Welcome to Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. Parrot Rescue

Services

Surrendering or Transferring Pet Parrots

Please complete the Surrender form and one of our directors will be contacting you, or Contact Us to learn more how the surrender process works.

Complete Surrender Form

Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. is a Southeastern Virginia 501 (c)(3) Non-profit Parrot Rescue.

Surrendering your pet parrot is not easy, and we understand the emotional stress in making this decision. We are here to assist you through the transition. We are sympathetic and passionate towards the emotional state you are experiencing in making this difficult decision. 

Veterinarian’s, Animal Control, or Releasing Agencies

Please call Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. directly at 757-270-9094
to arrange for transferring/transporting a parrot.​

*** Please be aware Nana & Papa’s Nest Inc. is at capacity. There is currently a waiting list. If you wish to submit your application, you will be contacted as soon as a space becomes available. ***

Parrot – Adoptions & Fostering Requirements

The journey of fostering or adopting a parrot through Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. is a deeply rewarding one, but it’s also a process that requires patience, understanding, and commitment. As a guardian, you are stepping into a unique relationship with a feathered companion who will rely on you for love, care, and attention.

While the foster/adoption process may feel long and sometimes tedious, it’s important to remember that the real work begins once your new parrot comes home. Living with a parrot takes dedication, time, and an open heart. There will be challenges—parrots can be noisy, mischievous, and demanding—but with those challenges come moments of true joy, deep bonds, and unforgettable companionship.

Key Points to Remember as a Guardian

Patience and Consistency Are Key

Parrots are incredibly intelligent, but they learn at their own pace. Expect that it may take time for your new friend to settle in and feel comfortable with their new environment. Building trust and communication can take weeks, or even months.

Every Parrot is Unique

Just like humans, each parrot has their own personality, preferences, and quirks. One may be talkative and outgoing, while another may prefer a quieter space. It’s important to respect their individuality and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Unpredictable Behavior

Parrots are not like traditional pets. They can be unpredictable in their moods, behaviors, and habits. Some days, they might be affectionate and playful; other days, they may need some space. This is completely normal and part of the bond you will build over time.

Health and Wellbeing

While Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. provides thorough care and assessments of every parrot in our program, we are unable to guarantee future health or behavior. Parrots can be prone to certain health conditions, and their behavioral needs may evolve. Guardians must be prepared for ongoing care and potentially higher vet costs.

The Rewarding Moments

Despite the challenges, the bond you’ll form with your parrot will be worth every moment of effort. Whether it’s hearing your parrot whistle a familiar tune, watching them interact with their favorite toys, or simply enjoying their company while they sit on your shoulder, these moments are truly magical.

Life with a Parrot is a Lifelong Commitment

Parrots live for decades—many live for 30 to 50 years or longer! This is a long-term commitment that requires both emotional and financial dedication. Be sure you’re ready for the responsibility of being a lifelong guardian for a parrot.

Requirements

Discover how we care for each parrot, from rescue to rehabilitation and finding a loving forever home.

1

Must be a US Citizen

2

Must be a Virginia resident

3

Applicants under the age of 18 years of age will require parental permission and signature. (Parents must agree to a background check)

4

Live within 130 miles of Wakefield, VA 

5

No convictions

Have not been convicted of animal, child, or domestic abuse, neglect, or cruelty

6

Agree to a background check

7

Home Inspection

Agree to a home inspection.

8

Valid Photo ID & Address

Provide a valid government-issued photo identification card. Provide a copy of a mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utility bill for proof of address.

9

Provide two references

10

We strongly encourage volunteer hours during the adoption process at Nana & Papas Nest. This extra time allows you to bond with the bird that chose you, while also giving you valuable, hands-on experience with feeding, cleaning, and understanding what daily life will be like once you bring your feathered
companion home.

11

We offer online classes via Zoom that provide valuable information on parrot care. These classes cover topics such as safe and unsafe foods for your feathered friend, preventive care, basic parrot care, cage requirements, foraging, and common household dangers that can affect your bird.

View Pets for Adoption & Apply

Use the buttons below to view the pets currently up for adoption and to submit your Adoption Application.

