Birds for Adoption at Best Friends Sanctuary
Discover adoptable birds at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
Birds for Adoption at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, provides a wonderful opportunity to adopt a feathered companion and save a life. With over 180 birds available for adoption, the sanctuary offers a diverse selection of species, from colorful parrots to friendly chickens. Whether you’re looking for an intelligent macaw, a playful parakeet, or a gentle dove, you’ll find your perfect match among our adoptable birds.
Why Adopt a Bird from Best Friends?
Choosing to adopt a bird from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary comes with numerous benefits. First and foremost, you’re giving a second chance to an animal in need. Many of our birds have been through multiple homes and may have special needs, but they deserve love and care in their forever homes. By adopting rather than purchasing from breeders or pet shops, you help reduce the demand for commercial breeding operations that contribute to the overpopulation of exotic birds in shelters.
Additionally, adoption costs are significantly lower than purchasing a bird from a breeder or pet store. A bird can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the species, whereas adoption fees are considerably less. Most importantly, when you adopt from Best Friends, you receive ongoing support from our experienced staff who can answer questions about your bird’s behavior and care as you and your feathered friend adjust to life together.
Available Bird Species at Our Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary houses an impressive variety of bird species, each with unique characteristics and care requirements. Our current inventory includes:
- Parrots: Including Amazons, African Greys, and other parrot species known for their intelligence and longevity
- Macaws: Stunning large parrots recognized for their vibrant plumage and strong personalities
- Cockatoos: Affectionate birds known for their distinctive crests and need for social interaction
- Cockatiels: Smaller parrots that are popular pets and known for being gentle and trainable
- Conures: Medium-sized parrots with playful temperaments and colorful feathering
- Parakeets: Small, energetic birds that are social and entertaining
- Lovebirds: Tiny parrots named for their affectionate nature and bonding behavior
- Pionus Parrots: Medium-sized parrots known for their calm demeanor
- Rosellas: Australian parrots with distinctive markings and gentle personalities
- Ducks: Waterfowl that can be kept as pets with proper care
- Chickens: Gentle birds that can serve as both pets and egg layers
- Quail: Small game birds suitable for certain living situations
- Pigeons: Often overlooked as pets, pigeons can be affectionate and intelligent
Meet Our Adoptable Birds
Among the many wonderful birds available at Best Friends, you’ll find individuals with unique personalities and histories. Some of our featured adoptable birds include Basil, Coco, Ivy, Jade, Jasper, Kermit, Louie, and Sage. Each bird has its own story and brings distinct character to the sanctuary. Whether you’re searching for a specific breed or are open to meeting birds of various species, our search tool allows you to filter by species, age, size, and color to find your ideal companion.
Understanding Bird Care Requirements
Before adopting a bird, it’s essential to understand the responsibilities involved in bird ownership. Parrots and other intelligent bird species require:
- Mental Stimulation: Birds need activities like foraging, puzzle toys, and social interaction to keep their minds active
- Physical Exercise: Many birds benefit from free flight in safe spaces or regular out-of-cage time
- Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet of quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables is crucial
- Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups with an avian veterinarian ensure your bird remains healthy
- Social Interaction: Birds are social creatures and thrive with regular human companionship
- Safe Environment: Your home must be bird-proofed with appropriate cage setup and safety measures
The Parrot Garden: Our Specialized Bird Care Area
At the heart of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary lies the Parrot Garden, a specialized facility dedicated to the care and recovery of rescued parrots. This tropical environment provides a healing space where birds can rest and thrive. Our staff offers nutritious meals, top-notch veterinary care, mental and social stimulation, and personalized attention to help each bird recover from past traumas.
The Parrot Garden staff understands that many rescued parrots have been through multiple homes and may have special behavioral or medical needs. The sanctuary’s approach focuses on rehabilitation and preparation for successful placement in new homes. Given that some parrots live up to 100 years, finding the right forever home is crucial for their lifelong wellbeing.
The Adoption Process
Adopting a bird from Best Friends is a straightforward process designed to ensure the best match between bird and owner. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Browse Available Birds
Visit our website to search our available birds by name, species, age, size, and color. You can sort results by newest arrivals, longest stay, or alphabetically to find birds that interest you.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Once you’ve identified a bird you’d like to meet, submit an adoption application. Our team reviews applications to ensure compatibility between the bird and potential adopter.
Step 3: Make an Appointment
To meet a specific bird, email adoptions@bestfriends.org to schedule an appointment. This ensures our staff can dedicate time to help you and your potential new companion get acquainted.
Step 4: Complete the Adoption
After meeting your bird and finalizing paperwork, you’ll be ready to take your new feathered friend home. Our adoption counselors will provide care instructions and ongoing support.
Current Adoption Promotions
Best Friends regularly offers special promotions to encourage adoption and help more birds find homes. In November, adoption fees are waived for all birds at the sanctuary—a perfect opportunity to fall in love with a feathered friend at no adoption cost.
