Totally Flocked Avian Rescue

01/07/2026

Everybody loves the cute bird videos.
The dancing. The funny sounds. The kisses. The moment that makes you smile and hit replay.

And yes - those moments are real.
But they’re also a glimpse. A highlight reel.

What you don’t see…

You don’t see the cage covered in human urine.
You don’t see the empty bowls - no food, no water - because someone “got busy.”
You don’t see other animals living in horrendous conditions alongside them.

You don’t see the bites they learned to give because biting was the only way they could protect themselves.
You don’t see the screaming for someone - anyone - to save them.

You don’t see the beloved bird whose person died…
the only human they ever trusted.
Left alone. Confused. Waiting.

You don’t see them passed from home to home -
to people who didn’t choose them, didn’t understand them,
until suddenly they’re labeled “a burden.”

You don’t see the grief they carry.
Because parrots grieve. Deeply.

You don’t see the days… on days… on days… of sitting nearby, moving slowly, speaking softly -
trying to earn trust from a bird who already lost everything once.

You don’t see the moment you realize they don’t even know how to play.
Or how to forage.
So you teach them. From the beginning. One tiny win at a time.

You don’t see the stress from being shut in dark rooms for making noise or biting…
and how they take that stress out on their feathers because they don’t know where else to put it.

So when you see a sweet clip like this - understand this:
these moments are hard-won. Long-awaited. Sometimes far between.
And sometimes it takes years for a bird to finally feel safe enough to relax.

And I know what some people are thinking:
“I’ll just get a baby—not some ‘damaged rescue.’”

Respectfully… newsflash:
Rescues were all babies once.

And this is exactly why rescues like ours ask so many questions.
Why we want to know about your home, your schedule, your experience, your expectations. Why we might seem “intrusive.” We’re not trying to make adoption difficult - we’re trying to make rehoming unnecessary. These birds have already lived through loss, neglect, isolation, and fear. Our responsibility is not just to place them, but to protect them. To ensure they never again sit in dark dungeons for being loud, scared, or misunderstood. Every question we ask is asked with one goal in mind: that this bird’s next home is their last home.

A lot of parrots were bought with good intentions…
but the noise, the mess, the hormones, the time, the cost, the commitment -
became more than someone expected or could handle.

So if you love the videos - great.
Like them. Follow along. Celebrate the progress with us.

But please… don’t buy a parrot on a whim.
Educate yourself. Meet rescues. Learn the species.
Understand what a lifelong commitment really looks like.

Because parrots aren’t a phase.
They aren’t decor.
They aren’t “easy pets.”

They are toddlers forever.
And we have to protect them.

No bird left behind. 🦜💛

01/07/2026

Yesssss. All of this

I’ve shared my home with companion parrots for more than 30 years. I’m a nurturer by nature. So when I began volunteering with Lu’s rescue a few years ago, I thought I had a solid understanding of what saving birds meant.

I was wrong.

What I didn’t yet understand was how layered it would be, how often love alone wouldn’t be enough, and how much heartbreak could live alongside care.

The birds taught me that real rescue asks more.

It asks us to listen instead of assume.
To learn instead of judge.
To accept that good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes.

There are moments that still break my heart. Quiet moments. Knowing that some of my feathered friends may never find a traditional “forever” home. Wondering what their future will look like. Sitting with that uncertainty more often than I ever expected to.

As the years have passed, my perspective has shifted from “forever at all costs” to ethical, bird-centered care that prioritizes each individual bird’s needs. I’ve learned compassion for the humans navigating impossible choices and deep respect for the birds who cannot bend to our expectations, no matter how much we wish they could.

Rescue isn’t about being heroes.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about growing and doing better as we learn.

And it’s important to say this part out loud. Life with parrots, especially in rescue, is not a highlight reel. It’s not just the funny words, the dances, or the perfectly timed videos. It’s early mornings and late nights. It’s noise, mess, patience, routine, setbacks, and showing up every single day whether it’s convenient or not.

These birds are intelligent, emotional, and deeply complex. Caring for them is a 24/7 commitment that doesn’t pause when the camera turns off.

If fewer birds need rescue in the future because people understand that reality, choose with honesty, and prepare for the long haul, that will be the truest measure of success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thanks to everyone who supports the love of parrots 🫶🏼 ~ Dawn (volunteer)

01/07/2026

This is just ONE of many stories such as this. We ask questions upon questions for this very reason too!

Do you want to know why rescues make you “jump through hoops” to adopt?
Let me tell you a little story. 💔🦜

Meet Taco a Black Headed Caique formerly known as TaTa.
He’s approximately 12–15 years old.

