Our Nation holds a dirty little secret that many donât know. An epidemic since the late 70âs, when parrot breeding first took off. Nobody was prepared to care for a âpetâ that could outlive them up to 60 plus years. Hollywood featured parrots in movies and tv shows; they were the new fad everyone had to have. But after having one for a short period of time, with no direction and no information, people realized how demanding it was to care for them. Their health deteriorated, most were given away and many were euthanized.
Across America, special individuals take in and care for unwanted parrots, mostly in their own homes on their own dime, doing the best they can to provide some sort of life for these amazing creatures. Parrots are not native to the US and are difficult to keep as pets, they are not like cats and dogs. Because of their long-life expectancy, they are a long-term commitment that many people donât plan for. Yet, despite the hundreds of thousands of abandoned birds across the globe, parrot rescues and sanctuary facilities are extremely rare and hard to find.
Colorado alone has over 270 licensed animal shelters, of which, only 3 are licensed to care for companion birds. This is why Pikes Peak Parrot Rescue was founded (3PR). There was an urgent need to be filled!
In 2013, the rescue was originally started and has since rehomed over 700 parrots! Our goal is to find loving capable forever homes and families for unwanted companion birds along with educating every person we can on how to provide a fulfilling life for their parrot.
People donât realize that a parrot may have a small brain, but they have almost as many neurons as a chimpanzee; they can speak and associate words with objects and have proven to have the logic of a 4year old child. All parrots are sweet and cute as babies, but once a parrot matures through adolescence, they develop their own personalities, just like people do. Itâs at this point most are surrendered because their owner didnât take the time to educate themselves on how to care for them. A rescue bird is then labeled as âdamagedâ; a stigma that many use to define birds in rescues and sanctuaries, not understanding or realizing that most of these birds still have another 20-60 years left to live without a home or family. All the while, bird breeders are producing more babies, continuing this cycle and adding to this already epidemic that has plagued us for over 40 years.
3PR wants people to know that NO bird is damaged. They are so similar to us because they know when they like someone and when they donât, which is why itâs important to visit parrot rescues and sanctuaries to spend time with a bird before you make a lifelong commitment to one; they are not obedient like a dog; when a parrot CHOOSES you, there is no greater feeling in the world! They will be your lifelong friend and genuine part of your family. We urge people to source out a rescue instead of buying a bird from a pet store or breeder. There are so many birds already here and are in need of a home for their long lives ahead.
Pikes Peak Parrot Rescue is only able to continue our mission with your help. As a PACFA licensed nonprofit rescue, we do not receive funding. We do not charge people for surrendering their birds. We SOLELY rely on our community to help provide the enrichment and quality of life these birds deserve.
To find out more about us, visit us on Facebook and see what we do every day with these amazing parrots. You can also visit our website www.3PRofCO.org for more information.
Adoption application with $25 fee, Free online Standards of Care course, home inspection, Intent to Adopt form, proof of acceptable cage and perches
