Why We Ask For an Adoption Donation

People frequently ask us why we charge adoption fees, when we do not pay "anything" for the birds that people donate to us. People have accused us of "selling" birds and often, people have said to us; "If you really loved the birds, you would just give them away to a good home”.

Because this is a complicated issue, we have decided to answer this question separate from our FAQ.

Although, it is correct that we do not pay for birds taken in by Parrots First, many unseen expenses occur. Since Parrots First is a small, volunteer organization, we do not receive funds from a parent organization such as the ASPCA or a Humane Society. In addition, these organizations receive funding through the city and county for providing their services. We do not. We also do not receive any federal grant money. In addition, we are not like a bird club that has local pet shops and bird supply companies donating food, toys, cages and other supplies for a "raffle table" from which to raise funds, nor do we have a large membership. All of the funds to operate this program come primarily from adoption fees (donations), and secondarily from private contributions and contributing memberships. There are a few companies who send us regular donations of toys (see our Thank You page), and a local pet store that gives us a generous discount. None of Parrots First's officers take a salary from Parrots First; in fact, we have receipts dating back from before we incorporated (August of 2001) totaling many hundreds of dollars for food, supplies and vet bills that have accumulated over the last 6 or 7 years that we know we will  never be reimbursed for.  Nor do we wish to be.

Very often our volunteers are required to drive long distances to pick up donated birds or do follow-up visits on birds we have placed. We average thousands of miles per year on our own personal vehicles in travel directly related to Parrots First and nobody takes any "gas money".

We take in, at a minimum, dozens of birds each year (one DAY alone we took in 9 birds). We not only take in birds that people donate to us but we also take in "found" birds that have landed in people's yards, on their shoulders and once, a pair of conures that flew into someone's window.  Obviously, these birds have no cages of their own.  If a donated bird has no cage (or a cage that is either inadequate or too disgusting to touch because it has never been cleaned) or we take in a found bird, we must supply one. Roomy, sturdy cages for parrots are very expensive and we must keep a constant supply of them available. Sometimes people who no longer have a bird for one reason or another will donate their old cage, but very often we must buy one. 

Now let us talk about food. All of the birds here at Parrots First receive an excellent diet consisting of pelleted food, a high quality seed & nut mix, calcium and vitamin supplements, lots of fresh vegetables & fruits, and whole grains. Because we never know how many birds we will be housing at one time or for how long, we cannot purchase this food in bulk at lower prices due to spoilage and lack of storage area.

The biggest expense in this program is that of avian veterinarian care. Sadly, the majority of the birds donated have rarely seen the inside of a vet's office. Some of the veterinarians that work with Parrots First give us a discount on their time and some have waived their fee entirely, but we do have the cost of all laboratory work, x-rays, medicine, and supplies (heat lamps, gram scales, etc.). This can run anywhere from $35.00 for an office visit up to hundreds of dollars for an injured or sick bird. Rescued (found) birds are usually in sad shape. Birds of prey, dogs, cats or other predators may have attacked them, and/or they are suffering from exposure and malnutrition. They require extensive medical treatment just to survive. We have been asked, why not just pass these vet costs on to the adopting parent? In some cases we do, but let me ask you - if we told you that to adopt a rescued cockatiel it would require a $350.00 donation, what would you say? No way, would be the typical answer.

Along with all of the necessary physical supplies that a donated bird requires, there are also emotional needs that we must be deal with. Birds are not a domesticated animal like a dog. They are wild creatures that in order to stay tame and bonded need constant human interaction. They take time to adjust to a new environment and new people. Some adjust quickly depending on their early socialization while others can take longer. Neglected or abused birds take even more time to gain the bird's trust. We have housed birds for several years before we felt they were ready to go into a new home. This adds to the expense of their up-keep. Many have physical handicaps that require rehabilitation and therapy. Sadly, these birds' stay with us is usually much longer because most people do not want to adopt special needs birds with "a problem". Some birds come to us that no amount of rehabilitation will ever make a "good pet". Because of this, we place them with existing avian sanctuaries.

When you adopt a bird from us, you are not just adopting that particular bird, but helping to provide for every bird that has come through our doors over the years that we have been in operation.  You will be adopting a companion who will provide you with many years of happiness. Some birds do cost very little in care, but there are the others who do not. Your adoption fee also pays for our participation in national bird rescue seminars and other educational gatherings so that we may keep abreast on the latest avian related medical and educational information to be able to share with the public (i.e. the Avian Welfare Coalition, The Gabriel Foundation Symposium and Parrot Education and Adoption Center's *PEAC* annual seminars). We also provide free consultations and mentoring to our adoptive "flocks", low cost classes to non-members and free classes and advice for our members on any pet bird related problem.

All in all, your adoption fee provides for numerous services provided to the parrot loving community and its feathered friends. We consider these adoption fees to be money well spent.