DO YOU REALLY WANT A PARROT!!

Are you sure that you are equipped to handle life with a parrot?

Before you take on the daily challenge of life with a parrot research the type of parrot that you are considering.

Talk to owners of parrots; read everything you can find concerning them. Research, research, research, and then research some more. Life with a parrot is not easy.

Take a look at the parrot rescue facilities and sanctuaries. These places are filled to capacity with the “mistakes” other people have made.

Then ask yourself the following questions!

Do you expect your home to be spotless at all times? -All parrot species are messy, even the little parakeet. Food is flung everywhere. Seed, pellets and nutshells end up on the floor. Fresh foods can be found plastered to the walls, cage bars, carpets and the ceiling. Pieces of wood from those favorite toys are strewn about. This is a daily occurrence!! Birds poop every 2 to 15 minutes, depending on their size. That tends to be a lot of poop. Big birds make big poop. Poop is not confined to the paper at the bottom of the cage. They poop on the bars, in their dishes, on their perches and toys, on you, through the bars onto the floor and on your furniture. Cage papers must be changed daily. If they eat messy foods you will have to change them more often. Cages need to be scrubbed with soap and water at least once a week, sometimes more. Cockatiels, cockatoos and greys have powder on their feathers that will stick to everything. Dusting will be an everyday chore.

Do you have priceless antique furniture? -Parrots do not know the difference between the wood toys in their cage and the priceless antique chair that your grandmother left you. If they can reach it, they will chew it. This goes for furniture, woodwork, walls, computers, electric cords, picture frames, books, nothing is sacred! TV remotes beome buttonless in an instant. I spent 2 days putting wallpaper on the walls of our living room only to have strips of it removed by our African grey. The hole in the wall to your right was made by an amazon and a goffin's cockatoo in about 5 minutes time.

Do you hate loud noises, -Or continuous monotonous noise? Any of the larger birds are loud when they scream, earsplitting, earplug wearing, run for cover LOUD!! Your neighbors a mile away will be able to hear these screams. A normal parrot screams at least twice a day, for 5 to 15 minutes at a time. Parakeets, cockatiels, etc., may be small but they do have voices. Can you listen to a small bird whistle or call for hours on end? These are just what normal birds do. Some birds scream constantly!! Turn your speakers way up and listen to this website over and over for at least 15 minutes at a time, twice a day, every day. Can you handle it?? Thinking about a cockatoo, click here Cockatoos.

Are you afraid of being bitten, -Or the sight of your own blood? If you spend much time with a parrot at some time or other you are going to be bitten. I mean blood drawing, skin ripping bitten. The macaws here can crack a brazil nut with their beaks. Imagine what they could do to your finger, arm or face if they applied that pressure to you. I have had the small bones in the back of my hand broken by a cockatoo. Was he mean? No, he was scared! I know many people who have had to have stitches from damage caused by a bird’s beak. Small birds can also bite extremely hard. I saw a parakeet bite into a person’s finger and hold on for dear life. That tiny little parakeet had to be pried loose. Check out the hand in the photo to your right. Can you deal with that??

Do you like to have visitors over often? -Your non-bird loving friends will no longer come to visit if you have a loud, messy parrot. If they don’t mind the noise and the mess the thought of being bitten will keep them away. You would be surprised at how some people freak out over a little bird poop on their new shirt.

Do you mind having holes in all of your clothes. -Or not being able to wear jewelry? Parrots love to chew on clothing. Those beaks can and will puncture your clothing. Every parrot owned human that I know has at least one good article of clothing with holes in it. Shirts with buttons will no longer be an option. A parrot can remove or break a button in less than a second. Jewelry is just another thing that will have to go. Parrots love shiny things. Rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings will be chewed and more than likely broken if you wear them near your parrot. Parrots have removed precious stones from favorite jewelry in an instant. I have seen 14 karat gold necklaces snapped in half by a tiny little parrotlet.

Are you ready to give up that nonstick cookware. Those aerosol cans (hairspray, perfume, deodorant) air fresheners, rug deodorizers? Nonstick cookware can be deadly to a parrot. The fumes from PTFE have killed thousands of parrots. PTFE can be found in stoves, heaters, hair dryers, curling irons, dishwashers and many other everyday household appliances. I received this letter from DuPont Teflon® and wanted others to see all they have done to address this issue , to read what they had to say click here .The propellants used in aerosols can also kill. You will have to change to pump bottles. That perfume or cologne that you love so much will also have to go along with those air fresheners and rug deodorizers. The smells from those items can kill or cause severe neurological disorders. Bleach is also on the not to be used list. You can’t use the self-clean option on your oven either.

