Orphaned Parrots
As a wannabe beach bum and lifelong Buffett fan, I'm typically drawn to tropical places and things, but of these things parrots are closest to my heart. As a Parrot Head and an avian enthusiast, I have a double responsibility to do whatever I can to raise awareness in potential parrot-owners about the realities of "owning" such a unique and intelligent animal.
Too many of these beautiful, sensitive creatures fall victim to abuse, neglect or abandonment because buyers aren't being told about the true amount of time, energy and money necessary to properly train and care for them until the sale is made. In addition, many people don't know that a parrot may literally be a life-long commitment.
The life span of a large parrot can be as much as 75 years or more and since local humane societies aren't always equipped to take in birds, many wind up being passed around, neglected or abused. Owners may fall ill, die or realize too late that they have taken on more work than they had been prepared to do.
Birds are one of the most popular pets sold in the U.S., 2nd in the market only to dogs & cats. The downside of popularity is that it inevitably increases exponentially the number of impulse purchases that occur. As a result, the need for avian specific rescue has become critical.
Feathered Friends Forever is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, located in Appling, GA. The facility is dedicated exclusively to the rescue and care of unwanted, handicapped and abandoned tropical birds. Currently there are over 500 birds being nursed, rehabilitated and re-socialized at the small Georgia facility. Many will remain at the refuge for life due to severe disabilities or behavioral problems and others are adopted out to carefully screened families.
Founders, Ron and Tammy, have opened their hearts and home to devote themselves full-time to saving as many birds as possible. They also personally retrieve and/or arranging for the transport of adoptees from all over the U.S. whenever necessary. It's heartbreaking to see the condition some of these beautiful birds arrive in. Even worse is knowing that most could have been spared if buyers had only educated themselves prior to making a purchase.
Please help contribute to a solution by weighing the pros and cons of parrot ownership carefully and visit Feathered Friends Forever for more information on parrot care. And if you have done your homework and still think you're up to the challenge, check out their adoption & sponsorship programs and consider giving an "orphaned" bird a second chance
