Very wonderful organization with staff that that go out of their way for you and your bird.

My interactions with people at the Gabriel Foundation have been quite good. The birds are well taken care of, and the online auctions are a fun way to help support them. read more

I adopted my cockatiel recently from The Gabriel Foundation. They were super supportive and helpful with any questions I had after bringing him home. The whole process was fantastic! You can tell they really care about all their birds and the success of their adoptions. read more

Gabriel Foundation - Animal Shelters Near Me - Elizabeth, Colorado

The birds that are being taken care of here have found a little bit of birdy heaven. Some have been abused neglected rejected and abandoned. Looking for a bird?? Get involved and volunteer to help these wonderful birds who did not put themselves in this predicament. Adopt a bird rather than buy a baby. Looking for a talker ?? Get one that already has that down pat. Take some time to learn and interact with the bird. The time you spend here is nothing that you should be spending if you had purchased a baby. People just don't realize how much effort is needed to keep birds. And they can outlive you. Another reason some are here. Loss of their home of many years. Go on a tour. Elizabeth location has outside flight cages. Very impressive. These birds are very fortunate to have landed at the gabriel foundation. Thank you to all that make this a reality for these special creatures. read more

Gabriel Foundation - A goffins cockatoo from the gabriel foundation. Left at their door in a cardboard box. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Elizabeth, Colorado

I haven't adopted a bird from Gabriel Foundation, but I'm speaking about the educational support and helpfulness this organization shares with people who want to be great bird lovers. I bought a budgie and they have been very helpful. They offer a bird class online and I am still working my way through it, it's chock-full of great info, the latest on nutrition, health risks, health care, how to provide the very best environment, everything any bird lover could want to know. Just forty dollars. And as my new bird settles in, I have had ocassion to ask an additional question and I get answers, pretty great opportunity for learning. And nice people. read more

I have adopted four special needs birds from this place and visited many times. They are clean and take great care of their birds. They truly care about the animal's welfare. Recommended for tours, donating, adopting from, grooming, boarding, everything! read more

Gabriel Foundation - Edgar and Crash the Quaker Parrots - Animal Shelters Near Me - Elizabeth, Colorado

This is so interesting to me. This lucky woman now has four birds from the Gabriel Foundation and I was not allowed to adopt one. Last October, our beautiful African Grey died from a stroke. I was warned by many people not to attempt to find another bird from the Gabriel Foundation for a variety of reasons. I did not listen. I jumped into all the hoops the foundation required. I have 35+ years experience in caring for parrots, high recommendations from Dr. LaBonde, a large cage and tons of toys. The foundation is 100 miles round trip from my home that I was expected to make 5 times in the midst of covid and snowstorms. I took all the required tests which I passed and paid my $50. After my second visit, it was apparent to me the foundation had no intention of adopting to me. This time I listened and gave up. Such a sad experience. read more

Relocated to Elizabeth, Co. we had a great experience adopting an African grey from them. I appreciate the process adopters must go through to ensure the best chance of a good life for the birds. It's an amazing location and the birds have good lives there. read more

I deeply regret that we ever attempted to adopt a bird from this organization. We spent many, many hours, over a series of weekends trying to find a bird to become a part our family. We were treated in a friendly manner on our first visit, however on subsequent visits this became less and less so. We were not allowed to meet with birds we selected from their "pet finder" ads, being given a laundry list of why they were not good matches for us. We wasted so much time looking at and reading about various parrot's personalities based on the descriptions in their bird "bios" only to be told over and over, no. We asked why those were even listed as "adoptable" if there were so many issues with each bird. We were steered toward bird breeds we hadn't ever even asked to see, and hadn't done any research on. Email communication became increasingly hostile, rude and quite presumptuous. On our final trip to the property, the board member who had been participating in our "adoption" process from the beginning, seemed to feel and understand our frustration. We explained to her how unfortunate it is that we spent so much time reading about and researching all their "adoptable" birds, only to be told nearly ALL the birds we selected to meet weren't "a good match" (we had nearly 30 birds on that list). She would ensure that next visit, we would be introduced to all macaws and cockatoos that were adoptable for us. Unfortunately, the extremely rude email we received from the cockatoo specialist after that visit, ended this experience for us. We could no longer feel good about this organization and how they treat families wishing to adopt these very sad and lonely birds. We'd heard a number of awful stories about this place from other bird enthusiasts as were researching and studying about macaws and cockatoos. Unfortunately, we decided to give them a try anyway. We regret that decision, deeply. It seems, from what we witnessed, that this organization is more about hoarding these amazing animals, than it is about wholeheartedly trying to rehome them. Based on our experience, it is clear that these people aren't incredibly motivated to find loving homes for their large birds which is perplexing, given that they have hundreds, and many that have been there for years. They claim that all birds get "plenty of attention and human contact" but that can't possibly be true. With over 600 birds on the premises, and all of the unhealthy, and abnormal behaviors (severe plucking, regurgitating on themselves, frantic pacing...) this just didn't ring true in our opinion. Many of the birds we saw were terribly pathetic looking, reaching out to people when they pass by, plucked to baldness, etc) There are other places that rescue large birds that are actually very happy to work with families to find a good match, and who enthusiastically mentor individuals in learning. how to bring a bird into the family. Save yourself the heartache and go to a place where they really want to help you learn, and actually WANT to find homes for their birds. 6 read more