Do you have an extra $200 - $500 to spend. -On a well bird exam each and every year? $1000 plus if the bird gets sick and needs vet care? In the wild birds mask their illness in order to survive. This is a natural instinct. Birds need to be vetted at least once a year to make sure they are not masking any illness. Looking at the bird and listening to his heart and lungs is not enough. He will also need to have blood work and cultures done. You can’t take him to your dog and cat vet either. He will need a vet that specializes in avian medicine. Heaven forbid that the bird becomes sick. In one single weekend we have spent over $1,500 on emergency vet care.

Do you have money for toys. -Lots of toys? Birds need to be kept busy. This means toys, lots of toys, destructible toys. If a bird can’t destroy a toy it is no good. They need to chew and destroy. It not only keeps them mentally stimulated but also helps to keep those beaks trimmed and sharp. Without toys they will look for other things to chew, see question #3. Toys vary in price depending on which type of parrot you choose. Toys for the larger birds can run upwards of $50 and last less than a week. We haven't even mentioned the cost of a suitable cage, which can be anywhere from less than $100 to over $3000 for the top of the line.

Are you aware of what constitutes a good diet. -For a parrot? You can’t just throw some pellets or seed in their cage and expect them to be happy or healthy. They need variety and moderation. They will need veggies, fruits, nuts, legumes, breads, lean meats, etc. This is an every day thing, not just when you have time. We spend hours shopping, peeling, cutting and preparing bird foods every week. After all that there is no guarantee that they will eat it! So you think they can just have what you cook for dinner. Well, that depends. Do you cook only nutritional foods? Do you use a lot of salt or butter? Parrots need a nutritionally balanced diet to stay healthy. Avocados, chocolate, raw onions, and caffeine are just some of the things that should never be fed.

Are you ready to spend the next, -30, 40, 50, 60 years looking after a perpetual 2 year old child, or a hormonal teenager? Depending on the type of parrot you decide on, they can have a lifespan of more than 60 years. Even that tiny little parakeet can live to be almost 20. The bigger the parrot is the longer its lifespan. Do you have someone to take care of the birds if something should happen to you? Just because you love your bird doesn’t mean that other family members will take them on.

-Many of the parrots in adoption facilities are there because they were left to family members who did not want them.

-Parrots are like 2-year-old children. They cannot be left alone unsupervised. They can and do find things to entertain themselves, see question #3. They will get into anything and everything.

- As birds reach sexual maturity they often turn into hormone raging teenagers. Ever see a sweet human child that turned into the devil’s advocate once they hit puberty? Imagine that same thing happening to your little feathered bundle of joy! The sweet cuddly bird that you knew yesterday is gone. Today you have a feathered demon whose only purpose in life seems to be making you miserable. He screams non-stop, he rips out his feathers, and he bites you to the bone every time you get near him. Suddenly you need to buy stock in bandaids and the staff at your local ER know you on sight. He chases your children and spouse around the house biting at their feet. If he decides that you are his mate he will do anything he can to drive away anyone he sees as a rival for your affection. This includes your children!!

Do you like to go on vacations? -Away from home? You cannot leave a bird alone with just a dish of seed and a bowl of water. He needs companionship and supervision. Birds can die of thirst or starvation in a very short period of time. And an unsupervised bird can be big trouble. I read a story of a parrot that let himself out of his cage while his owners were just gone for the day. Check out the damage he did in just a few short hours. Bad Bad Frances You can't leave them with just anyone either, your non-parrot owning friends won't want to babysit.

---

---

---

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THIS ABOUT PARROTS

-Parrots Bite and Chew — you and your home!

-Parrots are Messy and active!

-Parrots Scream,loudly and offen!

-Parrots mostly Dont talk!

-Parrots can be Stubborn They don't always learn cute tricks!

-Parrots are social and need Daily Attention!

-Parrots arent always social and someNever Bond with humans or may pick just one family member to love!
It may not be you!

-Parrots need to be Served a varied diet!

-Parrots Are Sensitive to household products!

-Parrot adoptions, cages, toys, and vet visits are Expensive!

-Parrots can Live Up To 80 years — will you?

