A Damascus man charged with animal neglect has surrendered ownership of 245 exotic birds, allowing OHS to move ahead with the process of offering the birds for adoption. OHS plans to begin adoptions the first week of December.
The birds were seized by OHS this summer as the result of an investigation that found the animals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in a barn in Damascus (full story here). The owner was subsequently charged with multiple counts of animal neglect. While the legal case against the owner continues in the courts, the decision to relinquish ownership to OHS allows adoptions to proceed.
The birds have been receiving ongoing care by OHS in an emergency shelter. The birds include a variety of exotic breeds, including African grey parrots, macaws, cockatoos, conures, ring neck doves, pigeons, Amazon parrots, finches and parakeets.
Update: Adoptions Open to Public Beginning Dec. 20
OHS will open up a bird viewing area to the public beginning Dec. 20. Interested adopters can visit the shelter and meet with the available birds. There are a variety of macaws, conures and other medium to large species currently available.
Adoptions by appointment, based on the pre-applications OHS received, began on Dec. 4. As of Dec. 19, more than 140 of the rescued birds have “flown the coop!”
The birds available now are being added to our website. See their profiles here, which include photos and adoption fees for each, and when prospective adopters visit, staff and volunteers will go over each bird’s behavior and needs in detail.
A team of staff and volunteers have worked with these birds since they came to OHS on July 7. In our care, the birds flourished. They were provided a constant supply of toys, boxes, and paper to shred; organic vegetables and fruit to eat and throw around; and clean water, abundant food and a variety of perches—all things they lacked in their previous lives. They learned target training and proved to be excellent and motivated students. Now, watching these birds leave our care for their forever homes is the ultimate happy ending.
“OHS staff and volunteers have provided top-notch care for these birds over the last six months, and I am thrilled to see that the birds will now get a chance to find forever homes with families who appreciate these unique creatures,” said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon.
Like all animals at OHS, the birds will stay at OHS until homes are found, without any time limits.
The OHS adoptions team is prepared to continue making excellent matches as the adoption process opens up to the public this week. Find directions to OHS, hours of operation and more here »
Online Adoption Application
People interested in adopting a bird are urged to begin the process by submitting an online application {now closed – thank you}.
We are not yet able to answer any questions regarding the individual birds, however if you fill out an adoption application, an OHS representative will follow up with you. If you have not yet received a reply, you can check in via our bird inquiry voicemail: (503) 802-6788.
Information about the upcoming adoption event, along with details regarding individual birds available for adoption, will be shown on the OHS website as this information becomes available. Until that time OHS cannot provide additional details or photos of specific birds. Adoption fees will vary with the individual birds, and this information is included on their adoption profiles when available.
Interested adopters will need to come meet the birds in person at the shelter in NE Portland.
More Information
