SURRENDERING A BIRD

No shame. Just safety, care, and compassion.

We know this isn’t easy. If you’re overwhelmed, struggling, or facing a major life change, we’re here to help your bird land safely—with no judgment.

You're Doing the Right Thing

It takes courage to do what’s best for your bird. Even if surrendering hurts, it means you’re putting their future first. That’s something we respect deeply.

What Happens After You Submit

  • Fill out the form
  • We’ll review and contact you within 1–3 business days
  • If space allows, we’ll schedule the intake
  • If we’re full, we may place you on a waitlist
  • Emergency? Text: 517‑898‑1577
Step 1 Quarantine & Vet Check
Step 2 Species-Based Housing
Step 3 Daily Enrichment & Trust-Building
Step 4 Screened Adoptions Only
Step 5 Lifetime Return Guarantee

What Each Step Looks Like

Step 1: Quarantine & Veterinary Care
When your bird arrives, they start in our quarantine room. This phase lasts anywhere from 2 weeks to 30 days—sometimes longer if your bird isn’t medically stable right away. We give them time to decompress, monitor for any health concerns, and provide whatever treatment is needed. No chaos. No pressure. Just quiet care and the space to settle in safely.
Step 2: Species-Appropriate Housing
Once they’re medically cleared, your bird moves into the main area in their own enclosure. We don’t do shared cages, and birds aren’t allowed to physically co-mingle—for the safety of the flock and to reduce stress. They’re housed near others of their species so they can interact vocally and visually, and we provide structured out time several times a week. They get stimulation, enrichment, and the chance to be birds—safely and with purpose.
Step 3: Nutrition, Enrichment & Behavioral Support
We don’t toss in a scoop of seed and call it a day. Birds here are transitioned to a science-based, seed-free diet designed to slow or prevent fatty liver disease and minimize the progression of atherosclerosis. We feed Higgins InTune, Harrison’s, Lafeber, Mazuri pellets, Christine’s Chop Shop, Nutriberries, and tree nuts (never peanuts). Most birds arrive malnourished or overweight—and within weeks, we see better feathers, brighter eyes, and more engagement. They also get rotating toys, structured out time, and trust-based behavioral support tailored to their needs.
Step 4: Carefully Screened Adoption Process
We don’t do fast-track adoptions. Every applicant goes through interviews, a home review, and a background check. Then we do the real work—matching birds to people based on personality, lifestyle, and species fit. We start with your surrender form, remove all identifying information, and build a profile that includes everything you shared and everything we’ve learned. Think of it like a dating profile—but for birds. We’re not interested in who shouts “first!”—we care about who’s right. This part takes time because it’s supposed to.
Step 5: Lifetime Return Guarantee
If something goes sideways in their new home—tomorrow or ten years from now—they come back to us. No bird adopted from us should ever end up passed around or forgotten. Once they’re part of our rescue, they’ve got a safety net for life.

What You Should Know

  • ✅ We serve MI, IN, OH, IL, WI, PA, and sometimes beyond
  • ✅ No surrender fees – donations are appreciated but never required
  • 🚗 Transport may be available – mileage charges apply
  • 🚫 No walk-ins – appointments only
  • 📝 Start by filling out the surrender form
❗ CURRENT INTAKE STATUS:
We are currently unable to accept budgies as we have over 100 in care. Until more are adopted, we cannot accept more.

FAQs

Can I show up unannounced?
No. Please submit the form first—we don’t accept unapproved visits.
Will I get updates?
We don’t proactively send updates, but if you ever want to check in, just message us on Facebook or email us. We’re always happy to reach out to the bird’s new family on your behalf.
Do you take birds with behavior or special needs?
Yes, we absolutely do. Every bird deserves a chance. We do look at each case individually to make sure we’re the best possible fit, depending on our current flock and space.
What if I’m unsure about surrendering?
We hope you take the time to decide what’s truly best for your bird. That includes making sure any rescue—ours included—is the right fit. Read reviews, ask questions, and make sure the organization has solid standards of care, experience, and people you trust to do right by your bird.
If you’re full, do you refer me elsewhere?
If we’re full, we can place you on our waitlist or share a few Michigan-based rescues we know. That said, we only recommend organizations we’ve personally visited and feel confident in their standard of care—we don’t offer general endorsements.
If I surrender, can I get my bird back?
In most cases, surrender contracts are final. We begin rehabilitation and veterinary care right away, so we ask that you be completely certain before signing. Once your bird begins that process, they’re officially starting their new chapter.

SURRENDER FORM