I am so happy there is a place here for lost, abandoned, relinquished, abused birds etc. I think they do amazing great work for the number of birds they care for and the nature of using volunteers etc to fill in the gaps in all the work that must be done to keep this place running! Knowing that, and with that in mind, I did find communication far less than I first thought I should expect such as the goal of each visitor the continuity from meeting with volunteers while meeting birds were highly variable and they couldn't always answer my questions but I took that with a grain of salt due to that they were volunteers. Therefore the process was a bit strange to navigate but I stuck with it and they were great helping me get three conures and make my little flock complete. I found I asked questions at the follow-ups and they were not addressed typically unless I wrote back and made it clear I had questions buried in my long responses and I really wanted an answer, then I did get the responses were helpful and fast. (Thanks everyone!) They had so many adoptions that I think they are stretched thin, no doubt. How could they not be? I think already having a conure helped me, if I was a first-time bird owner it all might seem daunting where going to a breeder would be easier, but that was not my goal. My heart was only getting birds that needed me, to provide them a loving, healthy home, diet, and enriching companionship for the rest of its life. With TGF, I found my goal completed! I would suggest that surely will happen with this group and also try to really keep positive, and in that frame of mind, you might need to be patient and not judge that timeline or the folks there. Not all birds are adoptable due to past abuse, emotional damages in their previous life (So sad poor babies!!! Breaks my heart, for example, a macaw that was kept in a closet for 10 years!!) so please don't always blame GF.... that is not fair nor reasonable. They want to see successful and happy adoptions for both their birds and adopter. I can't speak at all to others experiences or stories but I can see why others think this process can be too long or hard....but just this is my advice: hang in there if you know what you're looking for and they will work with you, maybe differently than you hope for, or think ahead of time what you think it should look like. Keeping the birds a priority I believe is their sincere goal and to try to take in birds that really need them, so I give them a lot of grace. There are many horror sad stories of birds that get saved and end up there so also a lot of grace for the poor birds with their possibly not perfect personalities as well. That is also why they are careful about adoption as well as the great education they make all adopters go through. I had read a lot before I adopted there and I still learned ALOT from their online education course. Diet is so important! Bless all of you folks who care for the birds keep them healthy and safe now, and for those who make it through the adoption process. I wish you all the best with your new companions. read more

