National Adopt a Rescued Bird Month

January is National Adopt a Rescued Bird month and it’s time to show our budgie buddies and parakeet pals some love! According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Product Association, bird ownership has been rising steadily for the last decade, making birds one of the most popular household pets to own. And why not? These beautiful creatures have vibrant personalities, can be trained to do a multitude of tricks, and offer long-term companionship. But with the popularity of bird adoption comes the surge in bird abandonment, especially when people are not prepared for all that avian ownership entails.?

A Few Facts to Keep in Mind

1.??????Birds need ample room for exercise. Even birds with clipped wings need enough room to stretch, hop and flap around. Make sure they have a big enough cage and, if possible, a private room where they can get out of the cage for a daily jaunt.

2.??????Birds need a minimum of ten hours of sleep per night and at least four hours of exposure to UVA and UVB rays daily to get enough vitamin D to support their respiratory health. Access to quiet areas and a reliable light source is critical for their development and overall wellness.

3.??????Birds are social creatures, especially those of the fowl family, like chickens and ducks. As flocking animals, they need to be in the company of their own species to be happy and healthy, so consider your location, space and financial commitment depending on the type of bird you are looking to adopt.?

Shelters and Organizations for Bird Adoption

Petfinder – an online database for adoptable pets, as well as a directory of shelters and adoption centers across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Refuge – a no-kill parrot rescue, rehabilitation, education, and adoption shelter.

Northwest Bird Rescue – an organization operating in Southwest Washington state and Portland, Oregon metro area to rehabilitate orphaned and abandoned exotic birds, aid in fostering and adoption processes while providing a lifetime sanctuary for birds in need.?

We hope this article has inspired some of you to think about bird adoption as a potential avenue in your pet ownership journey. All animals deserve a loving home, a safe environment and above all, respect. Offleash'd is dedicated to showcasing organizations working hard to ensure that our furry, feathered, and fishy friends can live their best lives. Stay tuned for more information, updates and pet-friendly content!

Additional Sources

Beautiful, social and smart, birds need adopters, too?– Marin Independent Journal (marinij.com)