Smokers need not apply
Most of the parrots taken in by rehabilitators eventually go to new homes. However, don't expect to swing by your local rescuer's house to pick up a bird the way you might visit the pound for a new puppy or kitten.

Most groups require new owners to undergo a rigorous application process that has more in common with adopting a human baby than acquiring a new pet. Rehabbers say they are inspired to practice a high level of scrutiny to avoid potentially abusive bird owners. Their commitment to protect deepens when a bird has been surrendered by an ill or dying guardian who wants only the best for their beloved pet.

Eileen McCarthy of Midwest Avian Adoption and Rescue Service, shown here bussing Baby the cockatoo, discourages casual interest by omitting adoption photos from her Web site.

At a minimum, you can usually expect to pay an adoption fee and fill out a detailed application form. Adoption fees range from a few dollars for small birds such as cockatiels and budgies to hundreds of dollars for large species such as macaws and cockatoos.

Applications may ask not only about experience with birds, but about family members, home environment, job history and other pets in the household. Most organizations reject smokers and cat owners and look askance at spotty employment and apartment dwellers.

Applicants must promise not to breed the parrot, considered unethical by most rescue groups because of the widespread belief that overbreeding has helped contribute to the homeless bird population.

You may have to take one or more low-cost educational classes on parrot care offered by the organization. You may also have to allow a rescue representative to inspect your home in person, both before adoption and several times afterward during a probationary period lasting a year or longer.

Expect to sign a contract promising to give the bird back if visits uncover inadequate care or if you decide at any time in the future you no longer want the bird.

A grand for broken promises
Individual organizations add further twists to the basic requirements, based on their personal experiences with applicants.

For instance, if you break your contractual agreement with A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife in Northbrook, Ill., don't be surprised if Richard Weiner comes knocking on your door to collect the bird--or $1000 in damages.

Richard Weiner, founder of bird-rescue group A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife, asks contract breakers to pay $1,000 in damages.

The Midwest Avian Adoption and Rescue Service in St. Louis Park, Minn., omits photographs of birds for adoption on its Web site as another way of screening potential adopters.

The tactic weeds out window shoppers who only want the largest, showiest bird available, says Eileen McCarthy, executive director and CEO of MAARS. It also increases the odds that serious adopters leave MAARS with the bird that is right for them.

"Very often people come to our facility and fall in love with a bird they never expected to share their lives with," she says. "They're surprised and pleased that a smaller bird can be as rewarding to interact with as the larger species."

McCarthy says the no-picture rule underscores MAARS' commitment to the birds--not to the humans who might want to adopt one. "We have to remind ourselves that we are in a service business--we serve the needs of the birds. They are the only ones to whom we owe something. "

Want a parrot? Prove it
Foster Parrots Ltd., a Rockland, Mass., rescue effort run by Marc Johnson, may be the only group that requires applicants to perform volunteer work before taking home a bird.

Although Johnson has had "absolutely spectacular" people apply who he did not require to prove themselves, he has also had his share of callers "who say 'I just redecorated my jungle room and do you have any big, red birds?'"

Johnson, who does not charge an adoption fee, asks potential adopters he is unsure of to contribute up to six months of cage cleaning, feeding and interaction with their chosen bird. They are also required to read his "Reasons People Give Up Their Parrots." Currently, 20 people volunteer at Foster Parrots, including a doctor and a software programmer.

Johnson is not satisfied until he sees an "obvious connection" between volunteer and bird. "It's something you can just tell. A bond has been formed."

"All of my birds are adoptable, but only "to the perfect person," he says.

Next page | Getting off the adoption merry-go-round | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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