MSPCA-Nevins Farm Takes in More than 400 Birds from Springfield Home

BOSTON and Methuen, Mass., July 21, 2014 – A flock of 410 birds comprised mostly of quail, but also including 21 pheasants, 19 partridges, seven chickens, two pigeons and a parrot, are settling into the barn and the adoption center at the MSPCA-Nevins Farm after they were transported Friday from the Thomas J. O’Conner Animal Control and Adoption Center, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.

The birds were ordered removed from a home on Rochford Circle in Springfield by the city’s Code Enforcement office.  Those involved in the rescue of the birds—from city officials to animal shelter workers and volunteers—are still wondering why so many birds were kept in one home.

“These are animals that need space to spread their wings and roost,” said MSPCA-Nevins Farm barn manager Melissa Ghareeb.  “Having so many birds in such close quarters causes both significant health and behavioral issues.”

Call for Adopters and Supplies
The MSPCA-Nevins Farm has issued a call to adopters with bird experience to take in as many of the birds as possible.  “These birds make wonderful pets: friendly, sociable and easy to keep—especially for adopters with relevant bird experience and appropriate outdoor space,” said Ghareeb.  Nevins Farm will keep all of the birds sheltered and cared for until all of them can be placed.  Interested adopters can email barnstaff@mspca.org for more information about the adoption process.

Many of the rescued birds are incredibly beautiful and will make excellent pets for the right adopters (credit: MSPCA-Angell)

Ghareeb also stressed the need for pine shavings and game bird “crumble,” critical supplies that are always in need at the farm.

The birds appear to be mostly healthy although some are missing feathers and, according to Ghareeb, all will undergo a complete health evaluation, which will include testing for diseases such as avian influenza and pullorum, a bacterial infection that can be deadly in overcrowded conditions.

No Stranger to Large Surrenders
The surrender of more than 400 birds places an enormous strain on shelter resources and the Springfield birds add to the already huge winged menagerie currently sheltered at Nevins Farm.  “Between the waterfowl—which include ducks, geese and other outdoor birds and the parrots, parakeets and other indoor birds—we’re now housing more than 500 birds,” said Ghareeb.  “Getting as many of these animals into loving and permanent homes is our goal.”

As large as the surrender is, it is by no means the largest one-time surrender in Nevins Farm history.  In 2008 the organization rescued more than 1,000 ducks and chickens from a Mendon farm, before adopting most of them into new homes and transferring many to other rescue groups.

The MSPCA-Angell’s three state-wide animal care and adoption centers take in, and place into new homes, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals every year.  The Springfield birds represent just some of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive.  Readers can contribute directly toward the care of these animals by clicking here.

###

The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell