FAQs
1. Why do I have to fill out an application to adopt a bird?
We use an adoption application to help us match potential owners with the best bird for them. We also ask questions pertaining to previous experience so that we may offer appropriate educational material. Our application is not designed to be intrusive, only to help us make sure that we are finding the very best homes for our birds and the best birds to suit each approved family.
2. How much are your adoption fees?
The adoption fees we charge vary, depending on the type of bird and whether or not a cage is included.
3. If you're a "rescue" why do you charge adoption fees, doesn't that make you bird flippers?
Like other animal rescue/shelter organizations (i.e. the ASPCA) we charge adoption fees to help fund our rescue and to prevent flippers from making a profit by trying to adopt from us. The fees do not begin to compensate us for the time and money, resources and care that we put into our rescues and we don't expect it to! Adoption fees help us continue to fund this work and reach out to as many birds as possible.
4. Why was my application rejected? I'm a great pet owner!
We try our best to match applicants with a great bird, but sometimes we find that applicants do not have the expectations, experience, resources, time, or lifestyle to properly care for a bird. Our rescues have often been through a lot in their lives and a stable, permanent home is our goal. If we feel that you cannot provide this, we must put the needs of the birds first and reject your application. We are not judging you as a person, but simply making a judgment call on behalf of our birds. If something changes, or you feel we have overlooked something, please feel free to re-apply and you will be considered again.
5. Why don't you allow anyone under 21 to adopt your birds?
The commitment required to care for a parrot is enormous and although we realize that there are exceptions, we do not feel that individuals under the age of 21 are ready to make such a commitment. Parrots can live anywhere between 10 to 100 years and are a life-long responsibility. This is not a personal judgment against you, just a policy that we have personally chosen in order to be sure that we are placing our rescues in stable, permanent homes.
6. Why can't my son or daughter be the primary care giver for our bird?
We feel that parrots are a wonderful family pet and do encourage parents to expose their children to these amazing creatures; however, caring for a parrot is much like caring for toddlers and we feel that it is important than an adult be the primary care giver. In addition, parrots are, in fact, wild animals and children do not have the tools or maturity to be expected to address potential issues, nor do we feel that there is a good reason to risk the serious injury that parrots can inflict.
7. What's so "special" about you? Aren't you just like every other rescue?
We are like many other rescues and we use advice, tips, techniques, and policies used by other rescues. There are amazing rescues in this country that we strive to emulate as well. We feel that we are special because we provide for these birds in our home and treat them as we treat our own animal family members. We also feel that the relationships we develop with our extended bird families sets us apart from other rescues, who sometimes treat applicants with suspicion and mistrust. We believe that mutual respect and open communication builds a solid, lasting relationship and provides us with the tools necessary to place our birds in wonderful homes. We also employ an "open door" policy to our rescue, meaning that we invite anyone to visit, find out how we do things, understand our methodology, our philosophies, and our motives. Once you have spoken to or visited us, if you don't walk away with a clear understanding of our motivation, goals, and commitment, then we haven't done our job. Our lives are devoted to the welfare of the birds that come through our program and in creating loving and lasting bonds between these birds and their new families.
We also make the commitment to support each bird for the rest of it's life. We are available to each adoptive family for advice, assistance, significant discounts on toys and play structures, and anything else that might come up - even emergencies! Not only are you gaining a new family member, but a life-long resource in the CBH staff. Simply put, we are here for you!
8. Why is it necessary for you to come to my home or see photos of my home?
As with all components of our adoption process, our requirements for home visits or photos allow us to make the most informed decision about where to place our birds. We're not looking for big, beautiful homes or signs of wealth, we are simply making sure you have a home that is safe and bird friendly. Again, this is not designed to be intrusive, but to make sure we are putting the needs of the birds first.
9. What if you approve my application, but adopt the bird I wanted to someone else?
If we're not able to place the bird you were initially interested in with you, but have approved your application, we can put you on our waiting list. You can periodically check our website for new available birds or we can contact you when the species you want becomes available.
10. What can I do if I feel you've rejected my application incorrectly?
If you feel we have missed something important, you can certainly send us an email explaning what you feel we may have overlooked. We are human beings and can sometimes make mistakes like everyone else. We are open minded and are willing to reconsider.
11. Do you ever waive your adoption fee?
We do waive adoption fees under the right circumstances. We will never reject an applicant based solely on their inability to pay our fees. If you feel you have a special set of circumstances and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please contact us and tell us why.
12. What guarantee do I have that my bird will be well cared for while I board it with you?
There are never any guarantees in life and placing a family member that you love in someone else's hands can be difficult. We believe in transparency with our practices and policies. We have an open door policy, allowing you to visit our home and meet our birds. We are willing to answer any questions you may have and are happy to have you call to check up on your bird at any time. We are committed to giving your bird the same loving care and attention that we give our own. We do this because we love birds and any fees we collect go back into our rescue program. While this may reasonably be called a business, it is not lucrative. Our compensation comes in the form of the satisfaction and joy we feel in helping birds. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable with leaving your bird in our care, but you must do what you feel is right for you and your pet.
