Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How many birds do you have at the Rescue?
A. Currently we have over 600 residents at the Harlem facility and about 200 are adoptable. In addition, we have over 400 birds at our affiliate sites. This makes us the largest non-profit parrot rescue in America.
Q. How big is your facility
A. We are located on nearly 9 acres in Harlem, GA. This is a natural setting with about 5 acres cleared and the rest allocated for future expansion.
Q. Can we visit your rescue?
A. Please do! We are open to the public Friday through Sunday 11a.m.-5p.m. during the summer and Saturday & Sunday 11am to 4pm during the winter. Other times are available by appointment for groups and adoptions. Please call in advance if you are bringing a large group so we can accommodate everyone. No open toed shoes!
Q. Is there anything I can bring to enhance the experience when I visit?
A. Fresh fruits, nuts, and veggies are bird delights and you can feed many of them in the outside aviaries. However, never bring raw peanuts, chocolate or avocado, as they can be fatal. Don’t forget your camera!
Q. Isn't it extremely noisy there?
A. It is noisy outside, but with nearly 9 acres, our neighbors are not close enough to be bothered by it. Some of the birds love to sound off for attention, others are content to sit quietly and watch.
Q. How do you manage to spend time with that many parrots?
A. All birds here are on a schedule for free time and play time. We have people here 24/7 to play with and attend to the birds. Some do not want attention, but those that do always enjoy company.
Q. Do you have help?
A. We have 24/7 help, and volunteers who come by on weekdays and weekends. However, we are always looking for more volunteers! We also provide an opportunity for those with community service hours to do something constructive.
Q. How do you do things like vet checks and quarantines?
A. All birds are examined by a veterinarian upon arrival and quarantined for 30 days in a separate area. Incoming birds are required to have their vet records with them.
Q. Is there a limit on how many birds you will take, or will you always continue to take in unwanted birds?
A. We will always be open to new birds as long as possible. We operate on donations and our ability to grow depends on the generosity of people like you.
Q. What do you do with the donations you receive?
A. All financial support goes into the operation of the rescue. Unlike other “charities” we have no paid staff and everyone is a volunteer. As required, our books are open to inspection. A distribution of expenses for 2007 is shown in the chart.
Q. How did you start rescuing parrots?
A. We started rescuing because of a promise Ron made 30 years ago, because he had to give up 2 of his own birds when he went into the military. He pledged that when he had the time and money, he would make it up to any other birds in the same position. We are also a military deployment facility to keep birds while their owners are serving overseas.
Q. Are there any kinds of birds you won't take?
A. At the present time we only accept tropical birds from finches to macaws. We cannot take any wild birds. These should be directed to your area DNR (Dept of Natural Resources) or local Game Warden. They have contacts with facilities to care for wild species.
Q. Do you breed your birds?
A. No! We do not breed parrots here. Further, we discourage all commercial or private breeding, as there are too many birds without homes already. Adoption is a much better alternative, since you can interact with the bird and make sure you are compatible before taking one home.
Q. Can someone come to my school, club or event and talk to people about bird care, and will you bring some of your birds?
A. We will arrange speaking engagements for all who want us by appointment. We can bring a few birds for folks to interact with, but you must be sure that having live animals in your facility is acceptable. Since it is difficult to travel by air with parrots, we like to keep it within driving distance. We do request your tax-deductible donations to cover expenses.
Q. How can I start a rescue?
A. While this appears to be a great occupation, keep in mind that it is a 24/7 job and a lifetime career. There are strict licensing requirements, facilities management, daily cleaning and feeding, fund raising, public events, dealing with the public and NO vacations! If you are considering this, we would suggest that you volunteer at an existing Rescue for at least a year as sort of an apprentice program. Learn about the birds, what is required to keep them happy and healthy, how to construct aviaries and what it really means to do all this every day. The work is hard and the rewards are great. You need to see both sides and you are welcome to apprentice here at Feathered Friends Forever.
2008 - 2009 Board of Directors
- Ron Johnson – CEO
- Tammy Johnson – VP
- Bob Courtwright – Procurement Officer (AKA Scrounge)
- Tira Clyce – Website Design & Maintenance
- Michelle Glennon – Marketing, Publication, & Promotions
- Meg Still – Treasurer
- Kathleen Clark – Grant writing
- Carly Staunton – Director of Communications
- Roz Verrill – Director of Cinematography & Photos
- Karen Kent – Secretary
There are no salaries for Board members, Staff or Volunteers. Everyone does it for the love of the organization and the birds. Isn’t that how a true non-profit should be??
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Help A Bird Today!
There are many ways you can help support FFF
>> Sponsor A Bird
Send a Lowes or Home Depot gift card.
We also have PayPal available for credit card contributions (see below), along with accepting checks by mail.
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Lets all help make a difference in a birds life, help us complete our wish list for 2008.
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Feathered Friends Forever is pleased to announce our new membership options. Find out how you can join today!
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Many of our residents need sponsors! Find out how you can help provide food, shelter and veterinary care.
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