As a follow-up to Ellen's assumption that "those who complain about the Foundation's policies do so because they don't want to go through the adoption process (which includes a 12-page application)", I simply had to return to state that I have absolutely NO interest in adopting from TGF, and never will given their support of wholesale breeders and recent actions regarding the case of the 31 macaws in Virginia (www.madmacaws.net). My opinion of TGF has absolutely zero to do with their adoption policies, but with their regard toward parrot welfare in general. The multiple attempts I've made in the past to tour the facility and volunteer prove that they aren't interested in investing time in attracting experienced volunteers. In addition, I've flat out heard employees at The Bird Brain lie to customers regarding the situation of the 31 macaws - something that TGF should have been completely open about. Sour grapes about adopting? Not at all. (I've never applied and never will, and have nothing against a lengthy application that screens potential homes. As a rescue worker, I appreciate.) Appalled at the organization's ulterior motives, support of terrible breeders (wholesale? come on!!), and retro-active participation in a case that should have resulted in the conviction of animal abusers? YES As far as the comments made regarding the number of birds at TGF and not wanting them to end up in shelters, TGF essentially IS a shelter, albeit a parrot-specific one. They have so many birds on premises that on last check, the facility was full, hence the reason for the 31 macaws going to a breeding facility in Florida instead of staying at TGF's Colorado premises. I'm always an advocate for parrot rescue, but I don't understand how a parrot rescue could agree to shelter 31 macaws (thus preventing the owners - who abandoned these birds with no shelter, fresh water, or food after a home foreclosure - from facing a trial), and then move those birds to a breeding facility, owned by Julie Murad's long-time friend, a breeder who sells unweaned baby birds whole sale to pet stores only. THAT is why I choose not to support TGF, and give the organization 1 star. I don't appreciate other individuals attempting to speak for me by making false assumptions. Haven't we all learned the phrase "To assume . . . ?" read more

The Gabriel Foundation rescues and adopts out parrots, but it is so much more than a bird shelter. While, yes, you can adopt anything from a budgie to a macaw from their shelter in Elizabeth, you can also take an online Birdie Basics class, whether you already own a bird, are thinking of acquiring one, or simply want to learn about parrots. The Gabriel Foundation, a non-profit organization, is amazing to tour- if you're not too sensitive to noise. It's about 200 decibels in the shelter at all times. Welcome to life with parrots. The birds range from shy or aggressive to friendly and loving- and the staff at the shelter knows that parrots are, more than anything else, fickle and picky. They recognize this by letting the birds choose their adopters more than the other way around- if a bird happens to fall in love with you, but isn't the species you're looking for, they'll strongly encourage you to change your parameters and take that birdie home. Among other amazing services, The Gabriel Foundation also conducts low cost microchip clinics for birds- check their website for the schedule. While you're at it, make a donation- if you love birds, this is an organization that does more than any other in the Denver area for them, so show your support! read more

My bird suffered an untreated injury when I used the foundation for the long term foster care of my Cockatoo. I was out of the country and in the photos they sent I could tell something was wrong because of feather destruction. I tried everything to get him proper care while I was gone through e-mail, phone calls, working with my vet in OR all to be told it wasn't up to me. His care was the call of the vet on staff. The long and short of it is he was there for about 8 months and on taking him to his fantastic vet in OR it was clear(through ex-rays) he suffered an injury that had been left untreated. He is on the mend and feeling much better with very little feather dist ruction now. Thank goodness my baby finally got the care he needed. DON'T TRUST YOUR BIRD TO THESE FOLKS!!!! Good intentions do not make for good educated care. read more

SCAM/FRAUD THEY DISCRIMINATE This is definitely a SCAM I did everything by the book. I paid my $50, did my 101 classes, etc.. and went for an adoption visit, which was very weird two young girls showed me a few birds talked about their birds they adopted, I felt I was taking up their time, then I left no follow up invite nothing. When I got home I wrote back I asked for a follow up adoption date, but that person never replied so I asking to volunteer so I could learn more about the birds i was told I couldn't come because I can't wear a mask. But it was weird because no one at all was wearing one on my initial visit, no one, people coming and going the gals that showed me around, and talked to me in a small room, the office people, the volunteers, the people sipping off items NO ONE. But see I have a reason I don't wear a mask. I am a disabled Veteran and have PTSD as I explained. Total discrimination. I am going to turn this over to ADA and let them sort it out. But it feels like a big click if you're not in you're out. These people are not concerned about adoption, the girls didn't ever know about the required 101 classes the foundation requires adoptees to complete. So hears what, keep you donations and your adoption fees and go somewhere else. read more

After getting to know the foundation better, over the course of several years, I can honestly say whole-heartedly that they do a wonderful service for birds. read more

I wouldn't even expect a reply from this place. I tried to download the application to adopt, but it wasn't working. I called numerous times in an attempt to bring this to their attention. I called to ask about what kinds of birds they currently have. I called to set up a tour. I never once received a response. Someone I know had found an injured bird and tried calling to see if they'd take it in because she didn't know how to care for it. No response there either. If these people really want to help these birds and put them out for adoption, they need to respond to people first! Just so the other poster knows- I have volunteered at other non-profits in the past. I may have needed to wait a couple days for a response or to give a response, but I always received one. This should be so even if it comes to the well-being of an animal. With TGF, I've called on several occasions, tried different times during the day, nothing. You shouldn't need to be in their face. How can they expect to receive donations or adopt birds out if they cannot respond to an email or a phone call? read more