-Parrot knowledge and Educating yourself about parrots before bringing one into your life is crucial to solving the displaced parrot problem!

Only people who thoroughly understand that parrots are wild animals and who can commit to meeting their demanding needs should consider providing a home for one. Only then will all parrots kept in captivity be properly cared for and appreciated for the wild animals they are, the pet market's demand for "impulse purchased" baby parrots will decrease, and the displaced bird epidemic will become a thing of the past.

---

Please think long and hard

-About making a decision to bring a bird into your life. Make sure you are ready for the messes they cause,be ready for the noise,distruction,and hormone changes,that causes some aggression during breeding season.

-Be prepared at some point to be bitten!

ALL BIRDS BITE!!

-Some species alot more then others!

Study Up

-Research the breed you are interested in. Make sure its the right fit for your home and family. Make sure you have time to give to such a wonderful creature.They need to be out of their cages several hours a day.They need lots of toys to chew and play with,and a good diet.

Parrots are very expensive

-Even to adopt from a bird rescue. And they are even more expensive to keep as pets.

---

---

---

Parrot Hormones.....
so much more than PMS.

Many of us have heard that a parrot can be hormonal. This seems to be a catchall explanation for everything from biting and screaming to the parrot suddenly becoming Velcro when it was independent before. What are parrot hormones really, and what can we do about them?

Spring is in the air, and suddenly a parrot instinct kicks in, its time to mate. It might not be spring outside your home, but you could be copying the conditions of spring right inside your home. Longer hours of sunlight, warmer temperatures, these things signal to your parrot that it is time to breed. Breeding parrots behave differently than those who are not in this cycle.

These changes can catch a person off guard, especially when you have raised your beloved parrot from a baby; suddenly you have Mr. Hyde on your hands instead of Fluffums. This is part of natures plan for the parrot species, and living with other animals cannot really prepare you for what it's like to live with a parrot who feels the need to breed. Although each different kind of parrot displays a different level of hormonal behavior, they do each experience it to some point. Even the small Budgie might be a bit moody at this time of the year. For example Amazons and Cockatoos might become extremely aggressive during the mating season, while an African Grey might show very little in the way of hormonal behavior. What people need to understand the most is, while some parrots may breed only in spring, many parrots will breed all year round thus behavior may change randomly throughout the year and become unpredictable at any time due to breeding hormones. An African Grey parrot is one of those known to breed year round, and many who share their lives with these beautiful birds understand that they can go through moody cycles more often but of far less intensity than their Cockatoo cousins.

So what can we do while our parrots are in hormonal flux? The easiest thing for us is to limit sugars and starch while our birds are exhibiting breeding behavior. Feeding a parrot a lot of grapes or corn on the cob while it is hormonal is a bad idea because those foods help to increase the hormones rampaging through your birds body by tenfold. We also need to be aware of the effect our touch has on our parrots. While we enjoy stroking and petting our companion birds, sometimes our touch can over-stimulate an excited bird who is looking to breed, causing biting and screaming as a reaction from the bird. Remember that birds have been known to cuddle each other in the wild while courting, and our cuddling our birds is easily interpreted as mating behavior by the parrots. This does not mean that we should all stop touching and loving on our parrots, only that we should be aware that during hormonal cycles it is best to limit our stroking to safe non-sexual areas of the parrots body, like the top of the wings.

We also need to take into account that parrots will protect their nest and mates from all intruders, and in a companion parrot situation the mate usually becomes one of us. Often times the nest becomes the cage, or playstand, or other area that the bird spends a good deal of time. Be aware that a hormonal parrot may very well attack any intruder who dares near its nest or mate, meaning your wife or husband, children or pets. This is not an aggressive behavior in the parrots mind, but simple protection of its future children. Even though it is impossible for our parrots to mate with us their instinct says that we must be protected in order to protect possible offspring. The easiest way to avoid these attacks is not to let others touch you (if you're the chosen mate) in the parrot's sight, and not to let anyone other than the chosen mate clean or do anything else near the chosen nest area. Remember, you being the chosen mate does not mean you will not be bitten, the parrot may very well bite you as a warning that another "potential mate" is close, and these bites can be devastating. Never allow a hormonal parrot on your shoulder, the facial bites reported when this happens are often horrific and devastating.

