these big mammals will go easier through that fear barrier that Mother Nature has already built for them.
Joey turned out to be a talker; already he mimics about a hundred words & various other sounds in our home ( some of them Man made, ..don’t go there )!! Yet if he hadn’t talked we would Love him just as much. He is entertaining to the point of tears running down ones face, entertaining to the point of "what in the world" is he doing now?? As well as many things that he makes his Humans do that I’m sure are utterly ridiculous to him!! During our time with Darlene, we could not help but notice that some people would be "interested in buying" a Parrot species and would use this as an excuse to find out more about "buying" one of these ‘little Angels’ than they would about raising one!!! Then they would reach into their wallets at a Pet Store, or other not as well maintained facility to the fact that they maybe had saved a "dollar". Well, their Loss!!
If you intend to buy one of God’s little creatures with what’s in your wallet rather than with what’s in your Heart, then you should let your eyes look at Darlene’s face holding one of these ugly little hatchlings right out of the egg!! You will see not dollar signs; but you will see admiration, Love, warmth, protection…all those other words associated with anyone holding a helpless child for the first time.
So, when you go "shopping" for your "new pet"….remember a small village in Southern Ontario called Embro. There you will find what we found….a Family that doesn’t sell birds; but raises small winged creatures for people who care about such things on this earth. A Family that cares where these little ones end up and how they will be cared for and allows you into their Home weeks on end to acquaint you to be with your new Friend.
Yes, like everything these days, money will be involved…but you know something!! As I wrote Darlene a cheque, I realized that the money wasn’t for Joey…it was for the mist in Darlene’s eyes, the late night feedings, the playtime, the learning toys, helping him from his egg, keeping him warm in the incubator, cuddle time, hugs-kisses & so many other things that she gave up to be with our Joey... just so we could adopt him!!! ………..Not a bad deal my Heart tells me!
Thank you Darlene; for our Joey!!
From: Andy & Linda Smart in Ontario
and from Joey…a "X" & "O" ( hey, you taught him how )
From: Ontario Parrot Owners Association To: littledarlings Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 2:34 PM Subject: Pepper
I made contact with Darlene Johnson in the fall of 2002 regarding a baby Quaker parrot. At the time there were none available, but I went on her waiting list. I talked with her on several occasions after that, while waiting and found her to be very helpful and knowledgeable regarding her breeding of birds. In March of 2003, I received my little baby and got exactly what I was looking for, a healthy, happy and well adjusted baby Quaker! I would not hesitate to deal with Darlene in the future, if I choose to own another bird. I also frequently point others in her direction, and know of at least one other person who bought one of her birds, also with complete satisfaction. Keep up the great work Darlene!
Ron Pettitt in Ontario
Ontario Parrot Owners Association
Online community for parrot enthusiasts, all welcome.
Information, Updated Member's Gallery, Discussion Forum
All-NEW Classified page!
From: Louisa Chapman To: littledarlings Sent: May 10, 2001 4:17 AM Subject: Fw: Pepe and Darlene
Dear Darlene,
Look at the lovely note we just received. It was very nice of Cathy to write to us. I will get the kids to write her back tomorrow. We are very jealous that she got to hold Pepe, but at the same time thrilled that she found him to be a sweetheart. I hope that she is as lucky as we have been and is also able to get a baby this year.
We trust that Pepe and you are both doing well. We are holding up here, though anxiously waiting.
Take care. Thanks for giving Cathy our E-mail address.
Louisa Chapman in British Columbia
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From: Reaume, Cathy (C.) To: Louisa Chapman Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 11:47 AM Subject: Pepe and Darlene
Hello there to Louisa and Bill Chapman (and to any other Chapmans if there are any)
My name is Cathy Reaume from Windsor, Ontario and I just have to tell you what I did last weekend.
I had the opportunity to meet Darlene Johnson and her family, as well as the little critters in her household. Let me tell you, there were quite a few little ones, but there was one special one and his/her name is Pepe.
