There are estimates of over 60 million parrots and other captive birds in the U.S. today. Under ideal conditions many of these birds can exceed life spans of 75 years, frequently outliving multiple owners.

These creatures kept as household pets require endless hours of intellectual and emotional interaction to replace what they would normally experience in their natural habitat. Evasion of predators, foraging for food and procreation activities must be replaced. Inattention to these needs frequently leads to self-destructive behaviors such as feather plucking, skin mutilation, screaming and aggression.

Many people make impulsive decisions to buy a bird and then realize they cannot provide the safe, nurturing and stimulating environment the bird demands.

THE VISION

Austin Avian Rescue and Rehabilitation will successfully carry out its mission as a Texas 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation (Federal Tax Number 74-2979814) by developing a beautiful, natural sanctuary habitat, in which companion birds can retire and lead safe, healthy lives. The needs of each individual bird will be considered to solve behavioral and environmental problems.

Educational and outreach programs will teach the public more about the lives and needs of these creatures in captivity and in their natural wild environment. Austin Avian Rescue and Rehabilitation will promote, support and participate in avian research and conservation programs.

Affiliations with major veterinary schools and other university departments are in place, with more to be added

FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND THE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES, CLICK HERE

THE ACTIVITIES

Many birds come from owners who can no longer provide home for them because of a major life change, ill health or the owner's demise.

Volunteers and staff spend numerous hours in support of the people who have to make the tough decision to give up a cherished pet that has been a family member for many years.

A newly-received bird at AARR undergoes rigorous medical testing, with costs ranging from $200 to $800 per bird. Each bird is quarantined before it is introduced to its new "flock." Then the process of behavior modification begins, requiring long hours of training and care for each individual bird as well as the whole flock.

Our current goal is to buy property for an expanded new facility, with protected outdoor flight aviaries for the birds that can acclimate to a flock environment. We hope to provide room enough for flight, play and foraging space so that the birds can choose their own mates or companions, as in the wild.

We create outreach and educational programs on an ongoing basis to
raise public awareness of the plight of companion birds in our society and wild birds whose habitat is threatened by depletion.