Dark side of Parrot Rescues Centers

[Jtbirds]

Ahh I see your point now, anytime I rescue and I plan on having my own at some time I charged an adoption fee to sustain the other rescues at that time and will do in my rescue... Yes fostering can be a scam kinda, but if you allow the people the option to come and take food and toys for free it is not so much, many people do not want to do that but pay for the expenses and then feel cheated when they are adopted because they miss them.. Some don't get the option I am sure.

 

[Jtbirds]

Grey I do agree with you but if you run a rescue in a manner just to support the other birds not to make a profit then it is ok this is how I plan to base my rescue one day I hope to have, not for personal gain or any profit just to sustain you know what I mean? And as far as vet fees go the vets around here will hardly ever give discounts to anyone.

I do agree many people take advantage of the fostering situations and it becomes a way to not lose extra cash which is completely wrong as well the fact many advertise these birds or animals needing to help and they don't need near as much money as what they say. This is all part of people's greed but if you set that aside and do it only to maintain and sustain it is a just cause then. Which is what my rule of thumb will be one day done the road

Is that something that is agreeable or is that still wrong as I would truly like to gather everyone's opinions, I mean truly an adoption fee is needed, but not a skyrocketing one.
300-600 dollars for a macaw with cage should be truly the max and 600 being something younger, nice cage, species plays a role so instead of a blue and gold it's a blue throat I mean if you got a blue throat in a nice cage and he was 8 years old 600 dollars is nothing plus a cage full of toys and perches already.. What do you think of something like that?

 

[ShellyBorg]

Many rescues that have started up here are just hoarders. They take in but never let go until they are shut down ...
Now I do believe in asking people to take classes before getting there birds. These guys will out live most owners and remain a kid for life. If you will not educate your self you do not need to own one, and we know that the available information that is out there has greatly changed in the last 20 years.

 

[Jtbirds]

I do agree grey and you are not being rude by stating about pluckers it is the sad truth of people, and I do agree with everything you stated. I also like the fact of if to volunteered and shown interest in a bird you should be free to take it that i will defiantly something is do in my hopeful rescue. I ask all this as my plans are to have my own rescue someday. I do also believe strongly in the PR part of what you have stated as yes with his being the fact it could easily generate enough and then allow wiggle room for adoption fees and so on. This is the biggest issue for most rescues is the PR relations and the fact rescues have a path of causing drama that isn't needed and running themselves to the dirt... So keeping a neutral mind and good PR all should fall right toghether..

Thanks grey for the ideas and also pretty much telling me exactly what I was thinking is the best way about it, glad your opinion is so similar to mine as you have great rescue expirence in the past!

 

[Jtbirds]

Thanks a lot grey that is all stuff I have been thinking about as well and it is just great to hear I am on the right tract in this idea of mine for someday. And what you explained isn't hard it just takes time and work and honestly it is the best way to go about it instead of being one of the many thrown up rescues that fail, currently the rescue I had worked with was a lot like you have worded early it was pitifull and I am kinda tired as you had begun to be so I m taking myself else were as we'll.

 

[SandyBee]

I Like the way the rescue is run here. They are a registered non profit soceity, run by a board and have a public membership that gets to vote on decisions.
They do charge for birds, $15-$1000, they clearly state that on their website. The adoptions director makes final decision on price and many factors are taken into consideration, age, condition of bird, if you volunteer, etc....
They also make money from auctions, event night, plant sales, penny drives, donations.

They take every and any bird in need, the money they take in goes to support the birds they have. They have some birds who will never be adopted out due to medical or behavioral issue. Some birds come in in good condition, many do not. They work with the SPCA for animal abuse and hoarding case. They travel all over the province to save birds. Many birds are surrendered at the Vets office from people who do not want to pay for medical costs. The vet sits on the board of directors. She does donate 1 day a week strictly to the birds at the rescue and does provide services below cost, there is still some real costs when it comes to medications, surgeries, boarding of ill birds.

