Captive Bird Rescue Services

Unfortunately, MAARS must occasionally rescue birds that have been neglected, abused, abandoned, injured, or malnourished. These are always the most heartbreaking cases, and they can move the most seasoned rescue worker to tears and rage.

What Happens to the Birds MAARS Rescues?

All MAARS birds are thoroughly evaluated and treated or rehabilitated whenever appropriate and for as long as is deemed necessary and in an individual bird's best interest. Any bird determined to have a medical condition receives appropriate treatment at MAARS' expense. Nationally renowned and highly respected veterinary specialists and researchers consult regularly with MAARS veterinarians. MAARS maintains detailed files on every bird, including past histories and a record of all tests and treatment(s), concerns, and health or behavioral issues.

MAARS requires that all birds entering The Landing or a MAARS foster home obtain a CBC and Chlamydia PCR Test. All birds also undergo additional tests based upon species and history as follows:

  Lovebird: PBFD (PCR), biopsy for feather-pickers/mutilators

  Cockatiel: Giardia (Elisa)

  Cockatoo, Grey, Eclectus: PBFD (PCR), biopsy for feather-pickers/mutilators

  Lory: PBFD (PCR), biopsy for feather-pickers/mutilators

  Conure, Amazon, Macaw: Pacheco's (PCR)

  Disadvantaged history and/or presenting signs: Comprehensive chemistry, culture(s), x-ray, endoscopy, biopsies, heavy metal toxicity, aspergillus testing (Elisa), and other diagnostic tools/methods

There has been no incidence of illness or death due to contagious disease in any bird associated with MAARS at any time; this is attributable to excellent standards of care as well as good fortune. Every bird entering The Landing or a MAARS foster home is quarantined until all test results indicate that the bird is free of infectious disease. A quarantine area with separate access and ventilation has always existed at The Landing; in the summer of 2001 a second quarantine room was constructed to better facilitate the segregation of new birds. The Landing is also routinely tested for environmental pathogens.

When appropriate, rescued birds — including those with medical and/or behavioral conditions — are permanently placed in new adoptive homes. MAARS insures that these homes are fully aware of the condition(s) and are thoroughly prepared to handle the bird's special needs. Under special physical or psychological circumstances, some rescued birds are placed in a sanctuary situation instead of a home with people to live out their lives.

For severely neglected or abused birds there may be no happy ending, but we do all that we can to provide love, comfort, care, and a safe place to live. If they choose to fight, we fight with them. If they choose to trust again, we give them our trust. If they choose to be unforgiving, we offer our forgiveness. And if they must leave this world, we allow them their dignity and give them our respect.

Minnesota Animal Care and Cruelty Statutes

  The statutes that make up Minnesota Statute 2000 Chapter 343 (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) define what legally constitutes animal cruelty in Minnesota.

  Minnesota Statute 2000 Chapter 346.40 (Pet Birds) describes the bird care and handling standards required by law in Minnesota.

These statutes apply only in the state of Minnesota. Animal protection laws vary greatly from state to state, so please consult your appropriate state statutes and local humane societies. The Animal Legal Defense Fund may also be able to assist you with a specific case. The legal process for removing an animal is complex and MUST be followed exactly even in the most dire circumstances.

What Do I Do if I Witness the Abuse or Neglect of a Captive Bird?

Please click here for more information on how to respond to bird (or other animal) abuse or neglect.

RescueCoordinator E-mail: rescue@maars2.org

All content Copyright © 1999-2019 by Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc.

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