Any parrot can become hormonal, and many behaviors that seem to have no other reasoning can often be attributed to hormones. Its is important to do the research on your parrots species and find as much information as possible to protect yourself and your parrot during this time of their life. Keep in mind that while some Amazons are known for extreme aggression during mating season that lovebirds too have been known to cause huge amounts of damage during the hormonal cycle. Each bird species has its own hormonal personality and should be treated properly. With love, respect, and understanding you and your parrot can come through mating season with your relationship intact.

---

---

---

BIRDS ARE A LIFETIME COMMITMENT! SO IF YOU

-WANT A PARROT BECAUSE IT TALKS,

-WANT ONE BECOUSE ITS PRETTY

-WANT ONE TO BE THE ENVY OF YOUR FRIENDS

-DON'T WANT TO BE BITTEN,

-WANT ONE THAT NEVER SCREAMS,

-WANT ONE THAT NEVER MAKES A MESS

-WANT A FREE OR CHEAP BIRD

GET A STUFFED PARROT INSTEAD!!

If after reading all of this you think you can dedicate your life to a parrot then ask yourself if the same can be said of those who share your home.

Parrots affect everyone in a household, not just you.

Remember that parrots are not domestic animals.

They retain their wild instincts no matter how tame they are.

You may share your life with a parrot but you won't own him.

He will own you!!

---

---

---

PARROTS AS PETS, YOU DECIDE

Whether captured in the wild or born in captivity, parrots are not domesticated animals like cats and dogs. They are still wild animals.
Their natural curiosity, sensitivity, intellect, playfulness, and ability to form bonds with humans can tempt people to keep them in captivity.

Unfortunately, the traits that make parrots so intriguing are the same ones that make them extremely difficult to live with as companion animals.
Many parrots find themselves displaced as their natural behaviors and needs clash with human expectations.

---

---

---

WHICH BIRD SPECIES IS BEST FOR ME?

Some people are just not animal people, period. Yet even many dog and cat lovers entirely fail to see why anyone in their right mind would bring a noisy, messy bird into their home. What these people do not understand is the entirely different type of magic that pet birds bring to a relationship with humans. Researchers have recently confirmed what bird-owners have long known: that certain birds, parrots especially, are among the smartest creatures on Earth... some perhaps far more intelligent than dogs or cats. Yet no bird is truly domesticated. Aside from some color mutations and the occasional hybrid, most have not been tampered with by human genetic folly. Pet birds are among the rarest of wild animals in that they can potentially become loving members of a human family.

And what animals they are! Stunningly beautiful. Amazingly clever and amusing. Singers of the highest order. And a certain group are even the only animals capable of human speech. Many birds put to shame other pets in terms of entertainment potential, loyalty and absolute devotion to their human flockmates. It is no wonder that keepers around the world are enchanted by these little bundles of wonder.

WHAT TO CONSIDER:
With hundreds of birds to choose from, how is the first-time bird owner ever to make a decision? There are six main considerations that may greatly narrow the field.

The first and most important consideration is your Expectation. What do you expect out of a bird? What is your motivation for buying a bird? How is it going to improve your life, and how committed are you to taking good care of the bird? If you possess the time, energy and love to give to a fascinating companion and are truly interested in the magic that birds can bring to your life, then you are probably a good candidate for bird ownership.

Otherwise, beware! Many birds require far more attention and care than some prospective owners at first realize. Please don’t buy a bird (or any animal) on a whim or as some sort of ego-extension. They are not decoration pieces. The thrill wears off and you are stuck with the pet — and worse, the pet is stuck with you! Moreover, many bird species are extremely long-lived. In acquiring certain parrot species, you are entering into not a 10-20 year commitment, but possibly a 50-year plus commitment!

The second thing to consider is your Living Conditions. If you live in an apartment, with other people, with children or with other pets (including other birds), you will need to carefully consider how a bird is going to affect your total situation. Are you home enough to care for a pet that needs such attention? Are you prepared to deal with the mess that many birds make? Do you travel often? Some birds may not be compatible with your style of living.

The third consideration is your own Personality. Some birds are quiet, unobtrusive and hardly noticeable as household entities. But others are loud, boisterous, rowdy and rule a home as if they are lords of the manor. Most birds require lots of love and patience in order to gently win their confidence and teach them be good family members. Some birds will end up dominating a very unhappy owner. Get a bird that is not going to clash with your essential nature.

