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How to Adopt
Criteria for Adoption or Fostering
- Class:
Attend a Mickaboo bird care class. - Application:
Submit a foster or adoption application either by fax or drop off at the bird care class. - Phone Screen:
Once these criteria are met, a Mickaboo volunteer will call you for a phone screen. - Home Visit:
The final step is for Mickaboo to schedule and do a home visit.
Meeting these criteria before adopting or fostering a bird is important for several reasons; learn more about why. You may want to read about common misconceptions about rescue groups as well before the application process.
Please bear with us during the screening process. Mickaboo is an all-volunteer organization and it may take some time to complete this process.
Permanent Adoption
When a bird is brought to our organization, we begin searching through our adoption applications for a good match. All permanent adoption parents must have an application on file and must attend a Bird Education class. Why? Learn more about our logic behind this policy here.
An adoption fee is paid by the new owners. The adoption fee varies by species. Birds adopted from Mickaboo may not be sold, given away, or used as "breeder stock." If a new owner cannot keep an adopted bird, the bird must be returned to Mickaboo.
Foster Parenting
Our foster parents are caring, conscientious volunteers who care for displaced rescue birds until a permanent home can be found. These individuals are trained through Mickabooin bird care, and they supply food, treats, and love while Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue supplies cages, toys, and medical care. Foster parents are expected to drive his/her foster bird(s) to the veterinarian if necessary. They might also have to drive to pick up the bird(s) or drop them off to a permanent home. Foster parents may become permanent parents should they wish to do so.
Application Forms
Please read our disclaimer below, fill out your adoption or foster home application (in pdf format below), and bring it with you to the bird care class, fax it to 1-866-201-4199, or mail it to:
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
P.O. Box 697
San Jose, CA 95106-0697
The forms below are fillable but must be printed and either mailed to us, faxed or scanned into an image or PDF before emailing them to applications@mickaboo.org. They cannot be 'saved' and emailed to us!
Download a form:
Permanent Adoption / Fostering Application
You can use the free Adobe Reader to view these documents.
Disclaimer:
Our primary concern is the well being of these animals. The majority of them have at some time, either been abused, neglected, sick or injured. For these reasons, all prospective foster and /or adoptive parents must fill out an application and attend one of our regularly scheduled bird education classes, please see our scheduled events page for our next scheduled class. You must also participate in our screening process prior to receipt of any bird. We charge an adoption fee for all birds adopted from Mickaboo. The amount of the fee depends on the species of bird adopted. Due to our commitment to place these birds in the best possible environment, we reserve the right to refuse adoption/fostering of any bird to anyone for any reason. For more information, please see rescue myths.
If you are applying to adopt a bird larger than a Cockatiel you must submit a written authorization from your landlord along with a phone number where he/she can be reached, if you are renting.
We also reserve the right to repossess any birds adopted/fostered if we find for any reason their care requirements are not being met. Additionally, applicants must sign a written contract stating that:
No birds adopted/fostered from Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue shall be used for breeding purposes. If for any reason they can no longer keep one of our adopted birds, they agree to arrange for immediate return of the bird to Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue. For this reason no birds will be adopted outside the state of California. And, finally, due to the responsibilities involved in pet ownership, and the possibility of incurring significant costs associated with veterinary care, by signing a foster or adoption application, all applicants signify that they are at least 18 years of age.
If you become a Mickaboo Volunteer, or adopt from us, there are a few policies we wish to be up front about to avoid any misunderstandings later on. Our volunteers and foster parents are our most valuable assets, and we'd like to keep it that way.
As a Mickaboo Volunteer or adoptive parent, you may, from time to time be trusted with confidential personal information regarding, but not limited to address, telephone, and other personal information of other Mickaboo volunteers and adoptive parents. It is our policy that this information is not only proprietary, but confidential as well. In the interest of professionalism, no one who volunteers for or adopts from Mickaboo will be authorized to share, or otherwise disseminate this information for any reason, not limited to sales pitches, business opportunities, or any other activities which may present a conflict of interest, or otherwise result in any harm to Mickaboo or any of its agents, foster parents, adoptive parents, or other volunteers. By returning this application, you are certifying that you will abide by each and every one of these terms, as well as the terms of the application itself.
After we receive your application you will be contacted and invited to our next Bird Education Class.
Read more about why it is required to attend our training class.
