Need to Surrender?
Do you have a small bird that you need to rehome? We are happy to help! We pride ourselves on the love we give to the birds under our care. You can rest assured that any birds that are surrendered to us are given appropriate veterinary treatment, a spacious cage, and a nutritious diet during their stay. Adopters are carefully vetted and chosen only if we truly believe they will provide a good home.
If you are interested in surrendering a bird to us, please tell us a bit about the bird here:
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• Species, estimated age, sex (if known)
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• Their story (as much as you know, i.e., purchased from a pet store 2 years ago, rehomed from a friend last year, etc.)
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• Any special concerns/ previous injuries (splayed legs, neurological issues, stroke last year, etc.)?
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• Would this bird be surrendered with any supplies? (Cage/carrier, etc.)
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• If you are comfortable sharing, could you tell us why you are rehoming? (child lost interest, new schedule/ lack of time to spend with the bird, behavioral issues, etc.)
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• Would you be able to drop the bird off here (near Dayton, Ohio), or would we have to negotiate a pick-up (not guaranteed that we will be able to accommodate)?
Information that may be helpful to us:
*Please note: We do not buy birds or pay you money to take in your birds. We are entirely volunteer-run and self-funded. With the amount of birds in our care, veterinary bills, and the time we spend on each case, we are not able to accommodate spending money just to take birds in. We appreciate your understanding.
What Happens When a Bird is Surrendered?
We get it, giving up your bird can be a heartbreaking decision. We will be with you every step of the way, and are as transparent as possible with our process. It is our ultimate goal to provide the best care possible to all of our birds, whether they be temporary or permanent. While they are will us, they will be a cherished member of our flock, and we promise to try our hardest to find the best forever home for them.
Our Process
1. Initial Examination
When birds first arrive, we do an initial physical exam where we’ll take note of the bird’s weight/ body condition, nail and beak length, feather condition, listen for respiratory distress, and just get a general idea of the bird’s health. As long as there is nothing requiring emergent medical care, new birds will be seen by an avian veterinarian for a check-up within a few weeks after surrender.
2. Quarentine, Bonding, and a Vet Visit
For the first few weeks after birds join us, they are held in our quarantine area away from our resident birds. They are kept in roomy cages (minimum of 32 inch width) with natural perches and plenty of toys. During this time, we will work on introducing vegetables and sprouted seeds. The quarentine room has an air purifier and humidifier, quiet music is played during the day, and we (the humans) are in and out of there all day. We do our best to work with the birds during this time, to allow flight time outside of their cage, and work on training and bonding.
3. Looking Forward
Once the bird has been cleared by our avian veterinarian and finished any medication prescribed, we will evaluate what the best next step is for the individual bird. Depending on any special needs, extra-nervous temperment, etc., we may decide that it would be best for the bird to remain with us permanently, either as a member of our aviary flock, or in a more calm and private room (with other birds) where we can keep a closer eye on them.
If we feel that your bird is a good candidate for a new home, we will offer them for adoption. Rest assured, potential adopters are thoroughly screened to ensure that your precious bird will be going to a good forever home. If both parties consent, we can share your contact information with them, so you can stay updated on your bird with their new family.
4. Permanant Support
We are dedicated to offering continued support and education, even after the bird is no longer with us. We truly believe in the importance of always advocating for the best we can give our birds. If, for some reason, their new home just wasn’t working out, adopters are contractually required to the bird will be returned to us, rather than sell.