Your fourth consideration is the Source of your bird. From where and whom are you buying your pet? Try to buy directly from a breeder, or at least from a pet shop that specializes in birds. Look carefully at how the birds are housed and handled, and be wary of dirty places and handlers who don’t show their birds respect and love. Inspect the bird physically, and look for one that has clear eyes and nostrils, nice shiny feathers, an alert expression, no noticeable defects and one that is not overly aggressive or seems desperate to flee. Always insist on a guarantee that you can take the bird to your veterinarian for a complete health checkup and return it for a full refund if it is diseased or otherwise seriously flawed.

Try to buy a very young hand-fed bird, preferably a just-weaned youngster. Do not take on the responsibility of hand-feeding yourself unless you are very experienced. An inexperienced hand-feeder can easily kill the bird. Be wary of taking on an older bird, and don’t buy a bird you suspect was wild-caught or imported; these do not make the best pets.

You must also carefully consider the Financial Investment you are making in this pet. Not just the initial purchase, which, of course, can be very significant, but also the on-going cost of proper pet care — cage, toys, food, inevitable vet bills, pet-sitting, etc. All of this can add up to a considerable continuing expense. It’s only worth it, of course, if you are in love with this pet.

One word of caution: DO NOT look for “a bargain” when buying your bird. Comparison shop, yes, but beware of the “too-good-to-be-true” price. That “bargain” will likely cost you dearly in the long run.

Finally, it is important to note the growing concern amongst the bird-keeping community for the welfare of “only birds”. Almost all pet-quality birds are species that are “flock birds,” living in large social groups in the wild. It can be cruel to keep them as solitary avian members of a family which can spend only a few hours per day truly interacting with them, while leaving them alone for hours upon hours, day after day. So if you want to be a bird-keeper, please make plans to have more than one.

Probably more than any other type of pet, birds — especially many parrots — get passed from owner to owner. This is a great shame, can psychologically damage the bird, and could be easily avoided if each prospective owner simply used a little common sense before taking on such a responsibility.

That said, however, if you find yourself with a bird that you cannot care for, cannot handle, or plain just don’t like... it then becomes your grave responsibility to atone for your mistake by finding the bird a more suitable owner. In an unhappy living environment, a bird can literally “go crazy” of boredom, loneliness or abuse. These birds are prime candidates for such neuroses as feather plucking and/or constant screaming. The bird would be best placed in a rescue to find a new home.

Unfortunately, birds are like most pets... they cannot choose their human companions. Humans choose them. The least we can do is choose very carefully. Whatever you do, read as much as you can about the type of bird that you are thinking of acquiring. Talk to people who own — or better yet breed and raise — your kind of bird. Then prepare to be enchanted by your brand new family member. There is nothing like a pet bird!

---

---

---

PARROT OATH

Fresh Start would like to know if you've taken this oath.

If so, we will inscribe your name and / or your new bird's name and species here to encourage others to do the same.

Take this simple oath before you buy or adopt a bird:

1. I promise to research thoroughly the species that I am interested in.

2. I promise to be kind and gentle and never to strike my bird for any reason.

3. I promise to learn about the health of my bird and to get medical attention should the need arise. I will make every effort to find a good recommended avian specialist and to have his or her number handy in case of emergency.

4. I promise to devote the time each day that is needed to keep my bird happy.

5. I promise to take the time to prepare the proper diet required for my bird and to take great care in keeping its food containers and cage super clean.

6. I promise to house this bird in as large a flight or cage as my wallet and space will afford - and not to buy a bird until I can afford to supply proper housing.

7. I promise to take the commitment of owning this bird seriously and to think hard about any changes that might be imminent in my lifestyle that would put me in the position of having to give up this bird. (marriage, travel, pregnancy, etc.).

---

---

---

SHOULD I GET A SECOND PARROT??

Many people know the feeling: you have a wonderful parrot that has become a beloved member of the household. You enjoy visiting pet stores and seeing what birds they have. You coo at the precious baby parrots with their downy backs. You laugh at the just-weaned Amazon parrot who is already saying, "Helloooo!" You start to think, "Another bird would be great!" -

Often, this leads to an impulse buy. You trot home with the new bird, assuming one more bird won't add that much work to your life. But is it as simple as that? There are some issues that should be taken into consideration whenever you think about increasing the number of your flock. -

Health Issues -

New birds always increase the risk of bacterial and viral diseases. You need to consider at least a 6-week quarantine, which can be very stressful for the new bird. It is a good idea to bring the new bird to an avian vet to test for the more serious infectious diseases. There is nothing more devastating than finding out you brought a new bird into the home and that bird infected the rest of your flock.