I am currently on Darlene's waiting list for a Quaker, but I wanted to go down and meet with her personally and see her facilities before I registered with any Quaker breeder. Let me tell you first hand that she is an energetic warm person who, you can tell, loves what she is doing. All the birds looked very happy and healthy. Her facilities were clean and roomy and she answered every question I had for her. I have been doing a lot of research on Quakers and breeders and I have all the confidence in the world in her. I am just waiting to hear the news that an egg # 7 has been laid because that one will be mine.
Back to Pepe;
While I was there for my appointment (1&1/2 hours), she put this warm, gangly little guy/gal in my hands. (After I had disinfected them of course). And I got to hold and cuddle your little Pepe for my whole visit while I talked to her. I envy you guys because he/she had to be the sweetest little thing I've ever seen. Who said baby birds weren't cute? When she first put him in my hands, he was shaking a little bit but I just held him close to me. Pretty soon he stopped shaking and became pretty curious as to where exactly he was and who I was. He was sooooooo cute looking around and trying to investigate everything. After about a half hour of that, he got a little tired and fell asleep in my hands. I'll let you know that all his plumbing seems to be in working order too, so I kept the kleenex close by.
If Darlene wouldn't have been such a good Nanny, I may have tried to sneak out with him. (Just kidding, but it was tempting). As I said before, I have met your baby first hand and he/she is absolutely incredibly sweet. I can only hope that if there is an egg # 7, my little guy/gal will be just like Pepe. You are a very lucky family and I bet you can't wait to hold him in your hands.
Best of Luck with your new baby and it looks like he'll be ready to travel soon.
Cathy Reaume in Windsor, Ontario, Future Quaker Mom.
From: Debbie Kozak To: Little Darlings Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2003 2:46 AM Subject: testimonial re: rose crowned conure
Dear Darlene,
Wanted to give you an update on Cecil (pronounced: Seasill). He has settled right in, eating like a horse and such a loving bird. How he loves to be cuddled! He does not bite, you can tell that he had tender loving care from you! He is a very well adjusted bird, he loves his naps, but also loves to go for short walks, on my shoulder, outside and loves to sit on my shoulder, in the back yard and watch the birds! Quite amazing! He is very good with other people, as well. We are so pleased !
I also want to thank you for all your advice and information regarding the purchase of our baby. I was so nervous and suspicious of purchasing a bird over the internet. But to tell you the truth Darlene, I received more help and advice from you than I did from a recent pet store purchase. I liked that you reassured me that I could call you if I had any problems. I also liked that you were able to answer all my questions and you never hurried me or were eager to make a sale. I could tell that you cared about the bird, in fact all your birds!
I also had been very worried about the shipment of the bird. That was a needless worry. Cecil arrived in a very comfortable container, in fact his food and water had not even spilled! When I got him in the van and opened his container, out he popped and climbed right on my shoulder!
I wish to thank you again and as I mentioned to you before, I will be passing your card to all my tenants. We just love our Rose Crowned Conure and truly it was a pleasure doing business with you. Lastly, we enjoyed your website and it is great that you offer education, tips and pointers on the birds!
We definitely will be purchasing another bird from you, in the future!
Respectfully,
Debbie Kozak, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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From: Teresa & Terry Arseneau To: littledarlings Sent: July 16, 2001 11:19 AM Subject: A visit sometime?
Hi Darlene,
As you can see for yourself ( below ) people are singing your praises. I asked at the Parrot Shoppe if anyone could recommend some really good breeders of the parrot species I have been researching. Your name has been offered twice.
Sometime within the next year or so I would like to add another parrot to my flock. A bird that will learn a few words or phrases would be nice, but I am really hoping for a parrot that will enjoying learning tricks and performing them for the kids I teach at Sunday School. It would be nice if he/she enjoyed at least a little bit of handling, like head scratches, but that is not a huge consideration. I very much want a bird that will be friendly with more people than just myself.
Birds I am considering are: Pionus ( Blue-Headed or Maximilian's; maybe Bronze-Wing ); Blue-Crowned Conure or Alexandrine. Would it be possible for me to visit and observe ( maybe interact with ) your birds sometime this summer? I've had very little exposure to any of these birds. I like to see first-hand what these birds are like before I make a decision.