I'm an experienced parrot person with 20 years' experience. Like others here, I've called and emailed numerous times to inquire about the possibility of adopting birds and touring the facility. I have NEVER received a response to any of them. I've seen many of their "adoptable" parrots listed for 7-10 years. They'd have had room for the 31 macaws if they'd do a better job responding to calls and emails. I find it confusing that they would sell 31 parrots to a breeder, yet they state on their web page that they are "A parrot welfare organization provides for the complete physical, psychological and environmental well being of the parrots in it's care." If selling parrots to a breeder is the way they provide for the complete physical, psychological and environmental well being of their birds, I can't believe they're what they say they are. read more

I'm a veterinary student who had the privilege to visit TGF for a few days. They take wonderful care of their animals and each person on the premises (whether a volunteer or paid staff member) cares deeply about birds. I can't comment on experiences that others have had about not being able to submit an adoption application, but I know that these people work very hard to get animals into good homes. Having a fair amount of non-profit experience myself, there are a lot of demands, particularly when your organization is in need. Bottom line: The Gabriel Foundation is a wonderful organization dedicated to parrot welfare. They save a lot of animals, and they do a ton of outreach to help people become better bird owners. If you have to wait to get through, I think it's well worth that wait. read more

I was looking for my first parrot and was utterly lost. Thank goodness I found The Gabriel Foundation. They have a wonderful class that teaches so much about parrot ownership that you must take before you adopt. They also literally have hundreds of parrots up for adoption and you are allowed to go at your own pace and visit with the parrots as much as you need to make the proper decision on which parrot is right for your household. They were wonderful throughout the whole experience. I ultimately found a parrot to adopt from a co-workers relative, but that was only a coincidence. I fully planned on adopting from The Gabriel Foundation, and would have if the perfect situation hadn't have arisen prior to adoption. The only reason a gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because they can be slow to respond to emails or phone calls initially, depending on what volunteer (re: unpaid worker) gets your email or call first. But if you're serious about adopting and don't get a response within a few days to your initial request, you'll call or email again, making a note that it's your second request, and you WILL get a response. Once you are paired with an adoption coordinator, you're golden. That was my experience and it seems to be the exact same experience of other adopters I've talked too. read more

I visited TGF several years ago. As a believer in adopting when possible, I was impressed that there was someone doing this for birds. I even put them in my will. So when my bird died, I naturally decided to adopt from them. I didn't mind paying the $50 fee, and filling out the lengthy application. And the educational series you are mandated to complete was actually very helpful. But the supposed visits with the bird to adopt were a nightmare. Turns out that these visits are a chance for each member of the adoption committee to grill you. They don't seem to read your application or the comments by the other committee members. And since a different person interrogates you each time, you end up answering the same questions each time. And then you get 10-15 mins with the bird. And since they don't follow up with you, you have to call them and so the visits are pretty far apart. How this is going to help you and the bird get acquainted is beyond me. They are very rigid in how they define good care, and if you ask about the reasoning behind it, some get very uptight and condescendingly tell you "It has worked very well for us." Turns out it is a MINIMUM of 5 such visits. And they expect to come and inspect your home. I think many of the staff are helpful and caring, but they are more of a sanctuary than adoption organization. I wouldn't bother trying to adopt from them unless you like to be beaten up psychologically. read more

$5,000 or $80/month (for an estimated 7-8 years) would be required before TGF would accept a healthy mini-macaw! I rescued this bird 13 years ago and he has been a member of the family along with my 2 hand-raised parrots. TGF's web site assured me that a good home would be found. After filling out reams of forms, I was very disheartened to get this response, especially as I had been a donor in the past. read more

I've been dealing with this organization for over 9 years. They are the real deal. There are public tours regularly scheduled every weekend. Anyone who is truly interested in touring and volunteering is able to do so. I've never had trouble accessing staff. They truly care about proper education of the public for what it takes to care and be responsible for parrots. read more