Compatibility -

Face it. Some birds are extremely jealous companions. My Senegal parrot Max despises all other feathered creatures and would be the instrument of their death if given half a chance. He will go after parrots twice his size without a moment's hesitation. This means I have to take special precautions to avoid any possible contact between Max and other birds. -

If you have seen those stores with big manzanita trees filled with various species seemingly so compatible with each other, remember, there is no guarantee your birds will get along to this degree. Compatibility can change as birds age and reach sexual maturity. It is extremely risky to put mixed species in a single cage or flight. This is true of many birds, not just parrots. For example, some species of finch are quite aggressive toward other species. Those little budgerigars can be very aggressive toward smaller birds, such as society finches. -

Time and Attention

As most current bird owners know, many species require quite a bit of care and attention. Water bowls get dirty quickly, seed is tossed about the floor, that fresh cooked broccoli is now sliding down your wall where your darling Umbrella cockatoo just flung it. -

Double that mess in your mind. -

Most parrots need focused attention every day. If the birds like each other, this might be relatively easy. But if they go after each other like wild cats, you will have to set aside specific time periods to handle each one. For example, my amazon Inca tends to like her attention in the morning first thing. My Senegal would like attention all day long, but he is happy with a few minutes of handling and knows he gets a good hour or so of concentrated attention every evening when we watch TV together. Because I work at home, I have a lot more flexibility in terms of time with my birds. -

"Collecting" and Extreme Cases -

I remember hearing the saying, "Birds are like potato chips..." and I do think this can be true for some people. A friend of mine was recently house shopping. She viewed a home where birds were kept as pets. She said it was shocking. There was a special room for the birds. The place was filthy, with poops and food everywhere. Damage to wood was evident throughout the house. She couldn't imagine how anyone would be willing to live that way. It was clearly a situation that had gotten out of control. Unfortunately, this kind of "collecting" has become an increasing problem recently and is even considered a psychiatric condition by some specialists. Of course this is an extreme example, but I have seen it in varying degrees. The first sign of trouble is when an individual spends the rent money on a new bird. I have even heard this syndrome called "Bird Poor"--meaning they spend their money on birds first and then deal with other financial responsibilities later. This also means there is rarely much money available for veterinary bills, so these homes will sometimes have a number of sick birds in need or care. -

In Conclusion -

When deciding whether or not to add another bird to your household, consider your schedule and lifestyle. Make sure you can budget time for all your birds before adding any more creatures to the flock. Avoid impulse buys at all costs even if the bird seems "perfect." You will be much happier if you prepare in advance for the added responsibility of another feathered friend.

---

---

---

PLEASE SEND ANY APPLICATIONS OR CORRESPONDENCE TO FRESHSTARTNORTH@LIVE.COM. IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY SENT AN E-MAIL AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK YET, PLEASE BEAR WITH US UNTIL WE GET THE COMPUTER UP AND RUNNING AGAIN, AND FEEL FREE TO RESEND ANY E-MAILS TO FRESH START NORTH. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE!

HOW TO ADOPT A BIRD FROM FRESH START BIRD RESCUE

STEP 1-ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE READ THE ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS LISTED ON OUR MAIN WEBSITE,
UNDER THE BIRDS PICTURE.

THIS WILL HELP YOU DETERMINE IF A BIRD YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WOULD BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR LIFESTYLE.

STEP 2-PRE-APPLICATION

IF YOU FEEL YOU MEET OUR ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS,AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO ADOPT A PARTICULAR BIRD YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

THEN PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE PRE-APPLICATION, WHICH IS LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE.

FILL OUT ALL INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION [YOU MAY IGNORE THE REQUEST TO SEND IN A COPY OF YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE UNTIL VISITING THE RESCUE]

AND EMAIL IT BACK TO US AT
FRESHSTARTNORTH@LIVE.COM

PLEASE BE AWARE
THAT JUST BECAUSE AN APPLICATION IS RECIEVED FIRST,DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE BIRD WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ADOPTED TO THAT PERSON.

OUR POLICY FOR ADOPTION IS THAT WE TAKE IN AND REVIEW A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ON A BIRD BEFORE THE DECISION IS MADE ON WHOM FRESH START FEELS CAN PROVIDE THE BEST HOME FOR THAT BIRD.

