Possibly opening an Avian rescue

[Seantheparront]

I would love more than anything to open an Avian rescue here in Pensacola, Florida, as all we have currently that I know of is Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park, my question is could anyone offer advice, that would be helpful, thank you!

 

[wrench13]

What kind of experience do you have giving large hookbills the care, attention and diet that they need to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life?

 

[Seantheparront]

What kind of experience do you have giving large hookbills the care, attention and diet that they need to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life?

It will be mainly smaller birds such as cockatiels and parakeets as those tend to be impulse buys or don’t get the care they deserve, I currently have two cockatiels (one is older and previously abused) and two budgies. I always do extensive research before looking into a new kind of bird and the same will go for taking care of any unfamiliar breeds, I will ask veterinarians, owners of said breed, and I will check respectable sites to find out as much as I can to take good care of a bird. If it’s something I am not 100% sure I can take care of I will find someone more experienced to either help me learn how to take care of it or to keep it until it finds its forever home.

 

[Cardinal]

What kind of experience do you have giving large hookbills the care, attention and diet that they need to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life?

It will be mainly smaller birds such as cockatiels and parakeets as those tend to be impulse buys or don’t get the care they deserve, I currently have two cockatiels (one is older and previously abused) and two budgies. I always do extensive research before looking into a new kind of bird and the same will go for taking care of any unfamiliar breeds, I will ask veterinarians, owners of said breed, and I will check respectable sites to find out as much as I can to take good care of a bird. If it’s something I am not 100% sure I can take care of I will find someone more experienced to either help me learn how to take care of it or to keep it until it finds its forever home.

Yes focus on just these two species. That would be good. If rescues were more focussed, they may actually do the birds in their care a great services.

You need to have a separate quarantine room where new birds can be housed and observed for at least 3 weeks, may be 5.
Regarding donations, perhaps you can charge people for visiting the place and interacting with some select tame individuals- not the whole flock.

Great intention! Hope you succeed. Wish I could do the same here in India but right now circumstances won't permit.

 

[Amsterdam]

Hello there i dont have a rescue center but i rescued 12 budgies in total where i already rehomed 4 i live in Turkey and money is not really a problem but time is , my wife does help when im at work but the biggest problem is time since they all need care and attention

 

[noodles123]

You would also have to establish extensive protocol for quarantine etc (housing away from the other birds etc etc).

 

[SailBoat]

Basics regarding starting a business!
- Each State has different requirements to operating a business. Meeting State requirements is very important as forming a Corporation or LLC is important to protect yourself and property separate from lawsuits against your company.
- Once you have your State's requirements met, you can obtain your Federal Business Number.
- FYI: Most Rescue Organizations will meet the requirements of 'Not For Profit' status, which will allow you to except donations and reduce your Tax Liability.
- Assure that your local government body will allow you to operate a Rescue! You may need a permit!

Fundamentals of becoming a Avian Rescue!
- Established relationship with a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). Since you state that you will be working with smaller Parrots, you will be receiving Parrots who are clearly ill or possible hiding being ill. Having new arrivals in their own area is very important! Having them Vet Check is critical!
- Paperwork!!! The Non-fun part of being a Rescue!!! Your fully documenting 'who' is releasing a Parrot to your organization is as important as documenting 'who' you are releasing the Parrot too... Requiring a Drivers License Number is critical in assure you are not receiving /selling stolen property... Yes, photo copies of the License is very important, as is assure that the photo is of the person you are working with...

If you choose to widen your scope to larger Parrots, assure that you fully understand the CITES requirements...

 

[bug_n_flock]

Oh yes, do focus on tiels and keets! We took in 22 parakeets and 2 cockatiels from a bad situation not long ago, and there are ALWAYS more little birds in need of help. People view them as "disposable" pets, and that disgusts me! I adore my little guys!!

 

[Seantheparront]

What kind of experience do you have giving large hookbills the care, attention and diet that they need to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life?

It will be mainly smaller birds such as cockatiels and parakeets as those tend to be impulse buys or don’t get the care they deserve, I currently have two cockatiels (one is older and previously abused) and two budgies. I always do extensive research before looking into a new kind of bird and the same will go for taking care of any unfamiliar breeds, I will ask veterinarians, owners of said breed, and I will check respectable sites to find out as much as I can to take good care of a bird. If it’s something I am not 100% sure I can take care of I will find someone more experienced to either help me learn how to take care of it or to keep it until it finds its forever home.

Yes focus on just these two species. That would be good. If rescues were more focussed, they may actually do the birds in their care a great services.

You need to have a separate quarantine room where new birds can be housed and observed for at least 3 weeks, may be 5.
Regarding donations, perhaps you can charge people for visiting the place and interacting with some select tame individuals- not the whole flock.

Great intention! Hope you succeed. Wish I could do the same here in India but right now circumstances won't permit.

I agree, rescues that are more focused would be a very good idea! I am aware of quarantining and have been thinking about that charging for a visit would be a great idea too, maybe I could keep a donation bucket too in case people want to donate a little extra to the cause? I will definitely be seeing if I can get any local stores or something to donate left over fresh produce and suc, thank you corn the help!