SO YOU'VE DECIDED to adopt a "hand-me-down" parrot. Good for you. Thousands of unwanted birds need responsible, caring owners.

First, inquire at your local humane society, pound or SPCA. Parrots here are in the direst need of homes. Although birds are often the last type of animal to be euthanized, they may spend months confined to a cage while waiting to be adopted. The downside is that you may receive little useful information about the bird's health or background.

If your local shelter has no birds, an avian rescue organization is an excellent place to acquire a parrot. Reputable rescue groups work hard to ensure that birds are tame and healthy before they go to new homes.

Or, perhaps you are on the other side of the fence. A move, illness, or another change in your life has made it difficult to care for your bird properly and you have come to the painful decision to relinquish it. If you do not have a reliable home lined up, an avian rescue organization is a fine alternative.

Under no circumstances should you release a bird you no longer want, no matter how adaptable to outdoor life it may seem. Many released or escaped birds succumb to the elements, predators or starvation. It is a cruel fate to impose on a tame, dependent creature.

Most organizations and individuals who advertise themselves as parrot rehabilitators are conscientious service providers. Still, it's a good idea to take the time to check out a group to make sure it meets your expectations. Before you obtain a bird from a rescue group or relinquish your parrot to one, consider the following:

If you are adopting..

• Ask how the organization calculates its adoption fees. It should be willing to explain how it factors in food, veterinary care and housing provided while a bird is in its care.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the adoption contract. Many groups insist on home visits before and after adoption and may consider the bird their permanent property, with your guardianship revocable at any time care is deemed inadequate.
• The organization should be willing to provide free, ongoing advice after adoption to ensure a smooth transition.

If you are relinquishing...

• Scrutinize organizations that accept only certain types of parrots. This could signal they intend to breed your bird for profit.
• If an organization exists only in volunteers' homes, ask to visit one or two.
• Be prepared to provide details of your bird's history and health.
• A good organization is willing to keep you informed of your bird's disposition and lets you visit it after a short quarantine period, if you want.
• If your bird has a physical, medical or behavioral problem, ask to see how the facility cares for such birds.
• Ask how much individual attention your bird will receive. Large organizations may be hard pressed to provide one-on-one time.
• If the facility bills itself as a sanctuary that does not adopt out birds to new homes, ask how it plans to care for your bird long-term. Not-for-profits have the edge here, as they must have a board of directors, which helps ensure the organization will endure even if the founder dies.
• If a behavioral problem is the reason you are surrendering your bird, be open to advice that could allow you to keep it.
• Consider making a donation when you leave your bird.

In either case...

• Take note of what you see and hear when you visit the facility. It should be reasonably clean and in good repair, with cages big enough for the type of parrot. The staff should seem knowledgeable and caring. Resident birds should appear active, well groomed and unafraid of caretakers. Each bird should have plenty of nutritious food, fresh water and toys.
• Ask how the organization quarantines birds. Incoming or ill birds should be housed separately to prevent the spread of airborne avian viruses.
• Ask for three references, including at least one from an avian veterinarian.

ParrotChronicles.com

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