It was a Christmas present they were not expecting. Detroit Animal Welfare Group received over 400 parakeets on Christmas eve, surrendered by a son who found them at his father’s home. “We were in shock also but could not turn them away as they were all crammed in 7 cages and smothering each other and needed immediate help,” said the rescue group.
The son had initially told the group that there would be around 60 to 80 parakeets but his father, an animal hoarder, had far, far more. 497 were surrendered just before Christmas.
When the first 497 arrived, Detroit Animal Welfare Group miraculously had just had parakeet food donated. And thanks to a great team and other local rescues, they were able to set up temporary housing and a care centre for the birds.
“We were able to reach out to some amazing bird rescues for help,” DAWG wrote on Facebook. “Jojos Flying Friends here in Romeo rushed right over and were able to take over 100 and the babies that require hand feeding. Birds and Beaks along with two other rescues will be here Sunday to take more.”
But that was not the end – the man brought 339 more birds in clear stress to the shelter on December 26, 2021 for a total of 836!
“These birds came from a very unhealthy situation and the irresponsibility of the owner is infuriating however, it truly takes a village to help these animals and we are so thankful for everyone that works together to get them the care and proper homes they deserve.”
Rescuers commend the man’s son for taking responsibility for the terrible situation and reaching out to them to help the birds. “Bless him for getting help. But his dad’s situation had gotten out of control and hadn’t realized the extent until he went over there.”
Kelley LeBonty, director of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group told the Detroit Free Press that her group has not contacted authorities about the hoarding situation.
“They reached out to us for help, and that’s a step in the right direction,” she said. “Now these birds can be in a proper home and get the care they need.”
DAWG says that the birds will continue to get vet care and housing until they can be rehomed. They are currently looking for someone that might help build them a temporary aviary.
They want people interested in adopting the birds to know the responsibilities. “They are noisy and messy and they need enrichment and interaction and flight time,” they told news outlets and added the birds are a commitment for 7 to 15 years.
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