Getting a new bird is a huge responsibility, but one that can result in a life time of love and companionship!

If you are requesting to be put on the Adopt-a-Bird list for a specific type of bird, please be sure you understand the nature of bird and have decided that the specific bird's personality and it's particular needs are one that you can meet.

The birds up for adoption through the Adopt-a-Bird Program have already had the need to be relocated and moved. Our goal is to find lifetime homes where birds can be loved as companions and family members for the rest of their lives. Parrots are frequently the innocent victims of poor human decisions.

Standards for appropriately caring for companion parrots are changing. Parrot behaviorists all over the nation are dedicating their lives conducting research to understanding how best to keep parrots in captivity. These studies are clearly showing that parrots need daily interaction, toys, appropriate foods and enrichment activities to thrive. Parrot owners need to educate themselves to the needs of the particular type of bird they are considering adopting. A good example is proper nutrition. It has been shown that approximately 80% of most birds behavioral problems are due to improper nutrition. Gone are the days of keeping a bird in a barren cage and providing the bird with an all-seed diet.

If you are considering adopting a parrot, consider this: owning a parrot is "cool" but the responsibility to its well-being is a lifetime commitment. Even the smallest of parrots live 20 years or more. A macaw's life expectancy is 70 to 80 years. At times you may need to re-arrange your home to accommodate your bird. If you have Teflon® pans, you will need to get rid of them and any cookware that has a non-stick surface contains PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) which is toxic to birds. You will no longer be able to use harsh chemicals to clean or use scented items to make your house smell pretty because most of the perfumed scented candles, plug in scents, etc., are also toxic to birds. Keeping companion parrots is expensive. Anyone preparing to adopt a parrot should look into the costs of providing an adequate diet, toys and veterinary care before taking the bird. In short, adopting a companion parrot will make demands on you and your family that will take careful consideration and planning BEFORE you adopt.

So what is a companion parrot today? A wonderful companion that can be your best friend. The last of the undomesticated pets, these creatures are complex and highly intelligent. The things you discover about each other will last a lifetime. If you are ready to meet this challenge and make a life-time commitment, please adopt a bird.

The Alaska Bird Club strongly encourages you to vet check and quarantine any new bird coming into your home and that you get a release of ownership from the current bird owner.

The Alaska Bird Club assumes no responsibility for the quality, health or training of any birds placed in this program. In addition, the Alaska Bird Club, its officers and members cannot be held liable for any damage or illness brought about by a bird placed or bought via the referrals submitted to this program.

The Alaska Bird Club • P.O. Box 101825 • Anchorage AK 99510
akbirdclub@yahoo.com