Heartland Avian Rescue Project

11/09/2025

Who else loves budgies? Adopt, don't shop!

09/09/2025

Good morning friends! We are trying to get through surrender, fostering, and adoption apps this week. We have had several illnesses that have put us behind. Please check your texts, emails (including your junk and spam folders!) for communications from us. Thank you!

Send a message to learn more

02/09/2025

When a parrot rescue needs a bunch of perches… they reach out to another rescue that makes and sells them! We ordered from Monica (in Southern California), and received them in time for our latest surrender (two parrots who desperately needed perches)l Angel, the blue and gold (or blue and yellow) macaw also benefited from this rope perch that PDS calls a “trapeze” perch. Angel sometimes has trouble balancing on her various stationary perches, so this one is a bit more of a challenge. But when her foster hung a favorite toy right next to it, Angel was brave and worked out how to use it! Sometimes we make life too easy for our birds, when they really need a challenge: Angel’s foster reports that since adding the trapeze perch, Angel’s balance has improved immensely. Thank you, PDS Parrots!

02/09/2025

We have a flight of keets available! Do your parakeets need a friend or two? Do you just love budgies and would love to be the keeper of our flock (aka the budgie foster)? Click for our foster form https://forms.gle/p74KXA6AfyUrTi387 or to adopt a friend https://forms.gle/oHhRx9wmfeh73s1G7

In a study looking at how cage size and flock size altered steretypies in budgerigars, the most common parrot in captivity, researchers found that budgies housed with multiple conspecifics (not just in pairs) in larger cages showed the lowest number of stereotypes and preening behavior.

1. Polverino G, Manciocco A, Vitale A, Alleva E. Stereotypic behaviours in Melopsittacus undulatus: behavioural consequences of social and spatial limitations. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2015;165:1430155.

30/08/2025

Hello friends! We are looking for a bottom grate for this cage. If you would have a 30x40 grate that would fit this cage (doesn't matter the color) or if you recognize the brand of this cage so we can buy a new one, please let us know!

26/08/2025

Zazoo's foster caregiver shared this video, and we think it is pretty cute! Zazoo often gets to spend time on their screened in porch, enjoying the fresh air and company of his friends. If you are interested in adopting Zazoo, or becoming a foster caregiver, visit us to fill out an application at www.heartlandavianrescueproject.org

26/08/2025

New birds alert!

26/08/2025

The weather forecast in our area looks amazing for the next several days -- a great time to get our birds outside! If your bird is not harness trained, don't force it: they need time to adjust incrementally before taking a long hike. A bird backpack (if it has a clear plastic "bubble" be sure it will not be facing the sun) or even setting a carrier or crate in a wagon are also good options!

Depending on where you live, taking your bird on walks outside can be a very rewarding experience. This can be done by training your bird to wear a harness using positive reinforcement or by using a backpack-style travel carrier. Providing birds the opportunity to go outside will expose them to fresh air, natural sunlight, and many new sights and sounds!

If your birds are not flight-trained or there is a concern for predators, please ensure your bird remains on a harness or in a portable cage. No harness is “escape-proof,” so supervision is always necessary during outdoor adventures to ensure your pet remains safe.

Be sure to avoid any potential contact with wild birds and be aware of the status of high path avian influenza in your area to keep your birds safe.

Special thanks to Sydney Duncan-Ford, Ontario Veterinary College, Class of 2026 for sharing this tip and photos of her bird.

24/08/2025

This little bird was caught at a feeder a few days ago. If you are missing a parakeet, please contact us via messenger or [email protected].

17/08/2025

Visit https://www.allianceforparrots.org/ to register for this free, virtual seminar! If you are interested in learning more about the plight of parrots in their native habitats, how you can help parrots stuck in pet stores, or want to work with parrots on a daily basis in a future career, you will want to attend. Yes, it is during work hours on a Friday, but if you register, recordings and information from the event will be available to you afterwards!

14/08/2025

Caution is key. The first time it happens in your home if often the last time for that bird. We love our cats and dogs, too, but we keep them separated from the birds in our care. (Gotta keep 'em separated... now that song is in my head...)

Predators & Parrots: Why “Getting Along” Isn’t Always Safe
We hear it often:
“My cat and bird are best friends!”
“My dog has never shown any interest in the bird.”
“They’ve coexisted peacefully for years!”

But here’s the truth: when it comes to predator-prey relationships, things can go wrong in a matter of seconds—and even a single accident can be devastating.

Here’s why birds and predator pets don’t mix: Different species, different instincts.
Cats, dogs, ferrets, and even some small mammals are natural predators. Parrots, no matter how bold or vocal, are prey animals. And instincts don’t care how long your pets have lived together.

Play isn’t always safe.
A dog might “boop” a bird with a paw or try to play like they would with a toy or another dog. A cat might get curious and swipe. These seemingly small actions can lead to life-threatening injuries, even if there was no intent to harm. Even different beak sizes can prove deadly if birds of different sizes are allowed to interact.

Cat saliva is toxic to birds.
All mammal saliva, including yours, carries bacteria that can be deadly to birds. Even a tiny scratch or nip can introduce bacteria that a bird’s body can’t fight off.

Birds hide injury and illness.
Injuries often go unnoticed under feathers until it’s too late. That small scratch? It might not look serious, but it could lead to infection or worse.

“It came out of nowhere.”
We’ve heard of too many cases where a long-trusted pet suddenly reacts on instinct. One moment they’re relaxed, the next they’re in motion and a bird doesn’t stand a chance.

You can have a happy, multi-pet home. But it’s critical to recognize the risk and take steps to protect everyone.
A few safety tips for multi-species homes:
✔️ Keep birds in a secure, elevated cage—away from paws, noses, or tails
✔️ Never leave predator pets alone in the room with your bird
✔️ During out-of-cage time, remove all other animals from the room & shut all doors and windows
✔️ Reinforce cages and stands to prevent tipping or climbing
✔️ Always supervise closely—even “just for a second” can be too long

Your bird relies on you for safety. Don’t take chances.

12/08/2025

Check out our website for more information about Brando (and other available birds) and to fill out an application form!