Please pass this on. ANY bird is welcome in my home… I live in Naples Florida and have an African gray, (for 22 years) a dove for 3, and an abandoned rehab’d racing pigeon for two. There is plenty of room for more. Please..please please don’t let a parrot suffer in a bad situation….. my number is 239 300 1242 and email is esherma3 at gmail dot com…. all birds are welcome and will be loved.

This is such a heartbreaking subject. People need to know more so I put the video on my blog. People must be educated more. It should be a law not to have this breeding going on also. Are any of you good at writing a petition? We could start a petition on Care2 on this link. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/create.html It’s gut wrenchingly sad. Someday I want to be able to afford to build a sanctuary, hire people to help, etc. It’s my dream. I am not making hardly any money right now but found a place that could help me make enough money and any of you too. We will also have a safer home for people, pets, pet birds, and the earth. Please look at my slide show here: www.Melaleuca.com/DeliveringWellness Passcode: Melaleuca Get back to me if you are interested at news@dpbiznews.net Subject line: MELALEUCA Barb With Questions And tell me if you are interested enough to join. I seriously want to help unwanted, hurt, unloved birds! And I know you do too.

I am very happy with this post. It is so important, but here is a problem. People who have birds are reading the post, not the prospective buyer. My husband and I had our daughter research on her parrot before we let her buy the bird. She had to give us all the details. When we discovered how long the bird could live, we talked with her a long time about the responsibility. We were already a pet family and she is use to taking care of animals. (Our horses can live up to 30 years and we have had them from weanlings.) We wanted to make sure everyone was going to be okay for the long haul with the bird, IE: her college years, etc. I cannot tolerate the person who gets an animal and then when they tire of them they trade them, dump them or whatever. Every animal I have owned in my entire life has spent their lifespan with me. My children have been raised to do the same. I hope all the rescue birds can find a good home!!! I also do not acquire more pets than i can handle. Thanks so much for the post :)

both of my birds are addopted .. they where 6 and 9 years when i got them and I would love to make my flock bigger but we dont have any rescues here but i would love to find a rescue in europe or on the west coast of the us so I could move them over here. I have plenty of space and time. My children will take my birds after my days and they love them as much as i do :)

Lynn Morgan – President & Founder “Amazing Grace Bird Rescue” To all of you that have adopted from or rescued a bird "Thank You’. My rescue has been established for 9 yrs now and we have now been forced to start turning birds away, which is breaking my heart. When we tell people we have no room, they simply turn their birds loose. Recently an Amazon and a Blue & Gold Macaw were thrown out the doors by their owners. Some days we have mulitple birds surrendered to us and have even had birds left on the porch while gone to pick up birds. There are times that as fast as we get a bird adopted, two come in it’s place. Of all the abused and neglected birds that have come our way, on Dec. 1, 2010, a Military Macaw named “Millie” was surrended at 6:30 AM and upon viewing her, I took her straight to our avian vet, Dr. David Kersting and he told me that in all of his years of avian vetting, which is 24yrs, he had never seen such cruelty. “Millie” had literally no muscle mass and was covered in a yeast infection a 1/4" thick over the majority of her body. We debated whetherd to try to save "Millie’, when she came out of the carrier and cuddled in my arms looking up at me and giving me her heart. We decided that if “Millie” wanted to try, so did we. “Millie” was in intensive care for three days and then I took her home as Doc said that anything that could be done for her, I could do at home. In the first 3 weeks, “Millie” gained 4 lbs and fell in love with her pelted food, fruits and vegetables.. She loved her baths and anyone who was lucky enough to meet her, felt blessed by being in her presence. On the 5th week, “Millie’s” lower beak broke off by an 1/8". Now that might not sound like a lot, but it meant she could no longer eat her pellets. We took to soaking her pellets and making her a mash of sorts with peanut butter, baby food (chicken) and scrambled eggs. She responded wonderfully. On week 7, “Millie” called out to me one evening and just wanted to me hold here and fell asleep on my chest. I let her sleep with me all that night and took her into Dr. Kersting’s the next morning. Bless his heart he was not ready to give up on “Millie” until I pointed out that her respirtory system was shutting down. Upon examing her, he agreed there was nothing left do help her with except to love her enough to give her the peace of eternal sleep. I carried "Millie’ home in a blanket I had taken along and a friend of mine donated having “Millie” cremated for me. I took her ashes and spread them out below a dam on a farm were the wind lifted them and truly set her free. I will never be the same again! My rescue at one point has had four locations, but I am now down to one, because the others say that they just can’t take seeing and dealing with the issuses facing this beautiful creatures any more. There are many times I am so tired and worn out of heart, that I think about giving up too! But then I think of our “Millie” and how hard she fought to be loved and the honor of having her in my life for those 7 weeks and I know I wil go on until there is just no other choice. “God be with us and his wonderful winged children” as we love and are loved by them"

Regardless of how we feel about rescue centers and networks, the bottom line is most have a mssion to take in unwanted birds becau, in most cases. they are true bird lovers who “care” Through public education and awareness, using resources like this blog, perhaps it will make people THINK before buying or adopting a bird. This story desrves national attention through CBS, NBC, or ABC. It also deserves attention through one of the mainstream talk shows like Ellen, Oprah Network, etc. A PR firm willing to devote donated time to this cause would also be welcomed. If anyone has connections pass this blog on for revifew.