13. What makes boarding my bird with you preferential to boarding it with a vet?
Your bird will be boarded in our home and will receive all the time, attention, and care that our own birds receive. They will not be left alone for extended periods and there is no "closing time." They will be eligible (according to your preferences, of course) to be fed the best home cooked meals, have out of cage play time, and have the opportunity (if acceptable) to meet and spend time with our flock**. We provide a home atmosphere, much like what your bird is used to, rather than an "institutional" experience.
**Any parrots that may be exposed to other birds in our home must have a vet check prior to arrival. If that is not available your bird will be housed & play in a separate area for the safety of your bird and our birds.
14. How much are your boarding fees?
Our fees can vary, depending on the bird and the services, but our base fee is $5 per day (as compared to other facilities that charge up to $18 per day).
15. What is included in your boarding service?
Full services can include food, toys, out of cage play time, play time with other birds **see note in Question 13), bathing & grooming. For extended stays we can provide photo updates and even Skype visits with you and your bird.
16. What will you feed my bird while it is staying with you?
If you elect to have us provide food, we offer pellets according to species (typically Zupreem or Kaytee Exact), seed mixes according to species, nuts, treats, breakfast/lunch/dinner home cooked in our kitchen, which includes vegetables, fruits, starches, proteins, juices, grains, & limited dairy. Your bird's diet preferences will be honored.
17. Do you charge a fee if I want to surrender my bird to you?
No, we do not charge you to surrender your bird. We want to provide assistance to any bird in need and we recover some of our expenses by charging adoption fees instead. We do ask that you provide the birds cage and personal belongings to make the transition easier (and to minimize our expenses) and we do accept donations, including donations of general parrot supplies, for those who feel compelled to give.
18. Am I required to have my parrot examined by an Avian vet before surrendering him to you?
No. We follow a strict quarantine for the safety of all the birds and provide each parrot with all necessary medical care. Any compensation that we receive for our expenses comes from adoption fees and miscellaneous donations.
19. I want to rehome my bird, but I would like some money for it. Do you pay for birds?
We do sometimes pay for surrenders, but only in certain circumstances on a case by case basis. Please contact us about your bird and what type of compensation you are asking and we will consider it. We want to help every bird in need and always do what we can.
20. If I adopt a bird from you, will a cage be included?
Yes, no, and otherwise. Some birds will experience less stress if their cage goes with them and in these cases, a cage is included. If a bird is surrendered or comes to us with a cage, we do typically offer it. If a bird did not come with a cage, but we have one available, we can include it at your request. We can discuss this on a case by case basis.
We use an adoption application to help us match potential owners with the best bird for them. We also ask questions pertaining to previous experience so that we may offer appropriate educational material. Our application is not designed to be intrusive, only to help us make sure that we are finding the very best homes for our birds and the best birds to suit each approved family.
2. How much are your adoption fees?
The adoption fees we charge vary, depending on the type of bird and whether or not a cage is included.
3. If you're a "rescue" why do you charge adoption fees, doesn't that make you bird flippers?
Like other animal rescue/shelter organizations (i.e. the ASPCA) we charge adoption fees to help fund our rescue and to prevent flippers from making a profit by trying to adopt from us. The fees do not begin to compensate us for the time and money, resources and care that we put into our rescues and we don't expect it to! Adoption fees help us continue to fund this work and reach out to as many birds as possible.
4. Why was my application rejected? I'm a great pet owner!
We try our best to match applicants with a great bird, but sometimes we find that applicants do not have the expectations, experience, resources, time, or lifestyle to properly care for a bird. Our rescues have often been through a lot in their lives and a stable, permanent home is our goal. If we feel that you cannot provide this, we must put the needs of the birds first and reject your application. We are not judging you as a person, but simply making a judgment call on behalf of our birds. If something changes, or you feel we have overlooked something, please feel free to re-apply and you will be considered again.
5. Why don't you allow anyone under 21 to adopt your birds?
The commitment required to care for a parrot is enormous and although we realize that there are exceptions, we do not feel that individuals under the age of 21 are ready to make such a commitment. Parrots can live anywhere between 10 to 100 years and are a life-long responsibility. This is not a personal judgment against you, just a policy that we have personally chosen in order to be sure that we are placing our rescues in stable, permanent homes.
6. Why can't my son or daughter be the primary care giver for our bird?
We feel that parrots are a wonderful family pet and do encourage parents to expose their children to these amazing creatures; however, caring for a parrot is much like caring for toddlers and we feel that it is important than an adult be the primary care giver. In addition, parrots are, in fact, wild animals and children do not have the tools or maturity to be expected to address potential issues, nor do we feel that there is a good reason to risk the serious injury that parrots can inflict.
