Bringing a new avian companion into your home is a significant decision, and understanding the adoption process is crucial for a successful and happy match. For The Love of Birds, a dedicated rescue group operating across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, emphasizes a thorough and thoughtful adoption procedure to ensure their birds find loving, permanent homes. This detailed guide outlines each step, from application to final adoption, highlighting the organization’s commitment to the well-being of their feathered residents. As our adoptable birds live in volunteer foster homes, all meetings are arranged only for approved applicants, ensuring a focused and respectful interaction.
The Application and Initial Screening
The journey begins with completing the Adoption Application. It is important to note that this application must be filled out on a desktop or laptop computer, as mobile devices are not compatible. Ensure all required fields, marked with an asterisk, are completed to avoid submission issues. Prospective adopters must provide a current home address (a PO Box is not accepted) and two non-relative personal references who are familiar with your home environment and existing pets. Additionally, veterinary references for all current and past pets are required. For existing pets, particularly birds, it’s essential that they are up-to-date with vaccinations, receive annual wellness exams, and have undergone disease testing for psittacosis and PBFD.
Following a successful review of your personal and veterinary references, the next step involves a phone call with the adoption coordinator. This conversation aims to confirm that all adult members of the household are fully supportive of the adoption and understand the commitment involved. Home inspections, either in-person or via video, are also a mandatory part of the process. For The Love of Birds strictly adheres to a policy of not adopting to individuals under 21, households with smokers (including vaping), or birds as surprise gifts. Once an application is approved, the organization will recommend suitable birds based on your lifestyle and preferences, or you can express interest in a specific available bird. The ultimate goal is to place birds in environments where they can truly thrive and be happy.
Multiple Visits and Transition Periods
To ensure a harmonious future for both the bird and the adopter, multiple visits are often required before an adoption is finalized. Small birds like finches and budgies may sometimes be adopted after the first meeting. However, small to medium-sized birds such as conures and senegals typically require two visits, while medium to large parrots necessitate at least three. This multi-visit approach serves several key purposes.
Firstly, it provides potential adopters with ample time to thoughtfully consider if the bird is a genuine match for their family and lifestyle, allowing them to prepare their home accordingly. Secondly, these repeated encounters give the bird multiple opportunities to become comfortable and acquainted with you, as many birds can be hesitant around new individuals during initial meetings. Finally, the foster home can observe the interactions between you and the bird, offering insights into the bird’s specific preferences and behaviors, and providing essential education on bird husbandry as needed.
Furthermore, For The Love of Birds mandates a waiting period of at least six months if you have recently introduced new pets, including birds or other animals, into your home. This crucial transition period allows all animals involved to comfortably adjust to their new environment and family members, preventing undue stress.
Species Compatibility and Housing Restrictions
A significant policy at For The Love of Birds is the refusal to adopt birds to homes that already house a bird of the same species, even if of a different gender. This measure is in place to discourage breeding and mitigate potential behavioral issues or health risks, particularly for female birds, that can arise from increased hormonal levels.
Additionally, the organization has strict rules regarding the adoption of large or loud birds. These birds will not be placed in apartments, townhomes, condos, or rowhouses, regardless of whether the noise bothers the adopter, as it is highly likely to disturb neighbors.
Adoption Fees and Included Supplies
The adoption fees vary depending on the species and size of the bird, with a detailed list provided below. Importantly, all adopted birds come with their cage, toys, and an initial supply of food to facilitate a smooth transition. For The Love of Birds also ensures that their birds undergo necessary health screenings. Birds are tested for Psittacosis (Chlamydia psitacia), and parrots are additionally tested for PBFD. Adopters will receive the results of these tests. Birds under one year of age are also screened for polyoma virus.
For The Love of Birds operates under a permit from the State of New Jersey, Division of Fish and Wildlife, for the care and sale of exotic birds. If you reside in New Jersey, you will be issued a temporary 20-day hobby permit at the time of adoption, which must be filed with the state. You will need to secure your own hobby permit within these 20 days. Exempt species in New Jersey include budgies, cockatiels, canaries, zebra finches, rock pigeons, and society finches. For all other exotic birds, a band or microchip is required, along with a hobby permit. You do not need a separate permit for each animal; existing permit holders can add animals for a small fee. Residents outside of New Jersey do not require a New Jersey F&W hobby permit.
Adoption Fees:
- Parakeet: $60 or $90/pair
- Dove: $45 or $65/pair
- Canary/Finch: $50 single or $75/pair
- Cockatiels: $75 or $125/pair
- Lovebirds: $100 or $150/pair
- Parrotlet/BeeBee Canary/Rosey Bourke: $125
- Conures: $250
- Meyers: $250
- Jardine: $250
- Senegal: $250
- Lory: $250
- Caique: $350
- Pionus: $350
- Amazons: $450
- Eclectus, Mini Macaws & Small Cockatoos: $450
- Large Cockatoos: $525
- African Grey: $550
- Large Macaw: $600
Notes:
- All birds are disease tested and come with their cage, toys, perches, and food.
- Small birds receive an avian veterinarian exam if indicated; otherwise, adopters should schedule a wellness visit with an avian vet within two weeks of adoption.
- Medium and large birds receive an avian exam and testing upon intake. Adopters will receive medical records and should schedule a follow-up visit with their own avian vet within a few weeks to establish a health baseline.
- A 10% discount on adoption fees is offered to Military Personnel and Veterans.
Navigating the adoption process for an exotic bird requires patience and a commitment to providing a suitable, loving home. For The Love of Birds’ thorough approach ensures that each bird is carefully matched with a forever family, promoting the welfare and happiness of these unique companions. If you’re considering adopting a bird, familiarize yourself with these guidelines and prepare for a rewarding experience.
