An animal shelter in Michigan is stocked with hundreds of parakeets.
The Detroit Animal Welfare Group reported on Facebook that the colorful birds were left behind Thursday night, The Detroit News reported.
“We were in shock but could not turn them away as they were all crammed into seven cages, suffocating each other and needed immediate help,” the shelter said in the post.
The group’s director, Kelley LeBonty, told the Detroit Free Press that the son of an animal hoarder had called to say he was going to deliver 60 to 80 parakeets from his father’s home. But he arrived with 497 birds in his truck.
“His son said he just wanted to raise a few and it got out of control,” LeBonty said. “The problem is that birds reproduce easily.”
Shelter officials have already reached out to bird rescue organizations for help. Temporary shelter was found for the parakeets and food was donated for the birds.
“These birds come from a very unhealthy situation and the irresponsibility of the owner is infuriating,” wrote shelter officials on Facebook. “However, we are very grateful for all who work together to provide them with the proper care and homes they deserve.”
The birds must be quarantined for 30 days. The adoptions are expected to begin on January 23.
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