I don’t have a rescue close by that I know of…. and would dearly love to Re- home a bird, We have 4 already 2 budgies, one cockatiel and a very bossy Albino indian ringneck. The cost of buy a baby or any in a pet store is just crazy especialy after reading stories like this. Anyone knowing of a rescue close to Ottawa Canada please let me know.

I love my Green Cheek conure. I considered carefully my and my wife’s age before adopting this animal (I.m 50; my wife 45). We got her from a friend 3 years ago (which makes her 5 years old). We don’t buy birds (I have owned several budgies over the years). We only agreed to take on this bird because we were confident we could make the commitment, and we did not want the bird abandoned or given to the wrong type of caretaker. She bonded with us pretty quickly, and is a joy to be a companion to. This article brings up a very good point. My wife is taking more and more interest in our pet, and I will discuss with her what we should do should the unthinkable (but likely) happen — our passing on. We will start getting our nephews and neices (and God-children) involved with our conure and see if we can’t make a plan with a willing relative. The best thing to do too, is to make sure that the bird is well socialized to different people, and to have the information and the tools to understand and resolve any behavioral issues. But most importantly I want to ensure the happiness of our feathered friend. When we took on the care of this bird, I had resolved that we were not going to “warehouse” this creature, like it was a goldfish (no offesnse, fish lovers). We were going to give it our attention, not spoil it though, and try to make life interesting for her so that she could enjoy a quality of life. She’s in captivity not through her own choice, so it is incumbant on us to ensure that she lives a fulfilling life. That also means ensuring any future changes (owner, location, etc.) are handled responsibly, with the best interest in mind for everyone involved. I love our friend, and I’m glad to share this time on earth with her. She brings a lot of love, affection, and plain old entertainment to this life. She deserves the best life we can give her. We didn’t buy her from a store, so we don’t support that industry directly. We owe it to her (and ourselves) to educate ourselves on how best to give her a fulfilling life (such that it is, in captivity). A bird is not a commodity. It’s not a book, a boat, or a used car. It is a living, thinking, emotional creature. And if it happens to be in your care, you owe it the same chance of a fulfilling life as you owe yourself.

i bought a blue crown conure last august [ before i knew about rescue birds] and hand fed him. he’s a great little bird but i’m an older person and the man said to be sure and put him in my will because he will out-live me. this was brought home very clearly when i was diagnosed in jan. of this year with cancer, but not to worry, charlie will be well cared for!

I have been searching for a rescue for more than 2 years. It’s taken this long, because every time I inquire, the rescue is either too far away, asking too much, or a scam. Anyone know any real rescues near Louisville, KY?

I have tried to adopt,I have a conure now ,own my home ,and would love to give a bird a loving home. They won’t let me adopt because I don’t live close enough to a rescue to take classes and have them come to my home.I think there are alot of good homes that aren’t looked at because of this. So I will have to buy a baby if I want a second bird.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I bought my CAG,Winnie, 5 years ago, after my husband’s suicide. I already had a Jenday and a Sun Conure. . I was already in a wheelchair with Chronic Lyme, and 53, but expected to care for then for many more years, until my 4 kids were established and able to provide homes to the birds with people they already knew. This last year, however, the Lyme damaged my heart, badly, and I had a defibrillator installed. The long-term prognosis is not good. Of course, my kids would be the preferred caretakers, but if they are unable, financially/home situation, or whatever to take them, I’ve asked the co-owner of my avian vet clinic to take them and either keep them or find them good homes, preferably with at least the 2 conures staying together. He’s a licensed behaviorist, and owns several birds himself. He is in my will, and I trust him. I hope not to leave too soon, for my kids’ sake, their father’s death is still an issue with some of them, but I have provided for the most vulnerable of my “kids” to the best of my ability. I guess I thought everyone with a pet thought of this….but obviously, I was wrong.

Patty, this is a great article. I own a small Parrot Rescue/Refuge, and I fund it myself. Right now I have ten birds in my care, and I have a will that will leave the birds to my daughter, and both of my children will get my house. I am one of the refuges that is bursting at the seams, but as long as I am able, I will not turn any bird in need away. I am the only Parrot Rescue/REfuge in my area. There’s not even an Avian or Exotic Animal Veterinarian within a 200 mile radius of me, which I feel is very sad. Some of my birds came from very loving homes, but for one reason or another, they had to be given up. Last week I even had to take in a Military Macaw with biting issues, and he’s only 14 years old. I’ll get him worked out of the biting, but he will have his forever home with me. Both of my children know and respect my wishes, and I have taught my daughter about birds. I do sometimes adopt a bird out, but I am very strict on the requirements, and if the adoptor slacks the slightest bit, the bird remains with me. I figure that my birds have all come from horrendus conditions, and I am not about to place them there agian.

