Fostering and Finances
By Andrea van der Ness

As a rescue organization we always in need of fosters they are often the unsung heroes in rescue. It often costs more than an individual may realize at the time of taking on a foster feathered child. Your home will be a safe landing for a bird that may come from difficult circumstances and it’s in foster homes that these birds find the courage to come out of their shells and learn trust and love again. We do prioritize vet care for the birds that need it and if a bird is in need of toys, perches, or even a cage we reach out to our network of supporters for assistance. The day-to-day care of a bird is often paid for out of pocket by our amazing fosters. This includes but is not limited to, food, snacks, toys, and cleaning supplies. As foster chances are you have a bird and can easily add another mouth to your flock but as your cages multiply when do you draw the line and say I have reached my capacity to help?

The choice is simply what is best for the bird.

Once you start feeling the strain of finances we implore you to reach out and ask for assistance often it’s a simple solution and as a foster, you are in no way obligated to take on every bird that comes into our care. Many hands make light work and home is always found for birds. Your anxiety over this could lead to frustration and feelings of failure this is harmful to yourself, your family, and the bird you so desperately want to help. Rescue will test you emotionally and mentally do not let finances become another worry to an incredibly difficult but rewarding mission. We are so incredibly thankful for every foster in our network, they give their all to rehabilitate a bird that is then adopted out. You find joy when a bird steps up who was cage bound or when a seed junkie sees that chop is actually better than sunflower seeds. A part of your soul leaves with every bird you help find their forever home. Fosters are valuable to us and we thank them for all they do.

If you would like to become a foster please follow the link and fill in this application:

https://forms.gle/j3mtckQAqsX6X81t9