Euthanization Issue for Rescue Birds

[Cathy]

Someone is telling me that the bird "world" is facing a crisis, just like dogs/cats and will have to begin euthanizing birds in order to help more birds. I don't feel good about this. Are other rescues facing this issue? 90% of our group is saying, no--only for medical issues. Even when a bird is returned over and over, you never know when the next one might be "it", as we just proved with a Too that was considered a biter and has now found a great home.

But I want to be up-to-date in case the situation comes up again.

[bonnie]

That is so awful to hear. :(
I haven't heard anything about it, but it's awful no matter what type of animal it is. Kind of like euthanizing orphans just because the right people haven't come along yet. I'll keep an eye out for some info on this.

[too&me]

Have not read or heard from reliable sources of EUing birds due to overpopulation in shelter situations. The only Eu I am familiar with has been in desperate medical situations. My son & I do volunteer in a sanctuary situation therefore I have personal & current information.. There is sometimes a waiting list to get in for some species, until quarantine caging can be provided.

[FoxersArtist]

This is a major issue in our city and the surrounding cities. There are no facilities set up in our area for parrot rehabilitiation and all of the rescuing done is by private individuals who want to help out. There used to be a sanctuary in Albuquerque but was shut down some 7 years ago due to noise violations. Because of the lack of resources, our animal shelters do have a euthanization policy with parrots, especially if they are plucked, emotionally undesirable, or confiscated in large quantities. They claim that they just don't have the resources to handle parrots so if none of us who rescue step up to the plate and volunteer to take them, they will be euthanized. In this regard, it is very important for us to know what is going on in the avian community so that we can be ready to step in if need be. Andy and I are working at getting a list of foster homes set up, our 501c3 and the plan is to officially hook up with a local shelter who has agreed to refer all of their rescues to us, which will make things easier on everyone.

Around this time last year, someone called animal control on a woman we had been working with for months to remove some of her hundreds of parrots. The living conditions were undesireable and most of the birds were kept outdoors with very little shelter. Many of the birds were either plucking and/or extremely skittish. We met with animal control at her property and talked them out of confiscating the parrots, who would have been put down. Instead we got the owner to agree to reduce her numbers and we have slowly been working with her to get the parrots out of there. It's still a work in progress, but I feel that at least these birds have a fighting chance now. Some people disagree and say they should have all been put down. In my opinion, I just don't see the responsibility in that choice. Benny (our BE2) is one of the birds that came out of that environment, and he was plucked and extremely skittish. Today he is fully feathered, happy and healthy. I cannot imagine this world without him.
-Anna

[bonnie]

That is so true Anna. They ALL deserve a chance. After all, they are not the ones who chose to live in cages, we chose that for them...

[too&me]

Good work Anna-Our sanctuary just took in about 32 birds from New Mexico. Another case of someone who wanted to do the right thing the wrong way & lost her housing. She had them all free flighted in a rent house, of course they chewed the walls & woodwork, nor safe for them at all. There is a National Rescue Organization who stepped in to help relocate them if you would like their info. I will get it for you. The sad thing is she drove off with 3 birds she changed her mind about releasing. Can you imagine driving from NM to Houston with 30+ parrots not all secured in your car? She was exhausted & grumpy upon arrival, so were the birds. The birds are looking much better now. Good food & improved conditions.

[Uncle]

There is a National Rescue Organization who stepped in to help relocate them if you would like their info. I will get it for you.

Please post that info in a new thread in this section and make it a sticky.

Thank you.

[FoxersArtist]

Jill,
I totally believe it. New Mexico is so disorganized when it comes to rescue in general, but especially with parrots. Sanctuaries and rescues in TX have been a big help many times...also the Gabriel Foundation in CO. I'm so itchy to get my hands on a large facility where we can run a true rescue/rehabilitiation center, but I'm young with small children and not yet financially prepared for that. I'm slowly making my way toward it. Someday the birds will have a place.
-Anna

[Evelyn]

Jill,
I totally believe it. New Mexico is so disorganized when it comes to rescue in general, but especially with parrots. Sanctuaries and rescues in TX have been a big help many times...also the Gabriel Foundation in CO. I'm so itchy to get my hands on a large facility where we can run a true rescue/rehabilitiation center, but I'm young with small children and not yet financially prepared for that. I'm slowly making my way toward it. Someday the birds will have a place.
-Anna


Anna -


Thank God for you in the meantime.

Evelyn

[lcarle]

I had never thought about organizations euthanizing birds, but I guess they do dogs and cats. Aweful!!! Thank goodness for all the foster bird parents and rescue places out there!!! Thank you Anna for all you do.

Four of our 5 birds are rehomes and I have told myself that only rehomed birds will come our way from now on. Hope I will hold true to this. I did not think I would rehome any of my birds ever, but became very sick this year and almost rehomed my M2. Buchee (male Moluccan) was our last rehomed bird and we were told it may not work out since we already had a rehomed female Umbrella. It has been a challenge finding out of cage time since they want to be together. Unfortunately Buchee becomes extremely agressive when he is around Zoey. So they come out separately now. Luckily we have had lost of help during my illness and are doing well know with our birds.

[FoxersArtist]

Wow,
I think it's very noble of you to hang on to your birds, through sickness and in health! It can be really hard to care for them when they are a challenge already, let alone when you are sick. Sometimes though, i'm sure your birds are what pulls you through the day. At least, thats how it was for me when I was sick.

I appriciate the thanks, but honestly, it should be me thanking the birds. It's such a pleasure to work with them, even the ones that don't realize that they are loved. Each and every bird who comes here is special and wonderful in their own way.
Anna

[lcarle]

Thanks. You are truly an amazing person!!!! With what you went through as well and keeping your birds and still fostering!!! Thank you for caring so much!!

Pets are amazing how they can help you through some tough times. My birds knew when they needed to be quiet so that I could sleep on the couch. They were not as demanding as they could have been, and they still talked with me when possible. Yes they are truly amazing.