Adoptions are the most important part of what we do! We put a lot of time, effort and love into our rescues and we want to ensure they are going to a good home. We want to work with you to be sure you adopt birds that are going to give you the most enjoyment but also ones that are best suited to the living environment you are providing.
Please be patient with us as the process may move slowly. Depending on the time of year it may take several weeks to get approved. We process applications in the order that we receive them after they are fully complete.
Adoption Rules
1) Predator protection must be provided for the birds. The level of protection varies with the type of birds you are applying for. If you don’t provide predator protection and just want to replace birds that are getting killed you probably need to look elsewhere. We are happy to suggest improvements to your set up to make it safe for the birds so that you can qualify. Improvements must be made before the application will be approved.
2) Birds must be fed. Although this seems like a given, many people think they do not need to feed ducks. They need complete nutrition to be healthy just like every other animal and human. We recommend Mazuri Waterfowl Diet but there are many comparable waterfowl feeds out there. We are happy to recommend one based on what stores you have in your area. Chicken feeds and corn do not give complete nutrition to ducks.
3) There is an adoption fee for each bird. We must collect a fee to help towards the cost of taking in the birds. We spend far greater amount on medical care, feeding and supplies for each bird. We try to make the adoption fees reasonable. If you are providing a good home and can adopt multiple birds we will work with you on an adoption fee. Please be prepared to pay the fee when you pick up the birds.
4) Please be polite and patient. Adoption inquiries are handled via email only. Our phone lines are extremely busy and we need to make sure injured birds get priority on our phone lines. We appreciate your understanding!
5) Please understand all birds do not fit all situations. You may want swans but it’s possible they aren’t a good fit for your place. This doesn’t make you a bad home. We will only suggest birds to you we feel will thrive with the set-up you have to care for the birds. Many birds are regulated by state and federal laws as well.
6) We do not ship birds. Please be prepared to pick them up at the rescue. Also please bring appropriate carriers for the birds to go home in. If your using a pickup truck the birds must be covered or be in plastic kennels. If you’re not sure how to best transport your new feathered friends please ask us and we can give you solutions. We do not loan crates out any longer because we do not get them back. We know you mean well and plan to bring them back you just don’t.
7) We do NOT adopt birds for the purpose of breeding or selling. No exceptions. If your website states that you breed birds, sell them for food, or anything similar, you will not qualify for our adoption program.
8) All of our adoptable birds have been examined by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and/or veterinarian and have been cleared for release. If they have special needs, this will be discussed in advance.