At this time, Wings Over Williamsport Pet Bird Society does not have a specific rescue facility, but we do have a rescue program consisting of foster and adoptive homes that are strickly monitored.

We are a small, non-profit group dedicated to the welfare of avian pets and Psittaciformes in the wild; and to responsible bird ownership through education and example. Our members includes people who share their homes with one or multiple birds, as well as responsible breeders. Our members may also be people who simply have an interest in the world of those fascinating parrots, and those who hope to have an avian friend one day.

We support rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing efforts; shelters, and conservation projects.

Due to the special needs of a re-homed parrot or smaller bird, certain criteria must be met for a foster home to exist. Re-homed parrots often come with a lot of "baggage." Regardless of how this bird was cared for, a certain bond has been established with their owner and breaking that bond causes stress to one degree or another. In the event that the bird was not properly cared for, either through neglect or abuse , or well-meaning ignorance, that bird might take an extended time to respond to positive stimuli.

Listed are necessary criteria for foster homes:

• Experience is the first and most important criteria.
• A foster/adoptive home must be experienced and knowledgeable in avian pets. If the bird- in-crisis is a larger parrot , the fostering home/people must have extensive experience and viable knowledge of larger species.
• Placement will primarily depend on the needs of that bird. Large or small, any behavioral issues or phobias have to be considered first.
• Fostering/adoptive homes must be non-smoking. This means that if there is anyone smoking inside or outside the home, that home is disqualified.
• A foster home must be an established member of our avian group. Right now our foster homes are people who have extensive, long term, hands on knowledge and experience. In some cases, these people would be considered avian behaviorist.
• Foster homes must be willing to work with other established members and founding members, and be subject to supervision - knowing that it is welfare of the bird that is first and foremost.
• Placing a bird in a foster or adoptive home will depend on experience and knowledge, space, cage provision, other pets, children, time, energy, and rental, neighborhood, and zoning stipulations.
• Although the group will assist with any medical needs through donations, sponsorship, and fund raising, the fostering home must be willing to take on this obligation.
• Fostering/adoptive homes must be willing to give the bird as much time needed [weeks, months, or years] to bond and make steps towards productive interaction.
• Foster homes must accept that the bird may or may not be staying with them permanently, and understands that only a perfect match will move that bird into a permanent home setting.
• The flip side of this is when a foster/adoptive home takes on a bird-in-crisis, they must be prepared for this to be a permanent situation and at that point would be released from the foster program. It is a case by case matter.

In addition to the above criteria, foster and adoptive homes must be willing to subject themselves to any evaluation and training that the group might offer, and must agree that if they are no longer able to keep the bird, he or she will be returned to the group for placement.

Becoming a foster or adoptive home does not mean you are getting a bird for free. A foster and adoptive home becomes a part of a network of people that are looking out for the well-being of the bird in question. All birds and parrots are placed in a foster home until it is evaluated and considered adoptable. This might mean a month, or is might mean years.
The minimum time a bird spends in foster care is 30 days. This allows for a quarantine period as well as behavioral evaluation. There is no exception to this process.

Adoption: We do have a fee for each bird that is determined by species.
We do not offer to buy birds from people wanting to place their parrot or bird into our adoption program.

Who can not be a foster home?

• People who are not a member of W.O.W.P.B.S.
• People who do not meet the criteria as listed above.
• People who appear to be impulse pet buyers/owners and do not adequately care for their companion pets; which will be the sole judgment and choice of the founding members.

Click your back button to return......