Everyone is a volunteer, no one makes any money. All proceeds go to overhead operating cost eg rent/utilities/food/travel to rescue/medical
By definition of non profit it is illegal for them to make money and not return it to the soceity and books are audited every year. They do outreach to schools and many other groups. They do get in the local newspaper and television programs and they do make the public aware.

Adoption policies are reasonable, they educate you. They ask about your living situation. You need to provide references and have a home visit.
The home visit is more so that they can make sure that if they see any potential danger they can educate you. You also sign a contract saying that you agree to the care of this bird and your intention is not for resale. Also in the event that you can no longer care for said bird and do not have a suitable home for it to go to it will be returned to the soceity. You have 30 days in which to return the bird if it does not work ou "FOR ANY REASON" All funds refunded.

And in the end, there is too many birds that need a home and not enough homes. Some of the adoptable birds have been there a long time. Mostly the Cockatoos and the Amazons.

 

[SandyBee]

Hi Grey,

You are completely right, In this particular case the Executive director does not take a salary. Also wanted to add that they do foster out birds, but all the birds that are fostered are supplied food and vet care from the soceity.

 

[sodakat]

I'm curious what others think is the appeal of plucked birds at rescues. Why is there so much interest in taking home a plucked bird? Do you think many think they can "fix" it? If that isn't the reason, then what?

Also, recently there has been considerable legislation tossed around that will ban the sale of puppies in pet stores unless the puppies (also cats, bunnies) come from rescues or local humane societies.

Now the one thing I really wonder about other than the fact that I HATE more and more legislation coming down, is since rescues demand a home visit and usually an educational program, will pet stores forced to carry rescue animals also be requiring home visits?

 

[sodakat]

Hi Grey,

You are completely right, In this particular case the Executive director does not take a salary. Also wanted to add that they do foster out birds, but all the birds that are fostered are supplied food and vet care from the soceity.

I wonder how long a person can do this without taking a salary.

 

[SandyBee]

unless they are independently wealthy, married well, or lying they can't

Well she is married, wealthy and retired. It is her passion. What happens after her is anybody's guess, but the soceity will live on.

All other executives keep their day jobs or they are retired.

 

[Jtbirds]

I have always taking in pluckers because they have a spot in my heart as they just need me so much more then a well adjusted bird per say.. That is how I look at it I know many that look down upon pluckers and I just can't agree with that, so I take it upon myself I guess.

Grey I am a PR at the current rescue I work with me and my dad do a duo pretty much and I agree with everything yu have stated and there are a few things I'd like to discuss with you over a private message sometime as it is kind of a personal matter I believe you can help with having the same experience as I do it seems.

And yes idc who the owner is of a rescue they can lie about not taking a cut but they do no matter what I've not been to one rescue we're the president wasn't corrupt in some way...

 

[Lintini]

I looked into rescues around here, there are a few large ones that have a lot of parrots needing homes. But they want so much money for a bird that comes with baggage and in need of vet care most likely ....then they want you to come to their classes, inspect your house. It's like damn I can spend the same amount of money and get a handfed baby for the same price or less. I was looking at this specific macaw who they said was 10, not handled much...but they still want 1000$ adoption fee for it .... If I was rich and had the time and space yea but I already have my grey who I rescued from my aunt who has illness and she's been a lot of work for not coming out of her cage for 15 years. Even adopting a dog now is getting more and more difficult. My brother wanted to adopt this pure bred bull terrier that showed up at the shelter, but they needed the entire family household to show up at the shelter to finalize it. Well since he is pure breed we knew we had to get there the next day, and the shelter is only open from like 12-4 ....well our Dad is a superintendent for construction sites and so he runs the entire job site.....he cant just LEAVE work to go meet a dog, when my mom is already there giving the okay but NO, they needed my dad too and it was an issue but my dad came through and drove from work back to the shelter for my brother. If we waited till the weekend he would have been gone. It's just like wow........if you want the dog to go to a home can you be a little more flexible for people? They were completely full on dogs and not taking any surrenders but still made us all jump thru hoops. I understand and I also don't understand. It's way easier now to just find a breeder. The dog ended up being terribly aggressive, he tried to kill our pomeranian and it was a huge dramatic mess. They adopted him out to us knowing we had 2 small dogs and a 18 year old cat .....he ended up killing a cat after we rehomed him since the shelter said if we gave him back to them they would put him to sleep. SIGH. I don't like shelters anymore I'll probably only ever adopt cats from them now. Too much stress and drama.