Tata’s story likely began like so many others — purchased from a pet store or breeder. No choice. No say. Just bought like merchandise.

Years later, the original family aged and could no longer care for Tata. The primary caretaker — a housekeeper who also looked after him — passed away. While Tata lived in a bright sunroom, it’s doubtful that Tata received much interaction. When that caretaker passed, Tata was rehomed.

The next stop was with a woman who already had parrots. She appeared knowledgeable, offering varied foods and toys. For a moment, it looked like Tata’s life might finally settle. Tata was even fully flighted and enjoying life. But the biting behavior became overwhelming, and on July 21, 2024, Tata was surrendered to a pet store.
While there, wings were clipped, and Tata was DNA tested — a boy and renamed Taco. 🌮

On August 31, 2024, he was sold from the pet store for the astounding price of $1,600.
Once again, no choice. Just purchased.

That home lasted about 10 months.

From there, Taco was rehomed to a coworker. This new owner truly tried. She had only ever had parakeets but had a huge heart and so much love to give. Unfortunately, there was too much love — and not enough understanding of parrot boundaries. Improper petting and hands-on affection unintentionally fueled hormones and confusion.

When Taco began redirecting his attention and affection toward the daughter in the home and started attacking his owner, the situation became unsafe. After several serious bites, she reached out and asked if Taco could come to us.

That makes 5 stops that did not work out.

We are stop number six in this little boy’s journey.

All Taco has ever been looking for is:
• A stable home
• Clear, consistent boundaries
• Fresh veggies and enriching foods
• Toys and mental stimulation
• Someone to wolf whistle at
• Someone who respects his “no”
• And maybe, one day, the chance to fly again

Six homes in 12–15 years is not acceptable.
Not for Taco. Not for any bird.

This is why we are strict about placements.
This is why we ask questions.
This is why we educate.
This is why we don’t rush adoptions.

Because every rehoming chips away at trust — and parrots feel that loss deeply.

Our goal isn’t to place birds quickly.
Our goal is to place them once. 💚

If you’ve ever wondered why rescues do what we do — this is why.

Welcome to your last stop until your final forever family shows up !

01/06/2026

Messy beaks = happy birds 🥕🦜

Whether they’ve been here ten years or ten minutes, every bird that comes into our flock gets to experience fresh chop.

Many arrive having only known not-so-great—or downright terrible—diets. New foods can feel suspicious at first. But with consistency, a full diet conversion, and the magic of watching other birds dive right in, it clicks. Before long, they’re lining up and chowing down every morning like pros.

And chop isn’t just healthier—it’s enriching.

✨ Why chop matters:
• Encourages natural foraging behaviors
• Provides variety (textures, colors, nutrients)
• Keeps minds busy and engaged
• Supports healthier feathers, skin, and overall vitality
• Builds positive routines and confidence

That messy face?
That’s curiosity.
That’s learning.
That’s a bird finally getting what their body and brain need.

Messy beaks. Full bellies. Happy, thriving birds. 💚

01/04/2026

A Gentle but Important Reminder 💚

I’ve had several messages recently asking to adopt or schedule meet-and-greets, so I want to share a little clarity on how this works.

First and foremost- this rescue is run alongside a full-time job, a family, and the daily care of a whole flock of birds who depend on me. Over the past week, I’ve also had my grandbabies, my son, and their mama here while they transition to a new job and a new state. Family matters. Always.

Finding these birds qualified, loving, lifelong homes is absolutely a top priority.
But so is respecting time, boundaries, and process.

This is not a storefront.
We are not open to the public.
Visits are by appointment only after:
• an application is submitted
• a home tour is completed
• and you are invited for a meet-and-greet

If you come for a visit and a match isn’t made initially, please trust that I may know these birds better than you do- and I usually have a pretty damn good idea of what will work for them and what won’t. If it’s not the right fit, that doesn’t mean the door is closed. We can absolutely try again with another bird who better matches your experience, lifestyle, and needs as they come in.

What we’re not going to do is change our requirements or rush a placement just because someone says, “I’ll just take this one.”

And if you don’t feel a connection during a visit, that’s okay too - but respect the outcome. The right match matters far more than emptying a cage.

I’m human. If I get busy and you send a polite reminder - totally fine. I appreciate those!
Bullying, pressure, or shifting the conversation into “I just want a bird” is a no.

If you’re not able to wait, respect the process, or accept that rescue timelines aren’t instant, then rescue may not be the right path for you—and that’s okay. I’m happy to refer you to another nearby rescue or a respected store or breeder if that better fits what you’re looking for.