STEP 3 -VISIT

IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO ADOPT A BIRD,
FRESH START WILL NOTIFY YOU EITHER BY EMAIL OR TELEPHONE.

AT THAT TIME WE WILL SCHEDULE A DAY AND TIME FOR YOU TO COME AND VISIT WITH YOUR NEW BIRD FRIEND.

AT THAT POINT ONE OF TWO THINGS MAY HAPPEN...

ONE BEING, THAT IF THE FRESH START ADOPTION TEAM FEELS THAT A SECOND VISIT IS NEEDED FOR YOU AND YOUR BIRD FRIEND TO GET BETTER AQUAINTED, THEN A SECOND VISIT WILL BE SCHEDULED.

ON OCCASION,IF THE ADOPTION TEAM FEELS THAT YOU AND THE BIRD ARE A PERFECT MATCH,
AND THAT IT WILL BE A LIFE LONG COMMITMENT,
YOUR NEW BIRD FRIEND WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO HOME WITH YOU.

NOTIFICATION IF NOT SELECTED FOR ADOPTION

UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE RECIEVE ON EACH BIRD, WE ARE UNABLE TO PERSONALLY NOTIFY EACH PERSON THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHOSEN TO ADOPT THE BIRD THEY INQUIRED ABOUT.

HOWEVER, WE DO UPDATE A BIRDS BIO, WHEN AN ADOPTION HAS BEEN APPROVED, BY ADDING "ADOPTION PENDING" TO THE BIRDS DESCRIPTION ON PETFINDER.

STEP 4 -FINALIZE ADOPTION PAPERWORK

STEP 5 -VETERINARY REPORT

FRESH START REQUIRES THAT UPON FINALIZING AN ADOPTION,THE ADOPTED BIRD MUST BE SEEN BY THE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES PERSONAL VETERINARIAN
AND A COPY OF THE BIRDS CHECKUP AND TEST RESULTS BE SENT TO FRESH START BIRD RESCUE.

STEP 6 -FOLLOW UP CONTACT

FRESH START MUST BE ALLOWED BY THE ADOPTIVE PERSON TO DO FOLLOW UP VISITS, PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS THROUGHT THE LIFE OF THE BIRD.
FRESH START MUST ALSO BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CHANGE IN ADOPTORS PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS OR HOME ADDRESS.

IF FOR ANY REASON THROUGHOUT THE BIRDS LIFE, THE ADOPTION IS NOT WORKING OUT OR THE ADOPTOR NEEDS TO SURRENDER THE BIRD FOR ANY REASON, THE BIRD "MUST" BE RETURNED TO FRESH START.
THIS POLICY IS STRICTLY ENFORCED.

---

ADOPTION CONTRACTS

All animal adoption contracts approved by Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. are subject to the following terms and conditions:

The Adopter agrees that the animal will be kept only as a domesticated house pet. The Adopter further agrees to provide proper veterinary care for the animal.

The Adopter grants Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc.the right to contact them by mail, email, phone or by making periodic visits to the Adopter's premises [home or job] for the purpose of checking on the health and general welfare of the animal and to verify that the animal has been cared for in accordance with the terms of this agreements.

The Adopter will notify Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. of any changes in personal information that is addressed on the adoption application such as changes in phone number, email, address and residence within a 2 week period from the time of the change.

The Adopter represents that all family members have agreed to the adoption of the animal and that all family members will abide by the terms of this agreements. The Adopter further represents that he/she is eighteen years of age or older.

The Adopter represents that he/she has never been subject to legal action for cruelty to or neglect of animals. The Adopter further represents that he/she has never owned an animal which has been confiscated by any animal control or humane organization for violations of state or local animal control regulations or animal adoption agreements.

If the Adopter is a tenant, then Adopter agrees to provide written permission from the landlord consenting to the animal adoption.

If for any reason the Adopter is unable to provide care to the animal, the Adopter agrees to return the animal to the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc.The Adopter shall not offer the animal for sale or give the animal to any third party without the prior written consent of Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc.

The Adopter agrees that the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. shall have the right of immediate possession of the animal if, in the judgment of the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. the animal is receiving inadequate care, is being improperly housed or handled.