Thanks for your time.
Blessings, Teresa Arseneau in Ontario
On the wings of His love...
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TOOTING YOUR PRAISES:
PS there is also a really good breeder of small birds in Embro her name is Darlene her phone number is 519-475-4008
she has some real nice birds and hand raises them in a loving environment..
Nel in Ontario
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Hi:
I saw your posting and really wanted too offer you some of my personal info in deciding on your next bird. I have an alexandrine. He was my first bird and is the BEST bird ever. He will be three this Christmas and I fully believe that had it not been for him I would have never started with the birds. ( I now breed small parrots ) He has the gentlest, calmest most loving personality and everyone who meets him feels the same way. Anyone can handle him even my two year old ( not hold him, as he is a big guy, but pet him and play with him ) I think it is great that you are really researching your next bird as that shows that you want a forever friend not a disposable bird that you will not be happy with ( so many people buy a bird and then find it is totally wrong for them ) I am sorry for rambling, so I will end this message with the e-mail of a friend of mine who has some of the species you are interested in ( my alexandrine came from her ) she also has various other breeds such as Pionus, pyrrhura conures and Quakers. Her name is Darlene Johnson littledarlings@... She lives about 25 minutes from London. She is map certified and you are guaranteed a healthy well adjusted, socialized and loving friend. ( sometimes there is a waiting list )
Please let me know how things turn out and good luck!!!!!!
Jennifer Manion in Ontario
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A post from CanadianAvianDealsGood-Bad a yahoo groups list. From: "maxifreudbird" Date: Wed Apr 30, 2003 8:16 am Subject: Happy with these bird breeders
Hi, group!
I wanted to say that I have been very happy with the beautiful, friendly and healthy birds that I have bought from Little Darlings and also from Adam Ritchie. Both of these bird breeders demonstrated the highest professionalism and regard for their birds in the ( frequent ) correspondence I had with them before and after I bought birds from them. The love and quality truly shows in their birds! I would not hesitate to highly recommend them both.
Thank you to the group owner for starting this group!
Theresa Girvin in Alberta
ALEXANDRINES
From: Teresa & Terry Arseneau To: Darlene Johnson Sent: December 12, 2001 2:46 PM Subject: first words
Hi Darlene,
Darlene, we couldn't be more pleased with any bird and I suspect we ain't seen nothing yet! I would ( and do ) recommend an Alexandrine to anyone. Gonzo is smart, funny, talented and affectionate. He loves life and savors everything ( like his food ) in tiny nibbles -- well, except for wood; that's gone in seconds. Everyone who meets him, likes him. He leaves quite a trail of hearts wherever he goes, and he is a bird that can be taken virtually anywhere -- as long as I remember to bring plenty of chewables along.
Thanks once again for raising such an outstanding pet. I want you to know that he is being properly spoiled and is expecting lots of new toys.
Merry Christmas
Teresa, Terry Arseneau & Gonzo the GREAT! in Ontario
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From: shargraft To: littledarlings Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 11:03 PM Subject: Kiwi Hargraft
Hi Darlene!
I wanted to give you a little update on how we were doing with our new baby Alexandrine girl. First, her name is Kiwi
( green color ).
Well, things are just great. She is settling very nicely. By noon, she was eating, eating and eating. The kids gave her some Lego pieces to play with, as well as assorted bird playing and chewing toys, which she seems to enjoy.
I came back from work at 3:00 today, she came out and played on the top of her cage. I went to her and she came to the edge of the cage and talked to me with this gentle throaty sounds. I had brought her some new toys, she inspected them and tried them all for a while. She talks to me a lot, I was playing hide and seek and that really got her attention.
-Hey were are you?
-Where is your face?
-Come on out!!
She was so funny, she was on top of her cage and I would hide my head in the cage. She would twist her head and lower it upside down as much as she could to find me. What a little clown! When I would come out I'd say: Peek-a-boo!! and she would come and kiss my nose and my lips. She would then make her sweet little rolling sounds for me.