Year-round, we offer special pricing for:
- Senior Adopters: If you’re 60 years or older, adoption fees are waived when you adopt a bird companion
- Military and Veterans: Active military members and veterans receive special consideration and discounts
- Special Needs Birds: Birds with unique medical or behavioral needs are offered at reduced or waived fees to ensure they find appropriate homes
Visiting Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located at 5001 Angel Canyon Road in Kanab, Utah, approximately five miles north of Kanab on Highway 89. Visiting the sanctuary is a rewarding experience that allows you to meet our birds in person and explore the beautiful facilities.
Welcome Center
The Welcome Center operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. To reach it, turn right (east) at the big Best Friends sign and drive approximately 1.5 miles. No appointment is required, and our friendly ambassadors can help you explore adoptable birds and schedule tours.
The Adoption Hub
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Adoption Hub provides another opportunity to meet adoptable birds. Continue straight on Highway 89 past the south entrance, turn right at the north entrance, and then turn right onto Rhonda Road. The hub will be on your left.
Planning Your Visit
For the best experience and directions to specific locations, download the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary mobile app. The app provides real-time navigation and information about different areas of the sanctuary.
Bird Adoption Considerations for Different Living Situations
Before adopting a bird, consider your living situation and lifestyle. Different bird species have varying space, noise, and social requirements.
For Apartment Dwellers
Smaller bird species like parakeets, lovebirds, and cockatiels are better suited to apartment living due to lower noise levels and smaller space requirements. Always check your lease for pet policies before adopting.
For Families with Other Pets
If you have dogs, cats, or other animals, managing interactions between them and your bird is crucial. Birds are vulnerable to predation, so separate safe spaces and supervised interaction are essential. Discuss specific bird species’ compatibility with your household pets before adoption.
For Active Individuals
Consider a bird species that matches your activity level. Some birds are more independent, while others require extensive daily interaction and socialization.
Long-Term Commitment to Bird Ownership
Adopting a bird is a long-term commitment. Many bird species live for decades, requiring consistent care, attention, and financial investment. Veterinary costs, quality food, toys, and cage maintenance are ongoing expenses. Before adoption, ensure you’re prepared for this lifelong responsibility and have a plan for your bird’s care if your circumstances change.
Support and Resources After Adoption
One significant advantage of adopting from Best Friends is access to ongoing support and resources. Our experienced staff provides advice on behavior, nutrition, healthcare, and training. If you have questions or concerns after bringing your bird home, we’re here to help ensure a successful transition and happy life together.
For more information about adopting a bird from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or to inquire about specific birds, contact our adoption team at adoptions@bestfriends.org or parrots@bestfriends.org for parrot-specific inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Adoption
Q: What age birds are available for adoption?
A: Best Friends offers birds of various ages, including babies, young birds, adults, and seniors. Each age group has unique characteristics and care needs, so you can find a bird that matches your preferences and experience level.
Q: How long do most adopted birds live?
A: Lifespan varies by species. Small birds like parakeets may live 10-20 years, while larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos can live 40-60 years or even longer. Some parrots live up to 100 years, making adoption a lifelong commitment.
Q: Do I need experience to adopt a bird?
A: While prior experience is helpful, it’s not required. Best Friends staff will help match you with a bird appropriate for your experience level and provide resources to help you succeed as a bird owner.
Q: What should I know about bird behavior before adopting?
A: Birds are intelligent, sensitive, and curious animals. Some can be loud, require significant social interaction, and may display challenging behaviors if not properly stimulated. Our adoption counselors can discuss the behavioral traits of specific birds.
Q: Are there any special considerations for adopting parrots?
A: Yes. Parrots benefit greatly from free flight opportunities, foraging activities, and mental stimulation. They require a diet that simulates their wild diet and thrive on regular social interaction with their owners.
Q: What if I have questions after bringing my bird home?
A: Best Friends provides ongoing support to adopters. You can contact our staff with questions about your bird’s care, behavior, nutrition, and health. This support is one of the key advantages of adopting from an established sanctuary.
Q: Can I meet a specific bird before adopting?
A: Yes! Email adoptions@bestfriends.org to schedule an appointment to meet a specific bird. Our staff wants to ensure you and your potential feathered companion have time to connect before adoption.
Q: Are adoption fees always required?
A: Best Friends offers various promotions throughout the year, including waived adoption fees during certain months and for seniors, military members, and birds with special needs. Check our current promotions for eligibility.
References
- Parrot Adoption: What to Expect — Best Friends Animal Society. 2024. https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/parrot-adoption-what-expect
- Birds for Adoption | Best Friends Animal Society — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/adopt/adopt-our-sanctuary/birds
- Parrot Garden: Birds in Paradise — Best Friends Animal Society. 2024. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/about-sanctuary/animal-areas/parrot-garden
- Adoption Promotions at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/adopt/adoption-promotions
- Best Friends Animal Society: About Our Sanctuary — Best Friends Animal Society. 2024. https://bestfriends.org
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