The Adopter agrees to pay the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. the sum of $300.00 as liquidated damages in the event the terms of this contract are breached; this liquidated damage value does not bar the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. from seeking the return of the animal by judicial process or other legal means if necessary. If legal action is instituted, the Adopter agrees to pay reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

The Adopter hereby declares that he/she is aware:

(a.) That animals are different from human beings in their responses to human actions;
(b.) That the actions of animals are often unpredictable.
(c.) That an animal's behavior may change after it leaves the shelter and accustoms itself to a home or other different environment; and
(d.) That Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. makes no claims as to the temperament, health, or mental disposition of any animal put up for adoption.
The Adopter understands that there will be NO REFUNDS OF ADOPTION FEE at any time .
The Adopter acknowledges that he/she has received a copy of the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. Animal Adoption Contract Terms.
The Adopter, hereby accepts possession of, title to (subject to the conditions of the adoption contract) and responsibility for the animal adopted and agrees to release and discharge the Fresh Start Bird Rescue Inc. forever from liability for any injury or damages to any person or property caused by the adopted animal, and from any causes of action, claims, suits, or demands whatsoever that may arise as a result of such injury or damages.

---

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW....

-WE CURRENTLY ARE VERY BUSY TAKING CARE OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF FEATHERED FRIENDS IN THE RESCUE,
SO PLEASE ALLOW 7 TO 14 DAYS FOR A RESPONSE TO YOUR EMAIL. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE EMAIL FRESHSTARTNORTH@LIVE.COM

-FRESH START DOES NOT SHIP BIRDS

-WE HAVE CALLER ID, [SO PLEASE DO NOT CALL AND HANG UP WHEN REACHING THE ANSWERING MACHINE
WE MAY BE THERE BUT BUSY CARING FOR A BIRD AND UNABLE TO ANSWER A CALL AT THAT TIME.

---

---

---

STANDARD ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS

-PREAPPLICATION

-PHONE INTERVIEW

-VET CHECK

-REFERENCE CHECK

-POSSSIBLE HOME VISIT

-CONTRACT

-ADOPTION DONATION

CERTAIN BIRDS HAVE ADDITIONAL ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS

---

---

---

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION.

SAVE THE DOCUMENT TO YOUR COMPUTER AND ONCE IT'S FILLED OUT, SEND AS AN E-MAIL ATTACHMENT TO

freshstartnorth@live.com-

WITH "PRE-APPLICATION" IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

download THIS MS Word file

---

---

---

WE OCCASIONALLY EXPERIENCE SOME COMPUTER PROBLEMS.

IF WE DO NOT GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN A 14 DAYS OR SO, PLEASE RESEND YOUR E-MAIL. WE ARE TERRIBLY SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEND THE APPLICATION, OR NEED SOME HELP, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL OUR WEB SITE CONSULTANT, TONY, AT freshstartnorth@live.com (Fresh Start Board Member).

WE DO ASK

-THAT YOU BE PATIENT DURING THE ADOPTION PROCESS. HAVING THE LARGE NUMBER OF BIRDS AND LIMITED TIME AND RESOURCES LEAVES US VERY LITTLE TIME TO GO OVER APPLICATIONS.

- PLEASE DO NOT FILL OUT THE APPLICATION UNLESS YOU ARE 100% CERTAIN THAT YOU WANT TO ADOPT A BIRD FROM US. WE KNOW HOW EXCITING IT IS WHEN THE DECISION HAS BEEN REACHED TO ADD A NEW FAMILY MEMBER.

-BUT CANNOT CONTINUE TO ACCEPT APPLICANTS THAT CHANGE THEIR MINDS AT THE LAST MINUTE AND CANCEL THEIR APPOINTMENT. WE TRY TO ACCOMODATE VISITS AS BEST WE CAN, BUT WORKING WITH FOSTER HOMES MAKES IT A BIT MORE DIFFICULT THAN HAVING THE BIRDS IN A CENTRAL LOCATION, SUCH AS A SHELTER.

-ADOPTION IS A WONDERFUL THING TO DO, BUT TO BE FAIR TO US AND THE OTHER RESCUES (WHO HAVE THE SAME TIME CONSTRAINTS), PLEASE ONLY ATTEMPT ONE ADOPTION AT A TIME.

-THESE BIRDS DESERVE COMMITMENT AND PATIENCE, AND WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL GIVE THEM, AND US, EXACTLY THAT ONCE THE APPLICATION IS FILLED OUT.