Comments ( Hide )
Anonymous says:Sep 20, 2007 18:15 ( Permalink ) |
Anonymous says:Sep 21, 2007 09:03 ( Permalink ) |
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Nancy says:Hi Jason--We can adopt out of the area, but it takes some time and patience! You can complete the bird care class requirement with a phone in class. One thing to know is that Mickaboo won't ship birds, so if you want to adopt from us, you'd need to come here to pick up a bird and if the adoption failed for some reason, you'd also need to return the bird to us in the Bay Area. If you're okay with both those things, send in your application! Nancy - MCBR Operations Manager |
Anonymous says:What a wonderful idea to mandate a bird education class. Mickaboo is obviously not just trying to adopt out birds, but actually to improve their situations. Kudos! |
Anonymous says:I am very interested in adopting a bird. I could give it plenty of love and attention, and like my other "feathered" and "furry" kids, it would be spoiled. I believe in adoption before purchasing pets, please contact me. This computer would not allow me to send emails. my email is shishishannon@aol.com, I live in San Diego. Thank you~shannon shay |
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Nancy says:Hi Shannon - I'll send you an email about adoption privately. Nancy for MCBR |
Anonymous says:HI NANCY. MY NAME IS DAVID. I WANT A MACAW. I KNOW THEIR VERY DEMANDING AND REQUIRE LOTS OF ATTENTION> I WORK FROM HOME SO THAT WON"T BE A PROBLEM> I HAVE PET INSURANCE SO THEY WOULD BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF>HOW MUCH DOES THE ADOPTION PROCESS COST? |
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Nancy says:Hello David! The adoption process doesn't cost anything. Our bird care class is free to everyone. We're also planning to offer advanced classes focusing on large bird behavior and training. Those classes will cost $20. We do charge adoption fees. For the large birds, the fees can vary bird to bird based on age, health, and behavior. The base adoption fee for large macaws is $600 and $325 for the smaller species. --Nancy |
Anonymous says:Hello! I would first like to say that I think what you all are doing is amazing. I never knew that there were so many neglected birds out there. You see all the commercials about dogs and cats, but never about birds. I am an animal lover, but I have chosen to have birds as my animal companians. I read on your website that a person would have to have had a parrot in their house before if they want to adopt a parrot. I have had parakeets all my life, and I have given them so much attention. Would I be able to qualify to adopt a cockatoo? There is a huge difference between a parakeet and a cockatoo. Also, what would be the adoption cost for a cockatoo? Could I have the cost of a parakeet as well? I was thinking of getting another parakeet, and when I saw all the little ones on your website, my heart just went out to them. |
Anonymous says:hello my name is misty i would like to adopt some cockatails and i was wondering about how much would it be and what is the process. |
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Nancy says:Hi Misty-- |
Anonymous says:Hi, I sent an application, and have gone to a bird education class, but still have not been contacted. Do I need to do something else? |
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Nancy says:Well, that's not good! We always tell people to just keep emailing us if you don't hear from anyone after you've taken a class and submitted an application. Send an email to mail@mickaboo.org or applications@mickaboo.org. We really try to follow up ASAP, but we're all volunteers so we need prospective adopters to keep bugging us! Nancy for MCBR
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Anonymous says:I am sighing so very hard now. There are no cockatoos -- or even macaws -- in the state of Minnesota. The few I've found for adoption on sites like Petfinder require a class, to live in a certain area, or needing to have previous experience. Bad luck for #2, which also makes #1 impossible. #3 is a real bump, considering I can't get any expierence if I'm not able to adopt. But I wish all these animals well, and hope they find better qualified homes. I know why people have the rules they do, its for the parrot's own good. - Kiki |
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Matt says:Kiki: I recommend contacting the places near you anyway which require previous experience, and asking if you can foster one of their birds for a while to gain the experience. Mickaboo will (assuming home visit passes OK, etc) generally let you foster a larger bird if you have no previous experience, to see if the situation works out for you. If things go well you can convert that into a "Foster to Adopt" relationship and then adopt that bird, or foster others, etc. |