This place is amazing! Their dedication, commitment and love for all feathered friends is beyond words! The cleanliness and care of the birds is phenomenal. My family has adopted several birds from here. We also enjoy volunteering to assist the staff by cleaning cages and visiting with the birds. If you get a chance to visit or donate time or money.....I know it would be appreciated! A fan.....Kim H. read more

I had the opportunity to tour the Denver facility a while back and was so very impressed with the compassionate care being given all the birds there. It looked like a LOT of work but all the staff was patient, friendly and very affectionate toward their birds. There's a huge range in care being required and adoptability but the staff treat all of the birds equally well. I am a parrot owner, my bird has been with me for over 32 years, and I would welcome a bird from TGF if I were in the market for an addition to our family. I highly recommend adopting from them and, at least, supporting them! read more

This place is tucked away off Broadway but needs to be searched out for a true pleasure. A bird lover's paradise with every type of cockatiel and budgie{parakeet} cockatoo and macaw. This place is no joke. Adoptions and food, toys and programs that allowed me to change papers and make toys. I couldn't be more happy with the whole process the entire staff had me under go regarding the foster of my Latino Indian ring neck parrots.Teaching me to make the proper food and grow my own sprouts. If you love birds or have any curiosity about the feathered friends, then owe it to yourself and volunteer for these guys! read more

I am very surprised at some of the negative comments involving the Gabriel Foundation. When we lived in Colorado Springs they helped us with the care of our Cockatoo and we used to board our birds in Elizabeth when we were away. Never did we have a problem. They are very careful with the birds and do not want diseases to be brought in so they have stringent criteria you have to meet. Also, we did adopt two birds from them and it was a process but it is designed for the welfare of the birds to ensure they go to a good home that fully understands the high demand of parrots. Many people adopts birds and then can not deal with them. When it comes to touring their facilities they must have strict controls. The birds tend to get aroused and hyper when they see new people . This is not always good for the birds. Some have been through traumatic situations and they require rest and the learning to trust people again. The Gabriel foundation does provide tours but they must be controlled. The staff at the Gabriel Foundation is limited with a lot of the help coming from volunteers. The full time staff is so busy with the everyday functions and the long hours they have to put into caring for the birds. Their facility was designed for approximately 400 to 500 birds but now is around 800 birds. This takes lots of resources and Julie will not turn away a bird in need. Instead of complaining please take the time to volunteer and help them. They can always use the help. Then you can really see the good work they are doing and the dedicated staff that Julie has assembled. My thanks and gratitude goes out to them for the good work they are doing. My wife and I have been affiliated with the Gabriel Foundation for about 15 years and try to donate to them every year even though we now live in Washington state. read more

I have been trying to adopt 2 African Grey parrots from TGF for a little over 4 months now. I've completed essay questions, behavioral videos, I was instructed to buy books, (which I did) even as far as a power point presentation which included a daily schedule for the birds along with what was essentially a lesson plan for the birds. This was to ensure that we enriched the birds lives and make sure they were stimulated enough. EVERY Friday when we come interact with the birds they "observe" us and take video of the visit. Upon leaving we are told that the next visit will be the last visit and we will be taking our new family members home. Still no birds.... I've jumped through every hoop they've laid in front of me and I'm getting no support what so ever. I honestly believe that I could have already completed the adoption process for a small child and have him or her home already. Short of studying parrots in the wild for the next 20 years, I'm not sure what else I could do to prove my worth to these people. I haven't received a return call in days. Is there anything that can be done to bring these shady practices to light so others can see that this foundation is nothing more than a front for some crazy bird lady to hoard these very birds she claims to want to protect? There are over 1,300 birds in the facility and most of them do not appear happy or healthy. Having a negative star rating would be a useful tool when rating this foundation. If you REALLY REALLY want a bird..................... stay the hell away from here. read more

This is an amazing place! I have 2 birds from them and we are getting 2 more tomorrow! They care so much for the birds and so do I! God Bless you all!!! read more

New person in charge of volunteers as of sometime this past year (Wolfe?) . She seems very efficient and competent.. Although we haven't been able to get involved during this time I suspect the whole experience is a lot smoother. read more

