For The Love of Birds

For the Love of Birds is exclusively for charitable and educational purposes of companion birds through rescue, care and placement.

Parrots can live long lives, 20 to 80 years, and because of this and by virtue of not being a domesticated animal, they will end up living in multiple homes for various reasons; unfulfilled expectations, death, moving, loss of job, life changes, etc of caregivers. It is our mission to help as many birds as we can and find a loving and educated next home in New Jersey and surrounding areas.

The founders of For The Love of Birds are Caryn Cullen, Joanne Freel, Patty Deitsch and Kerrie Peterson. Combined, we have over 30 years involved in parrot rescue.

We are a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit animal rescue operating in the State of New Jersey. We possess a permit from the State of New Jersey, Division of Fish & Wildlife for Exotic and Non-Game Wildlife Species Possession, Pet Shop - Retail Sales.

Adoptions, Public Education

The first step in the adoption process is the completion and submission of the Adoption Application. The application should be emailed to [email protected]. Be sure to include two personal references and a veterinary reference. We check the references and then will reach out to you to schedule a mutually convenient time to talk on the phone. After your application is approved and based on your preferences, lifestyle and bird experience we will recommend a bird(s) for you to meet. Or you can let us know if you are interested in adopting one of our available birds.

For small birds like finches and budgies, they typically can be adopted after one visit to their foster home. Medium to large parrots require at least three visits with the bird at their foster home. The reason for this is three fold. This provides the potential adopter with time to consider whether the bird is a good match with their family and life style and gives you time to get your house ready for the bird to move in. Second it gives the bird several opportunities to meet with you and get used to you. Many birds are hesitant with new people during their first visit meeting with them. And finally, it allows the foster home to watch how you interact with the bird and they can pass along information on the bird and educate the potential adopter on bird husbandry as needed. All of our adoptable birds are cared for in private foster homes throughout New Jersey. Each of our birds are treated as the unique individual that they are.

Please note that we require a waiting period of at least 6 months between bringing new birds into your home. Each bird requires a transition period to be comfortable with their new family and in their new home. Please don't short change your bird by bringing another flock member in too soon.

There is an adoption fee; fees are listed on our website. Our birds are sent home with their cage, toys and some food to get you started. Additionally, all of our birds are disease tested for Polyoma, Psitticosis and PBFD, and we will give you a copy of the test results.

For The Love of Birds holds a permit for the care and sale of exotic animals from the State of New Jersey, Division of Fish and Wildlife. All exotic birds that are not exempt in New Jersey must have a hobby permit filed with the state. We will issue you a 20 day temporary permit at the time of adoption. We must file a copy of this temporary hobby permit each year with the Division of Fish and Wildlife. You will need to file for a hobby permit during the first 20 days you have the bird. Exempt birds are budgies, cockatiels, canaries, zebra finches, rock pigeons and society finches. There are a few other exempt birds that we do not take in and offer for adoption. Additionally, all other exotic birds are required to have a band or microchip and have a hobby permit from the State of New Jersey, Division of Fish and Wildlife. YOU DO NOT NEED A SEPARATE PERMIT FOR EACH ANIMAL IN YOUR POSSESSION. If you already have a valid Individual Hobby Permit, you can add additional animals for a fee of $2.00 by writing to the Division of Fish and Wildlife or you can wait until the end of the year and list additions on your renewal form which will be sent to you.