I got my budgie, Louis, from Bird Rescue in Green Bay, Auckland. He was in bird rescue for 2 months and the owner gave him up as he fought with the other bird. He is on a special formula that I buy from the vet in Blockhouse Bay and much happier now we’ve had him for 22 months and he is now 3 years 10 months. Bird rescue gets a lot of birds, of various types all year round and it’s worth going to them before going to get one from a pet shop. They do good work and deserve a donation for it is a charitable organization.

Hi grrlinduluth, Rescues have to be very particular about the homes they place their birds into. If they aren’t, the bird could either go into a situation worse than the one they came from or wind up back on their doorstep. They mean to make it difficult, and they should for the bird’s protection. Every time a parrot is ejected from a home it has a negative impact, making the bird harder to rehome again. I don’t know that temporary placement shelters would work either for similar reasons. Too much juggling around for a bird. It is tragic to hear about someone losing their birds because of an economic situation, though. Patty

the problem with some nonprofit adoption places is their requirements-understandable for new bird owners but if a previous/current bird owner is willing to travel hours to pay almost full price for a rescued bird they shouldnt be denied because they arent in distance for them to visit the new home to approve adoption(wouldnt a pic be good enough)…..people shouldnt have to give up their pet loved ones for loss of jobs and home as we are seeing know-why isnt there any place that helps/homes animal temporarly for free(or donation run)until the owner gets their own place again?

Phoenix Landing is a great organization, but they’re as bursting at the seams as all the other organizations. There are also places, like The Oasis and Mollywood, that place the parrots permanently in the refuge so they do not get bounced from home to home, but they are overfull. World Parrot Refuge is another such “permanent home” for parrots—absolutely overwhelmed daily with calls from people wanting to get rid of their birds. The problem is that parrots make wonderful companions, but terrible pets, due to their social demands. There really is no excuse for buying a parrot from a pet store; there are enough unwanted parrots now to supply ever prospective bird owner with two birds. I’ve taken in around a dozen over the years, rehomed some of them, have four at the moment, know of several in my town that the owners’ family situation changed and they now want homes. Each adoption upsets the flock and sometimes leads to plucking. Please, folks, do NOT get a baby parrot. Adopt an unwanted adult, and make contingency plans for after your death.

Nancy Erickson THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THIS GREAT EDUCATION I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT MY BIRD OUT LIVING US I HAVE A PARAKEET THAT I RECUSED AND WE LOVE HER TO DEATH SHE HAD 3 HOMES BEFORE ME

When I decided to look for a parrot as a companion, I looked at many listings and so called parrot rescues. The rescues I found near Cincinnati required extensive training and costs to re-home a parrot. I think one rescue near Dayton was actually run by a bird hoarder. I was willing to learn and pay for the costs but the time required or the distance limitations by some rescues made it prohibitive. I have since taken in an African Gray I bought from a breeder and a year later rescued an African Gray from a home that could no longer care for it. It is a plucker and not very tame but we are taking our time and have learned to care for her as she is. I am concerned that some shelters are more interested in being shelters than re-homing birds. Anyone else find this true?

I agree totally with adopting where possible. Even a handy man wouldn’t attempt to build a house if he had only done repair jobs around the house. So should people not buy a parrot and think they know how to properly care for it just because they remember having a budgie when they were 5 years old. Lots of research and help from professionals is added to love, patience and tolerance in having a parrot. Remember, they are incredibly smart, quick to learn and feel emotion. Treat them like they are children as pretty much that is what they are.

The Lily Sanctuary in Southern California has a number of parronts who have included the sanctuary in their wills and trusts for the placement of their birds at The Lily Sanctuary. We are both a sanctuary and a rescue and rehoming facility with a large staff of dedicated volunteers who not only take care of the cleaning and upkeep of the sanctuary, but also develop bonds and give much play time with the parrots.

Thanks Birdtricks.com for posting this. I acquired my Grey from a family that couldn’t give him the time he needs. My husband and I are both older and I always think about what I’m going to do with him. I have some years left (hopefully) but I do think about it a lot. My heart grieves when I think about all the birds out there who live terribly sad, lonely lives. People have absolutely no concept of what a huge commitment it is to take these birds into their lives, how brilliant they are, how much they need to exercise, have companionship, etc. It’s funny but if you took a dog and crated it day and night and never let it run around and be a dog, people would say it’s cruel. Why is keeping a beautiful bird, who God created to fly up in the air, in a cage for the rest of it’s life considered ok? My husband and I “run” our bird everyday. His wings are trimmed but we run with him on the grass and he flaps his wings. He has been doing it for 6 years now and he really looks forward to it. He holds on tight and flies like crazy. They need to be able to feel like this because that’s one of the things they were made to do. It exercises his pectoral muscles and gets his blood pumping. He’s a beautiful birdy and we love him :)

I adopted both my birds from rescues and I know they are two happy birds. I have a green cheek conure and a blue headed poinus.

August 24th animal planet special Prostitutes to parrots Watch it