7. What's so "special" about you? Aren't you just like every other rescue?
We are like many other rescues and we use advice, tips, techniques, and policies used by other rescues. There are amazing rescues in this country that we strive to emulate as well. We feel that we are special because we provide for these birds in our home and treat them as we treat our own animal family members. We also feel that the relationships we develop with our extended bird families sets us apart from other rescues, who sometimes treat applicants with suspicion and mistrust. We believe that mutual respect and open communication builds a solid, lasting relationship and provides us with the tools necessary to place our birds in wonderful homes. We also employ an "open door" policy to our rescue, meaning that we invite anyone to visit, find out how we do things, understand our methodology, our philosophies, and our motives. Once you have spoken to or visited us, if you don't walk away with a clear understanding of our motivation, goals, and commitment, then we haven't done our job. Our lives are devoted to the welfare of the birds that come through our program and in creating loving and lasting bonds between these birds and their new families.
We also make the commitment to support each bird for the rest of it's life. We are available to each adoptive family for advice, assistance, significant discounts on toys and play structures, and anything else that might come up - even emergencies! Not only are you gaining a new family member, but a life-long resource in the CBH staff. Simply put, we are here for you!
8. Why is it necessary for you to come to my home or see photos of my home?
As with all components of our adoption process, our requirements for home visits or photos allow us to make the most informed decision about where to place our birds. We're not looking for big, beautiful homes or signs of wealth, we are simply making sure you have a home that is safe and bird friendly. Again, this is not designed to be intrusive, but to make sure we are putting the needs of the birds first.
9. What if you approve my application, but adopt the bird I wanted to someone else?
If we're not able to place the bird you were initially interested in with you, but have approved your application, we can put you on our waiting list. You can periodically check our website for new available birds or we can contact you when the species you want becomes available.
10. What can I do if I feel you've rejected my application incorrectly?
If you feel we have missed something important, you can certainly send us an email explaning what you feel we may have overlooked. We are human beings and can sometimes make mistakes like everyone else. We are open minded and are willing to reconsider.
11. Do you ever waive your adoption fee?
We do waive adoption fees under the right circumstances. We will never reject an applicant based solely on their inability to pay our fees. If you feel you have a special set of circumstances and would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please contact us and tell us why.
12. What guarantee do I have that my bird will be well cared for while I board it with you?
There are never any guarantees in life and placing a family member that you love in someone else's hands can be difficult. We believe in transparency with our practices and policies. We have an open door policy, allowing you to visit our home and meet our birds. We are willing to answer any questions you may have and are happy to have you call to check up on your bird at any time. We are committed to giving your bird the same loving care and attention that we give our own. We do this because we love birds and any fees we collect go back into our rescue program. While this may reasonably be called a business, it is not lucrative. Our compensation comes in the form of the satisfaction and joy we feel in helping birds. We will do our best to make you feel comfortable with leaving your bird in our care, but you must do what you feel is right for you and your pet.
13. What makes boarding my bird with you preferential to boarding it with a vet?
Your bird will be boarded in our home and will receive all the time, attention, and care that our own birds receive. They will not be left alone for extended periods and there is no "closing time." They will be eligible (according to your preferences, of course) to be fed the best home cooked meals, have out of cage play time, and have the opportunity (if acceptable) to meet and spend time with our flock**. We provide a home atmosphere, much like what your bird is used to, rather than an "institutional" experience.
**Any parrots that may be exposed to other birds in our home must have a vet check prior to arrival. If that is not available your bird will be housed & play in a separate area for the safety of your bird and our birds.
14. How much are your boarding fees?
Our fees can vary, depending on the bird and the services, but our base fee is $5 per day (as compared to other facilities that charge up to $18 per day).
15. What is included in your boarding service?
Full services can include food, toys, out of cage play time, play time with other birds **see note in Question 13), bathing & grooming. For extended stays we can provide photo updates and even Skype visits with you and your bird.
16. What will you feed my bird while it is staying with you?
If you elect to have us provide food, we offer pellets according to species (typically Zupreem or Kaytee Exact), seed mixes according to species, nuts, treats, breakfast/lunch/dinner home cooked in our kitchen, which includes vegetables, fruits, starches, proteins, juices, grains, & limited dairy. Your bird's diet preferences will be honored.
17. Do you charge a fee if I want to surrender my bird to you?
No, we do not charge you to surrender your bird. We want to provide assistance to any bird in need and we recover some of our expenses by charging adoption fees instead. We do ask that you provide the birds cage and personal belongings to make the transition easier (and to minimize our expenses) and we do accept donations, including donations of general parrot supplies, for those who feel compelled to give.
18. Am I required to have my parrot examined by an Avian vet before surrendering him to you?
No. We follow a strict quarantine for the safety of all the birds and provide each parrot with all necessary medical care. Any compensation that we receive for our expenses comes from adoption fees and miscellaneous donations.
19. I want to rehome my bird, but I would like some money for it. Do you pay for birds?
We do sometimes pay for surrenders, but only in certain circumstances on a case by case basis. Please contact us about your bird and what type of compensation you are asking and we will consider it. We want to help every bird in need and always do what we can.
20. If I adopt a bird from you, will a cage be included?
Yes, no, and otherwise. Some birds will experience less stress if their cage goes with them and in these cases, a cage is included. If a bird is surrendered or comes to us with a cage, we do typically offer it. If a bird did not come with a cage, but we have one available, we can include it at your request. We can discuss this on a case by case basis.
If you have a question that has not been answered in our FAQs, please contact us directly.
Thank you!!