 

[94lt1]

Problem with a lot of "adoptions" from those places...they aren't about the birds...they get em for free and just want to make a buck...and a lot of times they act like parrot hoarders...

They should be inspected and closed down...

 

[Merlee]

After learning about a rescue within driving distance, I am starting to think I don't want to deal with them. Some of the requirements they have in place are just too high for anybody to meet. No smoking, no dogs or cats. Come on, bird lovers are animal lovers so there will most likely be other pets in the household. If the rescues don't loosen up some of their rules, birds will never get rehomed. The rescues then become hoarders. The ones who lose out are the birds living in the rescue. Can you imagine living in a house with 50 or more birds? No wonder they scream or pluck.

I cannot believe the Dept. of Ag. allows this rescue to continue. Unfortunately, if something is wrong and shut down, where do all the existing birds go?

 

[findi]

After learning about a rescue within driving distance, I am starting to think I don't want to deal with them. Some of the requirements they have in place are just too high for anybody to meet. No smoking, no dogs or cats. Come on, bird lovers are animal lovers so there will most likely be other pets in the household. If the rescues don't loosen up some of their rules, birds will never get rehomed. The rescues then become hoarders. The ones who lose out are the birds living in the rescue. Can you imagine living in a house with 50 or more birds? No wonder they scream or pluck.

I cannot believe the Dept. of Ag. allows this rescue to continue.

Hi, thanks for your interest; tough situations always, and many do get in over their heads. On the other hand, those good with parrots, and able to care for them properly, tend to be specialists (I've seen this in zoo-keeper co-workers as well); dogs and cats can be a problem for parrots that are already difficult to keep, as are most shelter birds and the skill set and, often, general personality suited to parrot-keeping does not much overlap other than in the very general animal interest that you mention. Smoking of course a concern for all, most especially us. I don't have the answers; unfortunately parrots are far from ideal for the vast majority of people, no matter how noble their intentions. Best, Frank

 

[Merlee]

I realize that rescues have good intentions and the people who run them are very good with birds, but many good homes are rejected for the wrong reasons. For example, dogs and cats in the home. I have one of each and they have no fear of each other and get along great. These same animals have no interest in my birds, but I, most likely, would be rejected from adopting even though I already have two birds of my own. Also, I do not smoke.

From what I have seen and heard, a surrendered bird would be better off in my home than in the over crowded rescue. The birds are the ones who lose.

 

[findi]

I realize that rescues have good intentions and the people who run them are very good with birds, but many good homes are rejected for the wrong reasons. For example, dogs and cats in the home. I have one of each and they have no fear of each other and get along great. These same animals have no interest in my birds, but I, most likely, would be rejected from adopting even though I already have two birds of my own. Also, I do not smoke.

From what I have seen and heard, a surrendered bird would be better off in my home than in the over crowded rescue. The birds are the ones who lose.

It's very difficult to say, and always a fine line. There are good and bad shelters, well-meaning but unprepared and excellent owners, and so on; and each bird presents an individual challenge.

Shelter/rescue birds are invariably difficult to care for under the best of circumstances, given the typical behavioral and other problems most have. Ideally, each situation would be evaluated individually and in depth, but that's rarely possible. The mere presence of an animal instinctively viewed as a predator presents yet another hurdle; the restrictions you mention are typical. best, frank

 

[Ravennessa]

I recently had a very good experience with a rescue..
I found Jacob the sun conure, and got directed by ACC to contact parrot rescue for the lost and found.

