Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPC 2019/633199/08, NPO 246-693) and was founded in 2019 when the need to have a parrot rescue and rehoming network was realized. We encourage re-homing (with strict adoption protocols) because this reduces the chance that birds will be sold to breeders or given to people who do not possess the necessary knowledge or resources to care for them properly.
We encourage re-homing because this discourages potential adopters from supporting the pet trade if they cannot find a bird to adopt in any of the local sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers across South Africa. We also aim to raise awareness about the plight of surrendered parrots and educate the public on proper parrot care.
We do not have one physical location. Instead, we are a network of people across the country who are passionate about the rescue and rehabilitation of parrots. We offer foster care facilities for surrendered parrots who are then either kept with them until adoption can take place or are sent out to another experienced foster carer that has been approved by Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue. We have team members in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, and Gauteng respectively.
We aim to help re-introduce neglected, abused, lost or surrendered birds back into a family environment instead of establishing another sanctuary to provide such birds with a “forever home”. We exist alongside sanctuaries because some birds do benefit from the one-to-one attention, resources and family structure that can be dedicated to them specifically if they are re-homed. Some birds do not do well in sanctuaries, just as some children do not do well in the foster care system. Sanctuaries across South Africa are full to the brim and many people contact rescue centers regularly to ask if they can adopt birds.
Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue has an online application system. People can apply at any time to adopt. When a bird comes to our rescue, we refer to our system and chose the applicant who can provide the best home for the specific bird. If we cannot find a match within the applications currently in our system, we will list adoption notices on our online platforms and accept new applications for that specific parrot. We create a shortlist of the best potential candidates based on our team’s collective input and proceed to arrange home checks. When a candidate’s home check is approved, we encourage him/her to go and meet the bird first before making a final decision about adoption. We enforce strict guardianship contracts and surrender agreements whenever we are approached to assist with a bird anywhere across the country. We need to ensure that all parties involved are clear about what is expected of them as well as our role in facilitating a temporary or permanent new home for any particular bird.
Furthermore, please be aware that we do not “sell” birds. We do not help people sell their birds. We do charge an adoption fee which varies depending on the species. This fee covers vet bills, administration costs, and travel costs (when home checks are conducted or the bird is transported to a foster or forever home by one of our volunteers or team members). We also need funds in case of an emergency vet visit for a bird in our care. We are a non-profit company and all funds which enter our business bank account goes straight back into helping birds. We are transparent about all our finances and are willing and able to provide proof of our expenses upon inquiry.
We aim to have all birds that come to us seen by an avian vet & tested for common contagious diseases such as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) and Avian Chlamydia before entering a new temporary or permanent home.
We have rehomed over 300 parrots in a little over a year. Of those 300+, African Greys, Indian Ringnecks, and budgies were the top rehomed parrot species. In accordance with the Department of Environmental Affairs’ legislation, Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) ownership permits are required for certain parrot species in South Africa. Indian Ringneck Parrots (a.k.a. Indian Ringneck Parakeets/Rose-ringed Parrots), Meyers parrots, and Cape Parrots are all classified as Invasive, Indigenous, or Restricted species by the Department of Environmental Affairs. We aim to educate current and potential owners of these species about the permit application process and requirements. We do not adopt out any of these parrots without the potential adopters having submitted proof of their permit or permit application.
We at Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue believe in the 5 freedoms outlined by the NSPCA. 1. Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition 2. Freedom to express normal behaviour 3. Freedom from discomfort 4. Freedom from fear and distress 5. Freedom from pain, injury or disease.
We aim to raise awareness about our network at veterinary clinics and pet stores around the country to assist more parrots in need. We work with various private and public sanctuaries to find the best possible environment for each parrot that comes into our care.
We can be reached any time via Facebook Messenger or email at cheekybeaksparrotrescue@gmail.com.
Facebook: @CheekyBeaksSA
Instagram: @Cheeky_Beaks_SA
TikTok: @Cheekybeaksparrotrescue
YouTube: Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue
Apr 23, 2020
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