I have a bird from the Gabriel Foundation. At first I sponsored her, then I fostered her, then I just adopted her altogether. i've known this program now for four plus years. They are international leaders in parrot welfare, rescue, and education. I took the training class, and there is nothing else out there that matches the depth and scope. If you have a chance to tour the aviary, you'll be very impressed with the amount of attention paid to enrichment and wellbeing. This is a great place and I encourage anyone interested in parrots to check them out. read more

We had such a wonderful experience at the foundation. The birds are loved and well taken care of. Julie is the best. She knows so much about bird care and truly cares about the well-being of the birds. I left in tears of joy knowing that so many birds are given a second chance! read more

Yea, Ellen, for being another fan of the foundation! I too was in awe of the work they do on their Eizabeth site when I took the tour (4 or 5 times before I felt that the birds were truely happy). Birds are the #3 animal in homes and many of the large ones live to 50-75 years of age. The Gabriel Foundation has many birds that have been relinquished due to the owner not being able to care for them due to financial, health or age related illnesses. Sometimes pet stores do not stress how much care a bird needs to be a happy bird. The owners do not realize throwing bird seed into the bowl and giving fresh water daily is not enough. So many have found their way to The Gabriel Foundation. All birds get to go outside when the weather is above 50 degrees, and they love playing with the toys! Some of these birds were kept in breeding cages for years with no real sunlight. What a change it is for them. I have 9 birds (three for each family member) from the foundation, and it has been a rewarding experience! I have also been bitten when I moved too fast, pooped on and had clothes ruined because the buttons on my shirt looked like toys. So, I had to look at the birds side of life. I talk to my birds before trying to move them to clean a cage, wear old shirts around them, and love them unconditionally. Thank you, Julie, for my life has been truely enriched by letting me share with the foundation's flock. read more

I have also tried to contact Gabriel Foundation with a request to help foster, this has been almost 3 months and still no phone call. They told me to come to them, which for me is a 4 hour drive one way. I told them I needed to ask some question to make sure this was right for me before I drove to Denver, STILL NO PHONE CALL If they needed help you would think they would call. read more

The place has waaaaay too many birds and is not interested in adopting them out. It took forever for someone to ever get back to me and then I spent months trying to adopt a bird only to be told I would have to start the whole process over again. A total waste of time and money. I never was able to adopt a parrot and I never saw any of my money again. read more

FRAUD ALERT !! 75$ ADOPTION FEE IS A SCAM/FRAUD !!THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY! I should have read all the yelp reviews and negative reviews all over the internet before going to them. Signed up 6+ weeks ago sent 75$ Never recived anything in the mail.Tried contacting them multiple times , Nothing but different excuses from each person i talk to.Received an email from Julie stating they had not sent us the required material a month out and that she would. 2 weeks since that email and we still haven't gotten anything. Dawn the person that answers on facebook said me asking them why we haven't recived it is "inappropriate and unprofessional". Insulted me personally and lied to me saying the materials had been sent out when they never had-according to julies email . 6 weeks out and we still don't have a meeting set or coordinator or anything done at all -they ask you to complete a 11 page test and 5 essays and then never even read them at all. My wife is a wild Raptor rehaber and it still wasn't enough. Whats the point in forcing everyone to do work that you wont even read ?? Also you told my wife our problems would lead to an improvement and thanked us for bringing it to your attention - however people have been making the same complaint for years - and obviously nothing has changed.THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY! If you would like proof please feel free to contact me on facebook and ill send you copies of our entire communication with them - Please spread the word on this folks! its a shame when they drop the ball and then blame it on the victim of the situation. Does that really seem reasonable to anyone out there ? read more

A wonderful organization. We took our macaw there for a "play date". She did have to have her blood work done first. Which is important as many bird sicknesses are airborne. Having a parrot is a lot of work. I mean, a lot of work. I read a few comments that they are slow to respond to emails etc. TGF isn't about humans, it's about parrots and they require serious dedication from volunteers. If you just want to do a day or two, you can easily check their calendar for those days and show up (we did!). We learned a lot from one of their full time volunteers, a guy who was in vet school. They supplied Pizza Hut and drinks (no cost) and we got to see all of the birds . I think that a parrot living at TGF is probably happier than, unfortunately, most living people's houses. It takes a lot of attention and care and patience and LOVE to own a basically wild animal. Now that we live closer, we hope to eventually go through the training and foster a parrot or two. read more