About the Avian Protection Society

The APS is simply a website and corresponding email list that were created in March 2001 out of a deep desire to help captive exotic birds.  We do not have a formal membership, dues, an office, address, or phone number.  We can be reached at info@avianprotectionsociety.org. Our relatively small email list, which is available by invitation only, is run by Becky Margison Sumber and Steffanie Budnick.  The website is maintained by Becky.  The website serves as an educational tool and as a means for activism against abusive and unethical practices concerning captive exotic birds.  The email list serves as a communicative tool for avian rescue groups and individuals concerned with parrot rescue, placement, and activism.  While our email list consists of a variety of people interested in parrot welfare, with a myriad of views on ethical issues, the views presented on this website are representative of the webmaster only.

To join the APS email list, please fill in your email

address in the space provided.

Steffanie Budnick works in the medical/mental health field  and is currently completing her professional studies. She has been involved in avian welfare and education for the last 3 years, but doesn't really remember when she wasn't involved in working with animals even as a small child, with her family.  She lives in New Baltimore, Michigan with her daughters, and their personal zoo (3 parrots, a dog and fish are the regulars). This past summer she was asked to be on the board of directors with Avian Health Network, Inc. and jumped at the chance.  Avian Health Network is a non-profit organization that raises money for avian disease research. Contact Steffanie at steffanie622@comcast.net.

Becky Margison Sumber has shared her life with birds for over 18 years.  She works in the field of disability services.  She is on the Board of Directors for the Avian Welfare Coalition .  She has created and maintained three other educational parrot-related websites. Her articles have appeared on other parrot and  animal-related websites including Petfinder.com,  bird club newsletters, etc. She provided the technical edit for Parrots for Dummies, and the upcoming Parakeets for Dummies and Finches for Dummies. She lives in Westchester Co, NY with her cockatiel, african grey, cat and husband.  Contact Becky at info@avianprotectionsociety.org.

This website upholds the Principles and Goals of the Avian Welfare Coalition, which are as follows:

•  We do not breed or place birds with people who breed.

•  We do not sell, trade, or use birds in our care for commerce or profit.

•  We promote responsible guardianship of all captive birds.

•  We promote education on all issues of avian welfare.

•  We oppose the sale of unweaned baby birds and production breeding methods.

•  We oppose the mass-marketing and selling of birds through pet store chains, bird marts, and internet venues.

•  We maintain that all captive breeding contributes to the displacement and suffering of captive birds and, with very few exceptions, does not contribute to the viable preservation of species.

•  We do not condone, endorse, or promote the breeding of birds for life in captivity as long as there are captive birds in need of placement.

•  We support and encourage responsible legislation protecting the rights, health, and safety of birds living in captivity.

•  We strongly oppose legal/illegal exportation/importation and encourage all countries to adopt legislation, enforcement, and conservation policies to prevent wild birds from entering captivity.

Our Goals

•  We will generate public awareness of the causes and conditions contributing to the growing crisis of displaced captive birds worldwide.

•  We will collaborate with animal advocacy, humane, and care organizations to promote social and legislative changes to expand the public's perception and improve the quality of life for birds living in captivity.

•  We will facilitate the rescue, sanctuary, and placement of displaced captive birds.

•  We will support the enforcement of existing anti-cruelty laws and advocate legislation that will strengthen legal protection for captive birds.

•  We will coordinate action to oppose egregious and unethical practices in the captive bird trade.

•  We will serve as an educational resource and information center for the media, animal welfare community, and public at large through our Avian Welfare Resource Center web site.

To email us, write to: info@avianprotectionsociety.org.  Becky answers this mail and is available for your questions about parrot rescue and welfare questions, as well as inquiries about parrot behavior, diet, and any other problems you may have with parrots.  If she cannot answer a question,  you will be referred to a more knowledgable source.

Other websites associated with the APS:

The True Parrot gives valuable information to potential adopters/purchasers of parrots regarding what life with birds is really like, and what standards of care are required.

Parrots Online is designed for current bird guardians to provide information to keep parrots happy, healthy, and in a forever home.