Lynda, Larry & Janyce answering pledge phones at Channel 9 with LOU ~ ’98

TOOTIE after taking a bath

Kelly has housed and cared for companion birds for over twenty years. Larry has bred and trained Arabian and Morgan horses, and enjoys training award-winning obedience dogs. Combined, we have over 20 years of experience in rehabilitating wild birds, with an emphasis on natural history, research, and training.

DANNY and Joe

All of the birds that come to our home (for whatever reason) are in need of permanence and stability. However, many birds need a different environment than what we can offer here, and are perfectly suited for a home of their own. So, we have many birds who will remain here for the rest of their lives, and we often have birds to adopt out. We accept birds from other rescues that are not adoptable... these are organizations whose primary purpose is to adopt birds out. That is not our primary purpose.

We realize that those who invest in a bird have probably spent a lot of money to purchase the bird, adequate housing, and accessories. The initial desire for some of these people is to get back a return on that investment. Before you place that advertisement, please consider this. Your bird may end up paying for your mistake by being caught in a cycle of continuous instability, abuse and neglect —either physically or mentally. Birds require a great deal of time, patience and understanding. They are extremely intelligent beings, who without attention and social interaction, can and often do develop psychological problems such as feather plucking and self mutilation. Once these behaviors have started they can not always be reversed.

We are committed to providing a safe haven including proper veterinary care, nutrition, socialization, physical & mental stimulation, and clean, spacious living areas. Space is not only provided in our home, but in our hearts.

If you are having problems (even problems that you think you can’t cope with), giving up your bird is not necessarily the only option. There are bird behaviorists who can help you out, and sometimes it is a relatively simple problem (even if it doesn't seem that way.) Sometimes the problems are actually health related, so you should see a good avian veterinarian before making any decisions. For many reasons why people give up their birds, and different options for solving these problems if you’re willing to work at it. Some books that we highly recommend are Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan, the Companion Parrot Handbook by Sally Blanchard, and The Beak Book: Understanding, Preventing, and Solving Aggression and Biting Behaviors in Companion Parrots --also by Sally Blanchard. I would really start with these (also available at most bookstores --or half.com) before making the decision to give up your bird.