View Pets for Adoption
Adoption Application

Adoption Fees at Nana & Papa’s Nest

Keet

$25

Cockatiel

$100

Lovebird

$100

Parrotlet

$150

Quaker

$300

Conure

$350

Meyer’s Parrot

$400

Senegal

$400

Ringneck

$400

Calque

$400

Jardine/Jandine

$400

Pionus

$500

Severe Macaw

$600

Mini Macaw

$600

Amazon

$800

Small Cockatoo

$800

Medium Cockatoo

$1000

Eclectus (Eckie)

$1000

African Grey

$1000

Large Cockatoo

$1200

Macaw

$1200

Adopt, Don’t Shop

As a rescue organization, we encourage potential parrot
owners to consider adoption. Not only can this reduce
the cost of a parrot, but you’ll also be providing a loving
home to a bird in need.

Initial Visit:

  1. We will contact you to schedule a meet and greet visit. 
  2. All parties involved in the adoption process must attend the first meet and greet appointment.
  3.  We want to confirm that all family members agree and are onboard with bringing the parrot into the home.
  4. All prospective guardians/adoptees must spend time with the parrot at the rescue. The adoptee will be building a bond with the bird by spending a lot of time socializing with the bird by sitting with the bird at first, speaking softly to it, offering treats, and showing patience.
  5. We encourage potential adoptees to volunteer at the rescue to see the proper  parrot care. (this includes cleaning cages, feedings and socializing).     
  6. All other requirement information will be provided to you once you start the application process.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

  1. We will NOT approve applicants who smoke cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, vape, or have been convicted, or using illegal substances inside the home.
  2. We will NOT approve applicants convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
  3. We will NOT approve any applicants convicted or subject to child cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. 
  4. We will NOT approve any applicants convicted of domestic assault or harm to others for the last ten years.

Contact the Executive Director, Melissa Cheney, if you have past convictions you want to discuss. Phone (757) 270-9094.​

Parrot Surrender Form

Nana & Papa’s Nest Inc. is a Southeastern Virginia 501 (C)(3) Nonprofit Parrot Rescue, Sanctuary, and Rehabilitation Center locate in Wakefield, VA.

Relinquishing your parrot(s) is a difficult decision. Our focus is on the parrot’s overall health, diet, routine, and behaviors. Our best interest is providing a holistic, healthy, safe, and happy environment and atmosphere, resulting in the ultimate safe haven and well-being to the parrots that reside here at Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc.

Name
Has the bird(s) ever been seen by a veterinarian
Will the cage and toys come with the bird(s)
Are there any known health issues

Adoption Application

Adoption Questionnaire! This application is to determine if you qualify to adopt one of Nana & Papa’s Nest, Inc. parrots available for adoption. * Applicants must be 18 years or older to be consider. * Must be a Virginia Resident * Must be a US Citizen

Are you a Virginia Resident? If you answer no, stop and do not proceed. At this time we can only adopt to Virginia Residents.
All applicants must live within 130 miles from Wakefield, VA. Do you live within 130 miles of Wakefield, VA? If you answer no stop and do not proceed. All applicates must live within 130 miles of Wakefield, VA. No exceptions allowed.
Name
Are you and all adult individuals living in the household U.S. Citizens? If you answer no, please stop and do not proceed.
Do you own or rent your home?
Is your home
Potential adoptees must do ten or more hours of bonding visitation with their chosen bird before bringing it home. Bonding visits are a requirement for adoption. The bonding requirement entails several visits to the rescue on multiple days. Are you willing to make multiple trips to our aviary in Wakefield, VA, for these visits? If you answer No, please stop and do not proceed with the application.
Age Limit! Are you over 18 years of age? PLEASE NOTE: Minors will need guardian approval. If you answer no, stop and do not proceed.
All prospective applicants over the age of 18 that reside in the same home must complete a background check before the first meet and greet. The cost is $30 per person and is non-refundable. Do you agree that all parties will submit to a background check? If you answer no, stop and do not proceed with the application.
Have you or someone in the same household ever been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment? If you answer yes, stop and do not proceed.
Have you or someone in the same household ever been convicted of domestic assault in the last ten years? If you answer yes, stop, and contact Nana & Papa's Nest, Inc.
Do you vape, smoke cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, any other substances inside your home? If you answer yes, stop and do not proceed. We do not adopt to individuals who smoke in the home due to the potential of the bird to develop lung disease from second-hand smoke.
We require potential adopters to attend three online classes. Do you agree to attend these classes? If you answer no, please stop and do not proceed. Educational classes are a requirement regardless of any prior experience with birds.
Birds require veterinarian visits. These expensive visits can sometimes cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Food, toys, and cages can add to additional monthly costs. Can you afford these expenses?