The woman gave me a lot of info about sun conures, she offered to give me a cage for him if I was willing to take care of him until owner was found. Once she realized that I was keen on keeping him she said that if I had any training issues with him that she'd happily come over to help me rehab any potential problems so he could stay.

They were willing to do everything to ensure he wouldn't loose his potential home if problems occurred. Meanwhile another woman who does parrot rescues told me how cruel I was to have him as a pet, and that he's not a suitable pet and I should just relinquish him to a parrot rescue. basically only she was good enough to have them.. and I was so surprised.. cause honestly Jacob is demanding but not anymore than any other active breed of animal that I have.. (used to working dogs like pit/doberman/rottweiler)..

So I really liked the first rescue, they were so supportive, willing to give of knowledge experience and any help I could need..

 

[Merlee]

I would say many rescues want to help any bird in need, but trying to adopt one out is not easy. They have the mentality that you cannot take care of their birds as well as they can. It is easier to purchase one and less hoops to go through.

Boysmom is currently waiting to see if she is an acceptable adoptor. The fact that she smokes, which she does outside, is against its rules. Half the population in the South smokes. If the rescues can see the home is a clean, safe, and loving environment, then some rules should be overlooked. If not rescues will always be overflowing capacity.

 

[GinaF]

I worked in rescue for a few years. While I loved what I did, I came to severely dislike the organization I was working with.

I never signed up for the position. I was asked because the original Rescue Director had stepped down and they needed to fill the position. I reluctantly agreed and found myself thrown into it. I was expected to form a team, as there wasn't one in place. And I did just that. I had a few people I could rely on for help but not many. I had to do it all...pick up the owner surrenders, divide them out to foster homes, provide food, toys, etc. I had to interview the potential adoptive homes, do vet checks, reference checks, home visits. You name it, I did it. Eventually it became a full time job. At one point I had over 14 birds in my house to take care of. Most of my day was spent cleaning cages and working through behavioral problems. Many of these birds come in housed in substandard cages with nothing but a single perch to stand on. Several came in without a cage at all. Owners get frustrated with the parrot and want it gone but realize the nice cage they have it in could yield some money, so they keep that and dump the bird. One thing I was really good at was fundraising. I'd convince the owners I could take the bird in faster if they were willing to donate for it's care. Worked nearly every time. I'd pick up the bird, along with a check. Of course, the check would go to the club treasurer for deposit and the bird would either come home with me or straight to foster care. My team and I would sit around and assemble toys to sell at the meetings and raise money to support the rescue. Whatever we could do.

Within a few months I was over $2500 out of my pocket in supplies, food and cages. By the end of the year I'd spent well over $6000. Financially I was stressed. But I couldn't bear to keep a bird in an cage that was either too small or unsafe, so I kept going.

My breaking points came when I went to the club and asked for $500 of the money I had raised to purchase toy supplies and a cage for an amazon that came to me in a plastic dog carrier. I had found a used cage for $200 that was in relatively good shape. Despite the fact that I had raised and collected thousands of dollars for them in donation and adoption fees, they told me they didn't have any funds available. Instead, they were paying 'experts' to come speak at their monthly meetings, including entertainment, travel expenses and logic. Instead of the club supporting the rescue, the rescue was supporting the club. This was wrong on levels I can't even articulate. And I was angry.

Then there was a bonded B&G and GW that came in. They allowed those birds to be sent to Idaho to a breeder for 'foster care'. Something I would have never done. The only people I ever turned down were breeders. Those wanting to adopt that were new, I worked with to bring their knowledge up to speed. Often times, they became my best foster homes.

To date the Avian club I worked with still doesn't have a rescue director. Amazing, huh? Maybe if they didn't throw them out into the cold I'd still be working with them.