Thank you so much for what you have done for her. She has started her life in a wonderful way with a mom like you and I get to enjoy the benefits of your work. Now, it is mine to do all the homework possible to learn to understand her language. This being accomplished can only create a wonderful feather friend.
Thanks, Sylvie Hargraft in Ontario
From: sylvie hargraft To: alexandrines@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 9:15 AM
Subject: Re: Thanks for the welcome
Hi John,
Welcome to the list. There is good information here and really helpful people, you should enjoy.
My name is Sylvie and have owned my alex Kiwi since Dec 02. She is our first parrot and have enjoyed her ever since. When I want to spend relaxing quality time with Kiwi, I take her with me and I lay on the couch. She will stand on me and I can tell her all kinds of stories, sing songs, talk, talk, talk to her and she will listen to me the whole time. I play with her, I turn her on her back, get her to hang from my fingers, tickle her and she still stays on me. I can pet her on the back, give her little hugs and of course, give tons of kisses that she will return. I can touch her because she knows that this little touching and hugging activity will be short. Just enough to make me feel good.:-) See, she compromises with me as long as I curb my cuddling impulse.:-) When she is done, she turns around and walk back to her cage. I say "Bye-bye Kiwi", she then stops and looks at me with this uncertain look. Sometimes, she will come back. I think she thinks that I'm the one leaving and she doesn't want that. I confuse her with saying bye to her. She should be the one saying it to me. If only I could get her to speak more.:-( She will say "Hello!" "Oh-ho!" She is trying to say "kiss-kiss" with two kissy sounds at the end. I find she uses her talking voice more the days. Maybe is she practicing. She is so cute that I had to add to my flock after her.
Enjoy your new birdie, if he is anything like our Kiwi, he will be the source of a lot of laughs in your home.
Sylvie in Ontario
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From: "shargraft" To: <alexandrines@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 9:32 PM
Subject: [alexandrines] Re: female
Hi Dominic, my name is Sylvie and I have owned my female alex, Kiwi for 11.5 months now. Kiwi was hand-raised by Darlene, our moderator, and she is the most wonderful bird you could have. She is affectionate, gentle, loves to spend family time, loves to chew her wood and will NOT bite us:-), says only "Hello, hello," in that really cute voice when she calls us and we don't come. At supper time, she climbs down her cage and comes to the table because she has her own little stand with her own human food waiting for her. She eats next to us and behaves wonderfully. It would be great to have her say more words, but that is not the Kiwi we have. Kiwi is a great, great pet! Everybody, and I mean everybody that comes in contact with Kiwi thinks they have fallen in love with parrots because she is sooooooo wonderful and sooo gentle. She will go to anybody.
Sylvie in Ontario
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From: "shargraft" To: <alexandrines@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 9:22AM Subject: [alexandrines] Re: Pet - Male or Female? (Super Long)
Darlene, what a wonderful super long message!!
This big girl alexandrine sounds so wonderful. Her little sister, Kiwi, is exactly the same! I love when you go on explaining how you handle your little darlings, I can see you doing all those wonderful things, no wonder they all turn great if we are good parronts to them after you. I think I understand that your BEST chicks(disposition wise)you keep for breeding to insure wonderful pets. Somebody needs to take time to observe the babies for that. I must commend you for your wonderful work because we get to enjoy the birds coming out of your dearest care. It is really to bad that you don't have any alex for Dominic, he would be pretty safe with a baby from you.
Sylvie in Ontario
After raising and selling birds for a over a decade now. I have met so many wonderful people who share my same love for birds. It's been so rewarding to help people find their new companion and get them started on the right track. Ordering birds over the Internet can be a bit scary, so I am hoping that some of these comments will help calm your fears.I have broken it down into categories, starting with Recommendations and General Comments and the different species that I breed. There is some valuable and excellent information on various species behaviors, characteristics and personalities stated below! I totally recommend reading them.