Outreach Programs

This section highlights key resources designed to support learning and development in various fields.

Stephanie


Wounded Wings: Parrots for Patriots is a heartfelt outreach program through Nana and Papa’s Nest Inc dedicated to bringing comfort, companionship, and emotional support to our veterans. Through meaningful visits with our gentle and engaging parrots, we aim to uplift spirits, encourage connection, and provide moments of peace and joy for those who have served our country. These special interactions create opportunities for conversation, healing, and emotional wellness, reminding our patriots that they are valued, remembered, and never alone. Wounded Wings reflects our mission of compassion, service, and honoring those who have given so much. This topic covers essential concepts to enhance your understanding.


Wings of Joy Companions is a heart-centered outreach program of Nana and Papa’s Nest Inc., dedicated to bringing comfort, connection, and moments of happiness to home-bound elderly individuals through gentle visits with companion parrots. These special visits provide emotional support, companionship, and meaningful interaction, helping reduce loneliness while creating uplifting experiences filled with laughter, conversation, and joy. Through the unique bond between people and animals, Wings of Joy Companions helps remind each participant that they are valued, remembered, and an important part of our community. 

Feathers and Friends: Wings of Comfort is a heartfelt outreach program of Nana and Papa’s Nest Inc that brings friendly parrots into nursing homes to share joy, comfort, and companionship with residents. During these special visits, our gentle feathered friends help spark smiles, laughter, and meaningful conversations while creating uplifting moments for those who may feel lonely or need a little extra encouragement. The unique bond people form with these parrots often brings back fond memories, promotes engagement, and brightens the entire room. Through Feathers and Friends: Wings of Comfort, we aim to spread kindness, connection, and happiness—one visit and one feathered friend at a time. 

Email Stephanie

Virginia

Parrot Pals

Early Education • Interactive Learning • Compassion Building

Parrot Pals is our engaging, age-appropriate educational program designed especially for preschool and elementary-aged children. Through hands-on learning and up-close experiences with our gentle ambassador parrots, children discover what makes parrots so unique — from their colorful feathers and incredible intelligence to their specialized diets and long lifespans.
This program focuses on:

  • Basic parrot biology (beaks, feet, feathers, and how they talk!)
  • Safe vs. unsafe foods for parrots
  • Why parrots are not “easy pets”
  • The importance of kindness, patience, and responsibility
  • How rescues like Nana & Papa’s Nest give parrots a second chance

Our ambassador parrots help children understand empathy and respect for animals in a way that books simply cannot. Parrot Pals is interactive, educational, and unforgettable — planting the seeds of compassion early.

Perfect for:
Daycare’s • Preschool Programs • Elementary Schools • Summer Camps • Library Programs

Wings & Whistles

Advanced Learning • Responsible Ownership • Real-World Awareness

Wings & Whistles is our expanded educational program designed for older youth, middle school students, and teen groups. This program dives deeper into the realities of parrot ownership, rescue work, and the lifelong commitment these intelligent birds require.

Participants learn:

  • Advanced parrot behavior and communication
  • The science behind how parrots speak (syrinx vs. vocal cords)
  • Lifespan comparisons (many parrots live 50–80+ years)
  • Noise levels and environmental needs
  • The emotional and financial responsibility of parrot ownership
  • Why so many parrots end up in rescues

Through real stories from our rescue — including ambassador parrots like Cuddles and others — students gain insight into the consequences of impulse pet purchases and the importance of ethical decision-making.

Wings & Whistles empowers youth to think critically, ask questions, and become informed animal advocates in their communities.

Perfect for:
Middle Schools • High Schools • Youth Groups • Scouts • Community Organizations

Our Mission Through Both Programs

Both Parrot Pals and Wings & Whistles are outreach initiatives of Nana & Papa’s Nest Inc., a 501(c)(3) parrot rescue located in Wakefield, Virginia.

We do not charge for our educational programs. However, donations are always appreciated and directly support the ongoing care of our rescued parrots.

By bringing our feathered ambassadors into classrooms and community spaces, we are not just teaching about parrots — we are building empathy, responsibility, and lifelong respect for animals.This topic delves into advanced strategies and techniques.

Email Virginia