We are currently finalizing our protocol for adopting birds to good homes. We have NO Macaws or Cockatoos for adoption (Not even Rocky.) We are still primarily a sanctuary facility. Please note that we are in REDDING California. This is 2 1/2 hours north of Sacramento, NOT Southern California. We do not adopt out of our immediate vicinity. Mickaboo Cockatiel Rescue in the Bay Area is always looking for good homes, as is PEAC which is located in Southern California. Parrots First is located in the Fresno area.

Why do you Rescue Birds?

~ PITA ~

We have many reasons. One is a deep love and respect for these glorious and intelligent creatures. More importantly, we saw a need to provide permanent homes for unwanted or uncared for birds and we thought that we could help fill that need.

Why do People get Rid of Their Birds?

Larry and TOOTIE

Sometimes an individual or family acquires a bird, not realizing the time committment and amount of care involved. It does not help that some pet stores wanting to make a sale will not explain just how much work and responsibility is involved, and still other pet stores have no idea themselves, or simply don’t care. People often have the best of intentions in mind, but when it comes to the day-to-day grind, sometimes those good intentions deteriorate.

Behavioral problems such as biting, screaming, and being chased down by the bird become intolerable quickly —particularly in families with children.

Moving to a new house/apartment, new baby arrivals, career changes, incompatibility with a new spouse, and other life-changing events may reduce the time and/or room available for a cherished pet. Sometimes this is anticipated or quickly recognized, and the choice to find a new home for the bird begins. Sometimes it is not until after behavioral problems rear their ugly head. Incessant screaming often results in the cage being covered or placed in a closet or the garage for several hours a day so the screaming doesn't disturb the sleep of a new baby or annoy sensitive neighbors. Sometimes these hours of existing in the dark will lead to days, months, and in too many cases —years of darkness and neglect. The frustrated owners never think of themselves as abusive or cruel, because after all... they love the bird.

Kitchen Helper

Do you ever get any sleep?

This question actually amazes me, and it is the number one question we get asked. The only variation to it is “Do they scream all night?” Yes, birds sleep too! As a matter of fact they need about 12 hours of uninterrupted shut-eye, otherwise, they get cranky. They also don’t scream all day. Like the wild birds outside your window, they are more active in the morning and early evening. These are feeding and “flock frenzy” times. Most of the time they really aren’t that noisy. They take after-eating naps, and they play and clown around.

Do you breed birds?

Absolutely not. The longer we do this, the more we disagree with any breeding. Even good breeders. These birds do not belong in people’s homes, they belong in the wild. It would also be pretty stupid of us to contribute to the problem we are trying to help.

Do You Sell Birds?

No. It is not honorable to profit from these birds. We do charge a nominal adoption fee that helps with the ever-rising cost of their care. You will never see an ad in the newspaper or anything else from us.

Even When Money is Tight?

We have had some very lean times. I have considered selling off some cages, some nestboxes that were given to us, “stuff”, but never the birds. It would be cruel and hypocritical to sell any of these birds. I think that shelters who have to rely on breeding and selling off the babies, or selling off a bird here or there in order to keep everyone in food and toys should not be doing this at all. What would be the point? Save a bird, throw a new one back into “the system”?