Our Adoption Process
Thank you for considering adoption! It is our goal to find permanent loving homes for our rescued parrots. More than likely they have already had a rough start in life. During the time they stay with us we get to know them very well, so we can better match them to the home that will fit them best. We only adopt out parrots if we know they are suitable for a home. Aside from any medical issues, much time is spent on training and enrichment. From many years of working with these complex minds we have discovered that the parrots choose their owners, not the other way around.
The average parrot gets re-homed 7 times or more during its life in captivity. Birds that get bounced back-and-forth and re-homed time and time again suffer at the hands of people who fail in their commitment, and the damage can be irreversible. We may seem strict in our adoptions, but with our experience in working with people and in our knowledge and experience with parrots, we are simply trying to do what is in the bird's best life-long interest.
We prefer local adoptions, but because proper homes for parrots are few and far between in Northern Michigan, we do consider prospective adopters that are not local, but who are willing to drive to our facility and meet the bird(s). It is important to us that before adopting, the bird is somewhat comfortable with you, and you are comfortable with them. Birds can be a lifelong commitment, so we strive to match the birds to the right owners for a lasting relationship. PLEASE NOTE: Because of certain laws prohibiting/complicating specific species of birds from crossing state lines, and to avoid sketchy situations that could effect any of the birds well-being, we will not consider out-of-state adoptions. We do not ship birds, every prospective adopter must come to our home to meet the birds in our home, where they feel the most comfortable and you can see them in their element.
If we do not currently have a particular parrot that will fit your household, please send in an application anyway! We have a waiting list of birds looking for homes that aren't necessarily in our rescue facility, and we keep all applications on file in case we come across what we believe to be a perfect match.
Here is the adoption process broken down into steps:
The average parrot gets re-homed 7 times or more during its life in captivity. Birds that get bounced back-and-forth and re-homed time and time again suffer at the hands of people who fail in their commitment, and the damage can be irreversible. We may seem strict in our adoptions, but with our experience in working with people and in our knowledge and experience with parrots, we are simply trying to do what is in the bird's best life-long interest.
We prefer local adoptions, but because proper homes for parrots are few and far between in Northern Michigan, we do consider prospective adopters that are not local, but who are willing to drive to our facility and meet the bird(s). It is important to us that before adopting, the bird is somewhat comfortable with you, and you are comfortable with them. Birds can be a lifelong commitment, so we strive to match the birds to the right owners for a lasting relationship. PLEASE NOTE: Because of certain laws prohibiting/complicating specific species of birds from crossing state lines, and to avoid sketchy situations that could effect any of the birds well-being, we will not consider out-of-state adoptions. We do not ship birds, every prospective adopter must come to our home to meet the birds in our home, where they feel the most comfortable and you can see them in their element.
If we do not currently have a particular parrot that will fit your household, please send in an application anyway! We have a waiting list of birds looking for homes that aren't necessarily in our rescue facility, and we keep all applications on file in case we come across what we believe to be a perfect match.
Here is the adoption process broken down into steps:
- Fill out our adoption application- Please keep in mind you may state a specific bird or species you are interested in, but the bird will have to choose you!
- Once reviewed, if it seems like a good fit I may request a home visit or several photos of your setup, depending on your distance from our home. Home checks will evaluate the quality of environment and enrichments that will be provided in the home, stability of the home and family environment, presence of other animals in the home that may pose a predatory risk, and the presence of Teflon products or other chemical hazards.
- A phone interview will be done. Don't worry! I really am a nice lady--I'm just looking out for the bird's best interest!
- If everything looks good, I will give you the OK to come for a visit. Depending on the bird, several visits may be needed to become acquainted. We have a very comfy couch here and snacks if you don't mind hanging out with us and your new potential family member!
- Before taking your new family member home, you will be required to sign our adoption contract. Sample below:
| Adoption Contract Sample |
Adoption fees may be paid with cash or check. If a check is written we ask that it is either made out Hurlin's Parrot Rescue, to our food/toy supplier, or to our veterinary fund. ALL proceeds from adoptions go directly back into helping more parrots in need. We are a 501(c)3 rescue and we do not receive government funding. Our rescue relies on our own paychecks and the public's kind donations.
To pursue adoption, please fill out our adoption application below in full, as descriptive as possible, and to the best of your knowledge.
To pursue adoption, please fill out our adoption application below in full, as descriptive as possible, and to the best of your knowledge.