These birds have already lost enough.
Their next chapter has to be the right one.

Thank you to everyone who understands, respects the process, and supports this rescue with patience and kindness. That’s how good matches are made. 🦜💚

01/04/2026

We took in Nicky the blue and gold macaw, a few days ago.
He’s a scared little guy - and honestly, who could blame him.

With soft voices, calm energy, and slow, respectful body language, he’s already learning how to relax. Even if it’s just a little at a time. He loves his chop and his nuts, and food has been a gentle bridge for us.

I always focus on building trust at their level - never forcing, never rushing.

Today, I decided to push just a tiny bit.

Since he’s most comfortable stepping up from a perch, I asked him to do just that. Even though he panicked for a moment, he stepped right up. I brought him to the perch in the living room, and he happily hopped onto it, taking it all in.

He’s been known to deliver some bites.

Then… I tested him. Again but with confidence.

I offered a pine nut from my fingers.

He took it — ever so gently.
Then another.
And another.

Five pine nuts, taken softly from my hand.
No lunging. No aggression. Just caution… and trust beginning to bloom.

He’s still on guard, but right now he’s perched comfortably, making quiet baby noises, watching the world go by.

Your new life is going to be so good, buddy.
I promise. 🦜💚

01/04/2026

Two days into the New Year, we welcomed five new souls who needed a safe landing.
(Originally six - life has a way of shifting plans.)

Their mom is a rescuer at heart herself. We have alot in common in alot of ways!

Making this decision broke her heart, but with her health declining and a long recovery ahead, she knew what mattered most: their safety, their future, and doing right by them.

Not just anywhere - but somewhere with someone who understands how hard this is, what they need to be happy and healthy, and how critical it is that their next perch is fully vetted, appropriate, knowledgeable, loving, and truly the right one.

And so… meet these sweet ones. 💛

⸻

🫧 Bubbles - Grey Cockatiel

Bubbles came into her life about eight years ago after being found walking down the middle of the road in town. He has never been able to fly, and he is fearful by nature. He does not like to be touched, will chase hands inside the cage, and yes - he will bite.
But here’s the magic: get close, start whistling, and Bubbles will whistle songs right back… and blow you little kiss-kisses.
He bonded deeply to Gigi, and they are rarely seen apart.

🌼 Gigi - Yellow (Lutino) Cockatiel, ~8 years old

Gentle, nurturing, and devoted to Bubbles. These two sit together, preen one another, and bring comfort simply by being side-by-side.

Favorites: kale, broccoli, bread, pellets with seed, Birdie Bread, plus a rotating variety of fresh veggies and fruit.

⸻

🐦 Perry Mason - Green Parakeet (Age Unknown)

💙 Lily Flower -Blue Parakeet, 3 years old

These two happily share space with Bubbles and Gigi and especially love - you guessed it - broccoli and kale.

⸻

💚 Rowen - Female Indian Ringneck, 6 years old

Quietly observant, intelligent, and deserving of a home that understands ringneck behavior, patience, and enrichment.

⸻

💭 Interested in Adopting?

If you’re interested in adopting any of these birds or others currently available, please visit TotallyFlockedAvianRescue.com and review the Adoptable page for full details on our process.

Adoption Steps:
1. Review the minimum requirements on our website
2. Complete an adoption application at totallyflockedavianrescue.com
3. Send a text or private message once your application is submitted
4. Please allow up to 7 days for application review
5. Approved applicants move on to video home tours
6. Then we schedule meet & greets for specific birds that may be a good fit

🚫 Please never send money online for a bird.
Scammers are becoming harder to detect - this is always a red flag.🚩🚩🚩

💛 Our goal is to MATCH birds with families - not sell them.
And as always… the bird has the final pick.

01/04/2026

💌 Gratitude, from the bottom of our flocked hearts 🦜💕

We received the sweetest surprise package today- complete with a heartfelt little note and thoughtful gifts sent all the way from Texas.

A huge thank you to Carmela and her precious Quaker, Rhiannon, for sharing her “less-loved” toys so they can bring joy, enrichment, and comfort to other birdies in need. That kind of kindness travels far - and lands exactly where it’s needed most.

It means more than you know when someone thinks of the birds here and chooses to share love so selflessly. Rhiannon, your toys already have new admirers, and Carmela, your generosity made our whole day brighter.

From our flock to yours - thank you for being part of the good in this world. 💛🦜

01/03/2026

6 intakes are on their way to the rescue.

01/01/2026

Working on building trust. One nut at a time.

01/01/2026

As often as you like - Brandi

01/01/2026

Hugs from behind or trying to get a piggy back ride?