People frequently ask us why we charge adoption fees, when we do not pay "anything" for the birds that people donate to us. People have accused us of "selling" birds and often, people have said to us; "If you really loved the birds, you would just give them away to a good home”.

Although, it is correct that we do not pay for 90% of the birds taken in by EWPR, many unseen expenses occur. Since Eastern Washington Parrot Rescue is a small, volunteer organization, we do not receive funds from a parent organization such as the ASPCA or a Humane Society. In addition, these organizations receive funding through the city and county for providing their services. We do not. We also do not receive any federal grant money. In addition, we are not like a bird club that has local pet shops and bird supply companies donating food, toys, cages and other supplies for a "raffle table" from which to raise funds, nor do we have a large membership. All of the funds to operate this program come primarily from adoption fees (donations).

Very often our volunteers are required to drive long distances to pick up donated birds or do follow-up visits on birds we have placed. We will average thousands of miles per year on our own personal vehicles in travel directly related to EWPR and nobody takes any "gas money".

We will take in dozens of birds each year. We not only take in birds that people donate to us but we also take in "found" birds that have landed in people's yards, on their shoulders. Obviously, these birds have no cages of their own. If a donated bird has no cage (or a cage that is either inadequate or too disgusting to touch because it has never been cleaned) or we take in a found bird, we must supply a cage. Roomy, sturdy cages for parrots are very expensive and we must keep a constant supply of them available. Sometimes people who no longer have a bird for one reason or another will donate their old cage, but very often we must buy one.

Now let us talk about food. All of the birds here at EWPR receive an excellent diet consisting of pelleted food, a high quality seed & nut mix, calcium and vitamin supplements, lots of fresh vegetables & fruits, and whole grains. Because we never know how many birds we will be housing at one time or for how long, we cannot purchase this food in bulk at lower prices due to spoilage and lack of storage area.

The biggest expense in this program is that of avian veterinarian care. Sadly, the majority of the birds donated have rarely seen the inside of a vet's office. We have one local veterinarians that works with EWPR, giving us a discount on their time and one time even waived his fee entirely, but we do have the cost of all laboratory work, x-rays, medicine, and supplies (heat lamps, gram scales, etc.). This can run anywhere from $35.00 for an office visit up to hundreds of dollars for an injured or sick bird. Rescued (found) birds are usually in sad shape. Birds of prey, dogs, cats or other predators may have attacked them, and/or they are suffering from exposure and malnutrition. They require extensive medical treatment just to survive. We have been asked, why not just pass these vet costs on to the adopting parent? In some cases we do, but let me ask you - if we told you that to adopt a rescued cockatiel it would require a $350.00 donation, what would you say? No way, would be the typical answer.

Along with all of the necessary physical supplies that a donated bird requires, there are also emotional needs that we must deal with. Birds are not a domesticated animal like a dog. They are wild creatures that in order to stay tame and bonded need constant human interaction. They take time to adjust to a new environment and new people. Some adjust quickly depending on their early socialization while others can take longer. With neglected or abused birds it takes even more time for one to gain the bird's trust. This adds to the expense of their up-keep. Sadly, these birds' stay with us is usually much longer because most people do not want to adopt special needs birds with "a problem". Some birds come to us that no amount of rehabilitation will ever make a "good pet". Because of this, we place them with existing avian sanctuaries.

When you adopt a bird from us, you are not just adopting that particular bird, but helping to provide for every bird that has come through our doors. You will be adopting a companion who will provide you with many years of happiness. Some birds do cost very little in care, but there are the others who do not.

All in all, your adoption fee provides for numerous services provided to the parrot loving community and its feathered friends. We consider these adoption fees to be money well spent.