Anonymous says:Hello, My name is Ludmila, and I would love to adopt either a conure or a lovebird. I am looking forward the next class, however, I have questions regarding the cost and procedure for adopting them. I had a pair of conures that I loved when I was growing up, and they were the most adorable pets. When I came to the US I could not bring them here, so I had to re-home them, and they are still very well taken care of. My question is, my pair of conures were very independent. I would play with them, and let them fly and walk on my house about 3 times a week, but we went to school and work, and the parrots did not seem to have any problems with that. When I see the site, I get the impression that the animals here need lots of attention. I would like to how much attention is that?. Do I need to be at home during the whole day? or they can be on their own if they have a partner?. Thanks for your help, and keep up with the good work. I would like to adopt a bird instead of buying it, I have deep misgivings about pet companies to keep birds under poor conditions. |
Anonymous says:hi! I want to know how much is the cost of the cockatoos? |
Anonymous says:my name iss courtney i own two birds (amazon,parakeet) which ive had for over 2 years and my kids have been interesed about adopting your blue and gold Macaw bird Scherezade we are prepared and have the time and the promps needed for raising this bird but the only promblem is that i live in las vegas, nevada how am i going to be able to adopt |
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Nancy says:Hi Courtney-- Best, --Nancy for MCBR |
Anonymous says:THANK YOU NANCY FOR ANSWERING MY MESSAGE ! I WAS WOUNDERING IF I TAKE ONE PHONE CLASS WOULD I BE ABLE TO ADOPT MORE THAN ONE BIRD ?AND ,WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ME TO HAVE IN ABLE TO ADOPT THIS BIRD(SIZE CAGE ,AMOUNT OF TOYS , HOW MUCH SPACE ...ECT.) -COURTNEY COURTNEYBUTTERFLYPRINCESS@YAHOO.COM (661)974-3628
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Anonymous says:What is the adoption price for a pair of lovebirds? A pair of budgies? |
Anonymous says:If you adopt, does Mickaboo supply the cage or do the adopters? |
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Matt says:Hi! If you foster, Mickaboo will supply the cage and whatever materials come with the bird, and will pay for the medical expenses. If you adopt, Mickaboo does not supply any cages or other material, though the foster family will usually send some of the birds' favorite toys along with them to help ease their transition. |
Anonymous says:Hello, What are the adoption fees for conures; senegals; pionus and greys? We are considering adding to our flock perhaps later this year and would like to get a feel for price ranges as we research these species further. email is a yahoo.com address, user name is roseofazure. |
Anonymous says:hi i was just wondering what is the adoption fee for amazons? |
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Nancy says:Hello there. I understand why everyone is interested in adoption fees, but I'm afraid you've earned my 5 cent lecture on the cost of owning birds! The adoption fee will be the smallest expense you will face if you choose to be owned by a bird. Avian veterinary care and a cage that is safe and large enough for your bird to get adequate exercise are the big ticket items. Large birds also go through a lot of toys! The adoption fees for well-socialized amazons in good health run from $325 to $425 depending on the sub-species. --Nancy |
Anonymous says:thanks for answering my question |
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Matt says:See also, the "How much does this bird cost?" pamphlet from CPC: http://confluence.mickaboo.org/download/attachments/1179693/howmuchbirdscost.pdf?version=1 |
Anonymous says:Boy, it's a good thing we must just be wanting a cheap bird to not take care of, rather than merely comparing fees for adopting from your rescue group rather than buying a new, hand-fed baby bird. *sigh* All *I* was interested in was what to expect from Mickaboo... I already have well-cared-for, seen-by-vet-regularly birds who live in big, safe, clean cages and get a variety of store-bought and home-made toys, in addition to a nutritious diet, and oodles of attention from the humans in the house. If asking a previously-answered type of question gets me a little smack on the wrist, I guess I'll just turn my focus elsewhere. |
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Nancy says:Well, I'm sorry that you took this personally! Not quite sure how that's possible when we had no way of knowing about your current birds, bird experience, or bird care. The fact is that many people do come to rescues looking for cheap or free birds without understanding their long-term costs. I hope you find a wonderful bird to add to your home. --Nancy |
Anonymous says:hi,i would like to adopt a cockatiel named Irwin but there are no classes available right now in the North Bay. i was wondering if there is any way to make sure i could get him then? |
Anonymous says:how much is the fee for adopting a cockatiel? |
Anonymous says:how big does the cage have to be for a cockatiel? |
Anonymous says:hello, i live somewhat close to the Marin Humane Society but i would like to get a class soon so i can get a wonderful little cockatiel. can i do a phone class or is that not possible. i would like to a class as soon as possible. thank you.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (= |
Anonymous says:Is there any restriction on the adoption process if you have dogs? I have two small dogs but some birds are accustomed to dogs. |
