Meet the Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who nurture and protect our rescued parrots.
Melissa Cheney
President – Executive Director
Melissa leads the rescue’s mission to provide compassionate care, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary for parrots in need while educating the public about responsible parrot ownership.
Stephanie Clinton
Development Director
As Development Director, Stephanie leads fundraising, community outreach, and partnership initiatives that sustain the rescue’s mission and expand its impact for parrots in need.
Ann Price
Director of Compliance
Ann ensures the rescue operates with integrity and adheres to all legal, ethical, and organizational standards that protect both the parrots and the mission.
John Price
Web Administrator Director
John maintains the organization’s website, updates & maintenance.
Jodie Owrey
Vice President & Director of Parrot Care
Jodie oversees the daily well-being, nutrition, and enrichment of every bird in the rescue, ensuring each parrot receives the highest standard of care and compassion.
Sharmell Cheney
Treasurer Director
Sharmell manages the rescue’s finances with transparency and accountability, ensuring resources are used effectively to support the care and protection of parrots.
Virginia Denardo
Public Relations Director
Virginia promotes the rescue’s mission through community engagement, media outreach, and storytelling that inspires awareness & support for parrots in need.
Dr. Lyndy L. Soboleski
Directory of Veterinary Care
Dr. Lyndy is our avian veterinarian who treats all of our birds. She is also the one who clears our parrots for adoption.
Some Fun Parrot Facts
The Real Cost of Owning a Parrot
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to parrot rescue and re-homing, we are often asked, “How much does a parrot cost?” or “What is the total cost of owning a parrot?” While these questions may seem simple, they open the door to a much larger and often overlooked conversation. The true cost of a parrot extends far beyond the initial purchase price. It includes not only financial responsibility, but also time, commitment, and a deep understanding of a parrot’s physical and emotional needs. Unfortunately, these realities are frequently underestimated when someone falls in love with a parrot’s beauty or
personality. In this article, we aim to shed light on the real cost of owning a parrot as a companion animal.
Parrot Cost: The Initial Investment
When considering parrot ownership, it’s important to understand the upfront cost. The price of a parrot can range anywhere from $35 to several thousand dollars, depending on the species—there are nearly 400 species of parrots worldwide. Larger or more exotic parrots, such as macaws or cockatoos, typically come with higher price tags, often costing several thousand dollars. However, the purchase price is only the beginning. To truly understand how much a parrot costs, you must also consider the ongoing expenses required to provide proper care.
A Breakdown of the Cost of Parrot Ownership
Housing and Environment
Parrots require a spacious, secure, and durable cage. Cage prices can range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on size and quality. In addition, parrots need toys, perches, and enrichment items to prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviors.
- Initial setup: $50–$200
- Monthly replacements: $30–$50
Nutrition
A healthy parrot diet consists of high-quality pellets along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Depending on the size and species of your parrot, monthly food costs typically range from $20 to $60.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care is essential. Annual wellness exams, which often include blood work, generally cost $100 to $200. Emergency veterinary care—something every parrot owner should be prepared for—can quickly climb into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Time and Attention
While not a financial expense, the time commitment is significant. Parrots are highly social, intelligent animals that require several hours of interaction each day. Without adequate attention and stimulation, parrots can develop behavioral issues such as screaming, biting, feather plucking, and even serious health problems.
The Lifetime Cost of Owning a Parrot
Parrots are long-lived animals, with lifespans ranging from 20 to 80 years, depending on the species. Over a parrot’s lifetime, the total cost of care can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more. This estimate includes food, housing, toys, and routine veterinary care, but does not account for emergency medical expenses.
Costs will vary based on many factors, including the species of parrot, the number of birds in your care, and lifestyle choices. Adoption—especially through a reputable rescue—can significantly reduce initial costs while giving a parrot a second chance at a loving home.
The Emotional Cost of Parrot Ownership
Parrot ownership is a lifelong commitment, both emotionally and physically. Parrots form deep bonds with their caregivers and rely heavily on stability, routine, and social interaction. They are emotionally complex animals that require mental stimulation, patience, and understanding. When parrots do not receive proper care, attention, or enrichment, they can suffer greatly. The emotional cost of a neglected or misunderstood parrot is difficult to measure, but it is very real—and one that every potential parrot guardian must be prepared to face responsibly.