1.It is estimated that there are 38.9 million companion parrots in the United States alone.( bear in mind this is just an estimate, some are MUCH higher and some are lower.) About 30% of these are in less-than-desirable conditions in the United States. Rescues and shelters are able to care for about 1% of these birds.
2. The biggest limitation is money.
3. The second biggest limitation is space, and that is linked to money :)
4. Misinformation at the time of purchase is one big reason people eventually give up their birds. Most shelters are more than happy to help out with minor behavioral problems and advice. All would rather help facilitate your keeping the bird (if you would like) in an optimum environment rather than simply "taking it off your hands." All will have a list of professional behaviorists who can help you.
5. Reputable shelters are not trying to get a "free bird". Don't treat them like you are doing them a favor... Each bird is a large time and monetary commitment -between veterinarian costs and the ongoing maintenance of a bird. A reputable shelter is doing this because they love the birds, they want their grandchildren to be able to see a beautiful bird, not just read about them, for the beauty that is nature and is fast being destroyed. If a rescues makes any money it is eaten (literally) in toys, food, medicine, first aid supplies, gas to pick up the next bird... and the list is endless...
6. 7. Donate a cage with the bird if possible. It is often frustrating to get a bird with no cage at all -or be asked to pay for one. Optimum, or even adequate caging is usually a struggle to come up with inexpensively. Few shelters have a variety of cages sitting around, and they are usually for absolute emergencies as well as inadequate for long-term housing. Caging for larger birds is, obviously, a considerable expense.
8. Help the shelter when transferring the bird. It gets frustrating dealing with cancelled plans, and highly inconvenient or inflexible times. People running shelters don't have the luxury of coming and going at will, even a trip to the grocery store takes planning. Most shelters are willing to work with you, but it is nice if you work with them as well.
9. Donate stuff. Money is not the only item that is needed. Toys and cages (especially for large birds,) bags of pellets, mineral blocks, avian vitamin supplements, travel cages (such as Vari-Kennels), first aid supplies, and cleaning supplies are always appreciated. Ask your local shelter what brands they normally use -or what they need, and donate something.
10. Gift certificates for the shelter's veterinarian, local pet stores and hardware stores are also very valuable and appreciated.
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It's for the birds!