Anonymous says:Id like to adopt a african gray or a cockatoo, can you give me the adoption fees on these plus the fee on the amazon parrots. I want to adopt but the adoption fees might hinder my chance to provide a bird, a good home. So please get back to me asap. Thank you sincerely Drew. |
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Nancy says:Hi Drew--The easiest thing to do if you have questions about adopting a specific species is to click the link at the bottom of a bird's story. That will put you directly in touch with the coordinator for that species who will be happy to answer all your questions. --Nancy |
Anonymous says:Hello Nancy, I want to thank you for your "little slap on the wrist" above in regards to price. My thought on adoption fees are that if you have to ask, you probably can't afford the bird. Your "What does this bird cost" article is a great starting point, but it is missing a few things. For those out there still asking about adoption fees, here is a list of what I typically spend on my Timneh to keep him happy and comfortable. I'm sure that you will see that a the initial cost to obtain the bird is small in comparison to other expenses: Schroeder (not a Mickaboo bird): $1200 Cage (I followed the bigger is better theory. If you are looking at cost when purchasing a cage, and not size, you shouldnt own the bird): $800 + $200 shipping Initial vet visit for clean bill of health and lab work: $475 Carrier: $300 Food (including pellets, supplements and FRESH fruits and veggies): about $80 a month Toys: about $70 a month Electricity: has gone up about $40 a month so that I can keep the TV on to entertain him while at work. In the winter it is more to keep the heat on, in August it will be much more to keep the AC on When I fly, I can't look for the cheapest flight, I have to look at what carrier has an open space for an animal on a fllight...that increases travel costs. Many hotels do not allow pets, so I can't look for a cheap or convienant room either, I have to look at who allows pets. Travel cage, perch and extras were about $450. Boarding the bird, instead of taking him with is about 15 bucks a day. Grooming: 12 bucks every 6 weeks. Solar light: $30 New post and pans to replace the non stick cookware I was previously using : $2200 Sonex foam so my neighbor didn't have to listen to bird vocalizatins on Saturday morning: $100 replacing toxic plants with bird friendly plants $350 Bird health insurance: $230 (I think) I also have 700 bucks set aside for "just in case" TIME 5 hours of out of cage time daily MINIMUM. 2 hours 1 on 1 time MINIMUM I admit that I am a bit of an extremist in making sure that Schroeder doesn't want for anything, but I think that people that take on the responsibility of living with a wild animal need to understand that the wild animals needs need to be taken care of first, your needs second. I am aware that some people may be inclined to say that we are probably well off and can probably afford it. We arent. My life changed quite a bit after I got him, I didn't have as much fun money to spend on luxury items and I cant go out right after work and stay out late with friends as often. I love my bird, he is a great source of joy in my life, and I would do anything for him. I wake up earlier to spend time with him in the morning and I watch less TV so we can play 1 on 1. I want him to have the best life possible. These are not cheap pets. Can you spend less money than I have? Certainly, but you get what you pay for. A bored bird in a cramped cage that never gets out of the house is not going to make a good life time companion. You can't rationalize with a bird. You can't say "Well Tweety, I was laid off this week and there isnt any money for veggies and toys, so suck it up a bit." If you are looking for a rescue bird to save a few hundred dollars, you will be disapointed when that few hnudred dollars of savings doesnt get you very far. Mickaboo is doing a wonderful job caring for and rehoming everyone elses unwanted birds. They are absorbing the cost of previous owners mistakes in or lacking care. I am impressed by how much financial support they are able to generate to keep their doors open. Please stop asking about adoption fees; ask yourself what you are going to be able to provide for your new pet, and not what Mickaboo is going to be able to save you. -Jen |
Anonymous says:Hello, I have a male two-year cockatiel who is well-loved, happy and gets plenty of attention. I'm considering for a companion for him, and am wondering if your organization is a good place to start. I live in Davis, California. Thanks in advance, and for all you do. I would like to make a donation as well! Susan |
Anonymous says:Hi! I was just wondering if you had 2 seperate budgies that are healthy, and would be good with kids. Any gender would be fine. Also I saw Bandit and really liked it. Lastly I would like to know if you have location in florida. Thanks! |
We primarily adopt to people in Northern California with some exceptions for SoCal adotpers if we can make it work--no division in Florida unfortunately.
hello i would like to know how to have one of your birds in my home but i live ing redding california and i would love to have a bird any kind .my name is jason