Beaks and Bills::About Us

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Gideon is a Quaker parrot that is found across South America primarily and is now becoming more common right here in the U.S. with a newly discovered wild flock in Chicago, IL. Gideon was brought to our rescue in early 2006. We rescued him from a fellow rescue in Lansing, Michigan. He is the main reason this bird rescue was started.

Gideon was hatched with a deformity. His left leg grew inside the egg up over his head. This made it so Gideon could not move around at all unless he skidded on his side. He couldn't perch, swing, play or hardly eat and drink.

After Gideon was only a few months old, his owners tried to drown him in the toilet because they were either unwilling or unable to deal with his special needs. Before we received Gideon he had been under the care of our friend Judy in Lansing, where he underwent six months of physical therapy to get Gideon's leg from sticking out over his head to now usable down near his other leg.

Gideon still has trouble getting around, but he tries his hardest. You will never meet another bird more happy to be alive. He sits and laughs, non-stop. From little giggles to great big laughs all with a little head bobbin for effect. He is never in a bad mood and his deformity has never slowed him down. He plays in the water, eats his fruits and veggies and loves to talk (although he isn't saying anything) with other birds, even the finches outside his window.

Gideon is proof that just because a bird may be born with a deformity doesn't mean they are worthless. Most of the time it is those who need help the most, which bring the most joy into our lives. We are blessed to have a bird such as Gideon here at the rescue. He is the reason we do what we do. He is the reason we will always be here for our feathered friends!

Beaks and Bills Bird Rescue Volunteers
Angel Ritchie - Director
Ron Ritchie
Sue Graham
Teri Casper

Are you interested in volunteering? Any time at all is a great help. If you would like to get involved, Contact Us

Mission Statement

To first and foremost protect, rescue and provide a life-long home for birds that are not being cared for properly.
To raise awareness about birds and their care through hands on learning and other educational programs.
To stop the destruction, sale and importation/exportation of these birds.
To fight for the rights of birds and to promote legislation to protect these animalsboth in the wild and as pets.
To adopt birds we take in to life long homes or sanctuaries will they will enjoy ever day of their existence.
To always put the birds needs first and working together with other rescues across the country to find the best possible home.

WE ARE AN ANIMAL RESCUE
My job is to assist God's creatures.
I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs.
I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures
without planning or selection.
I have bought dog food with my last dime.
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.
I have hugged someone vicious and afraid.
I have fallen in love a thousand times.
And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
too many times to count.
I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends.
I don't often use the word "pet".
I notice those lost on the road side
and my heart aches.
I will hand raise a field mouse
and make friends with a vulture.
I know of no creature unworthy of my time.
I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven,
but I believe there are.
Why would God make something so perfect
and leave it behind?
Some may think we are masters of the animals,
but the animals have mastered themselves...
something people still haven't learned.
War and abuse make me hurt for the world,
but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind.
We are a quiet but determined army
and we are making a difference everyday.
There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan,
nothing more rewarding than saving a life,
no higher recognition than watching them thrive.
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who, only days ago, was too weak to eat.
By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue,
I have been rescued.
I know what true unconditional love really is,
for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many,
grateful for so little.
I am an Animal Rescuer.
My work is never done.
My home is never quiet.
My wallet is always empty,
but my heart is always full.