Exotic Birds

Our Exotic Bird Refuge had its beginnings when Paula Ashfield started helping care for a number of exotic birds their owners were unwilling or unable to keep. The birds’ histories varied – ranging from those who were abused, sick, or intolerable to those whose owners had died. Without other local facilities available in the area, the number of birds grew steadily, and the Ashfield’s relocated to a larger home that would accommodate the needy birds.

The Ashfield’s home officially became the first Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Sussex County, New Jersey. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization by the State of New Jersey and also registered under IRS 501 C 3, the sanctuary was legally named "Under My Wing Avian Refuge" in November 2007.

Over the last few years the Ashfield's have established trustworthy relations and were entrusted with caring for many birds that were previously kept in dark garages, closets and basements due to their intolerable behaviors of loud screaming or biting and other reasons. Because many of the birds are physically or behaviorally challanged, have issues that necessitate carefull lifetime care, the Ashfield's cohabitating with them is essential to ensure their close monotoring.

Today, Under My Wing Avian Refuge is a permanent home to more than 130 exotic birds, from Parakeets to Macaws.

What is most important is that each and every bird that enters our premises is or will be checked by our Veterinary and is immediately tested for avian diseases in order to protect its health and the health of each bird in our sanctuary; they are also quarantined for 45 days.

We are not an agency that collects fees on birds when they are placed nor act as an intermediate place for birds and to be re-homed using volunteers who foster. We believe the last thing a bird needs is to experience this additional stressful event where a bird is temporarily moved only to be moved again and possibly again.

The majority of relinquished birds come to Under My Wing Avian Refuge to live on premises permanently, much like a retirement home if you will.. Many are physically or behaviorally challenged, others have an issue that necessitates careful lifetime care. Here, all the birds have comfortable housing, appropriate diets, and a safe environment. They receive endless attention and affection to fulfill their unique physical, emotional, and behavioral needs.

From time to time we receive birds and only with their owner's request do we then seek to adopt and find only the best for the adoptable birds and their future. Since these few adoptable birds have been entrusted in our care it is our responsibility to making proper decisions when it comes time for the placement of these birds. Thus, a new home is a careful, well monitored and time consuming step which will surely benefit their life and future.

Additionally, Under My Wing’s founder, Paula N Ashfield, offers leducational programs (lectures, training and school programs, educating the public thru bird clubs, bird owners, prospective and various communities) in order to teach about the commitment and responsabilities as well as the pleasures associated with caring for exotic birds.

Tel. 973.827.1777

Copyright © 2008 Under My Wing Avian Refuge
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