The story of CD Birds would be very familiar to many bird owners.

Even though we had a lot of experience with farm animals, poultry cats and dogs, a pet bird never entered our minds.

That is, until an acquaintance mentioned he was sick and tired of his two parakeets and was about to let them loose in the middle of February.

It was our first pair of birds. These were followed shortly by zebra finches, which immediately set out to prove that rabbits are not the most prolific breeders.

My wife added a male canary, felt sorry for it and bought it a female.

From there, it was like a snowball rolling downhill.

We began taking in rescue birds, usually undesirable and unsellable for one reason or another.

At some point, the decision was made to begin breeding birds so we could support the bird rescue operation.

The initial breeding operation has grown and a line of toys, accessories, vitamins and supplements were added.

Our birds occupy about 1500 sq. ft. in cages and free flight areas. This includes a climate controlled flight for our temperature sensitive birds.

All areas have full spectrum lighting controlled by timers.

Our birds consume approximately 300 pounds of seed and pellets per month, along with four cantaloupes, four honeydew melons, 4 papayas, apples, pears, peaches, peas, broccoli, parsley, corn and mixed greens. The large birds treated to an occasional snack of pizza and chicken, while the smaller birds, such as finches, get a daily allotment of meal worms. They consume about 1500 of these every month.

Our aviaries housed approximately 200 birds of various species.

On February 2^nd,  2009, we were advised by the city of Cudahy, WI. that we were in violation of a city ordinances that limits bird ownership to six. All “excess” birds were placed with new owners. We kept two rescue birds, and four pets.

We will continue to use our experience to help educate and support other bird owners.

Feel free to contact us and we’ll try to help you out.