What The Flock Rescue

🎉Oz is excited to help me announce our June Gift to win drawing is officially open!

🙏Thank you to the generous team at Scheels for gifting WTFR this month’s gift to item to help us raise funds to support the birds!

What you could win:
Brand new Yeti Tundra 34 quart

✨How to win:
-Follow our page (otherwise we can’t tag you if you do win)
-Send $10 per entry Venmo or PayPal
- Winner will be announced June 27th

🎟️Each entry is $10 :
Venmo-
PayPal- [email protected]

🦜All proceeds go directly to WTFR for supplies, food, grooming, vetting etc.

(If you add your phone number to the entry notes on Venmo or PayPal I will add it to your tickets, a little added security to insure we can get ahold of you if you win)

🦜Introduction post🦜

Yesterday we Welcomed Nikko a 5 year old Male Cockatiel to WTFR. He has been with the same family his whole life. He is the SWEETEST boy who LOVES toes. He’s not the biggest fan of young kids and may prefer a female handler but overall is a love. He will be with my family during his assessment ♥️

If you would like to sponsor Nikko and our current residents during their stay, We were not able to reach our needed monthly goal for May, we ended up being $200 short. I did end up having to get into the WTF savings as well as cleared out our account at Parrots n stuff for DNAs, grooming and supplies (it’s been a slower few months adoption wise as well, which means finances are a bit tighter). The goal for June is $900 carrying over last months remaining. Sponsoring is a one time or monthly monetary gift. our monthly sponsor goals help up get the basic items and needs for the month. Thank you for your continued love!

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/whattheflockrescue

PayPal: [email protected]

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/218WHV7CONJQB?ref_=wl_share

Parrots n Stuff account: https://parrotsnstuff.com/donation/?

Starting the summer off right taking parrot education public! Thank you to Corgi fest for inviting us and going above and beyond to accommodate the needs and safety of the birds during our time. We had so much fun and the birds did amazing!

Stay tuned, our calendar is filling up. We have a fun outreach we are doing in a few weeks. Followed by maybe our biggest event of the summer at the end of June (details coming soon).

Google reviews are more important than people realize. Typically it’s the first place someone looks when searching for a safe, reputable place to get help, education, adopt or surrender. They tell our story way before we get the chance to talk with them directly.

Your kind words help families feel confident choosing us. They help people find us when life throws dodgeballs, when they need advice, or maybe even a little assistance for the month whether needing bird food to get by or just reassurance. Your words also show that honest, and loving rescue work does exist right here in their area.

If you have ever adopted, surrendered, or even simply felt welcomed and informed. We would be incredibly grateful if you would take a quick moment to leave us a review. It really helps keeps WTFR visible to those who need us most. ♥️♥️

https://g.page/r/CUi8Bk0uXeY_EBM/review

Update: I had them DNA tested at Runyans' Roost , both our Silkies are Roos 🫠

Do we have any Silkie experts in the group!? Can you give me your best guess as to if Unicorn Sparkles is a hen or rooster? I understand it’s really hard to tell with them but one can hope 😅. My daughter is going to be heartbroken if unicorn crows in the weeks to come.

It seems as though the battle of rescue titles is nothing more than a game of who’s better than who. As if it’s a popularity contest and we can’t sit at each other’s table if we don’t hold the “holier than thou“ title. Have we forgotten what the true purpose is? Rather than looking at each others mission, values, husbandry and how the animals are being cared for I notice what some consider “legitimate” is nothing more than a title that anyone can sign up for, Not about the care or how the rescue itself runs. It seems many think if one is not a 501(c)(3) title holder they are not legitimate.

 It is important to recognize that operating as an Independent (sole proprietor) rescue is entirely legal in the state of Idaho and can be just as effective and meaningful as becoming a 501(c)(3) (if outside of Idaho make sure to check your state laws and regulations). Keep in mind there are many poorly ran 501(c)(3), as there are poorly ran independent rescues. Just because one has a fancy title doesn’t mean it’s being ran efficiently, honestly or humanely. A tax write off is not what makes a rescue credible. It’s the mission and the actions behind the rescue that matter.

While a 501(c)(3) offers tax-exempt status and certain grant opportunities, it also requires a large amount of administrative effort and ongoing compliance which works great for some! However Idaho does not offer many opportunities for exotics as far as funding goes. Most exotic 501 find themselves paying mainly out of pocket or community support just as we do. As an independent rescue, I have flexibility, direct control over all decisions, and a personal connection to the mission. it allows me to focus solely on providing care, finding loving homes,and building a strong community.

At WTFR we know, understand and strictly follow the Idaho animal welfare laws and regulations Title 25, Chapter 35, Idaho Code. Idaho has specific laws governing exotic birds, with some species classified as restricted or requiring special permits. When bringing exotic birds across state lines USDA and state guidelines mandate health certificates, meaning birds must be seen and cleared by a vet before crossing into Idaho, proof of legal ownership, and sometimes interstate permits are also required. WTFR also abides by all Local city, state and HOA ordinances. By ensuring full compliance with exotic bird laws, invasive species regulations, and interstate transport requirements, we maintain both legal integrity and the welfare of all birds in our care.

When it comes to finances and taxes as an independent run rescue. We want to be clear with the public that any donations made to the rescue—whether in cash, supplies, or other support—are considered gifts. These gifts are not taxable income to us nor tax write offs for you; they’re a generous contribution that supports our mission. However, if we receive income outside of these gifts—such as fees for services, product sales, or other transactions—then that income is considered taxable (this is why our monthly sponsorship goal is separate from adoption fees). By being transparent, we ensure we stay in compliance and continue to serve our residents and the community responsibly.

Whether you are surrendering or adopting do deep dive research on that specific rescue no matter what their status is. Let’s break the stigma and judgment that surrounds this idea that small independent rescues are not legitimate. At the end of the day it’s about the birds and what they need, not about us trying to fit in or be a part of some popularity contest. I have only had a couple of people over the years make a fuss about us not being a 501(c)(3). However I see other rescues or businesses post all the time bashing or trying to spread incorrect information that small rescues are not legit. I believe educating the public about this matter is important.

*to read the entire blog see the link below*

https://whattheflockrescue.com/f/nonprofit-vs-independent

🚨EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THIS IS NOT IN OUR AREA🚨

I am posting this as a warning and reminder how important it is to keep new birds separate from your established flock for a quarantine period. Especially if brining in or adopting birds from other states.

Here at WTFR we take many precautions to prevent illnesses or diseases from coming in.

1. We do not often take birds in from out of state

2. Birds are not housed in a facility or aviary where illnesses spread easily.

3. We have health questionnaires prior to surrenders coming in (especially if multiple birds in home or birds were brought in recently)

4. Birds are housed in our specific foster cages that get disinfected between residents.. (Cages brought with birds are also deep cleaned)

5. We run off a foster system, max 2-3 birds per foster home (depending on species and size)

6. Birds are vetted the second any of them even sneeze funny

7. Because we are a smaller rescue we do not often take in smaller species, found birds, wild birds or waterfowl that are more commonly known to come from places with a higher rate of birds carrying illnesses.

There is always risks when rescuing birds. This outbreak could happen anywhere. It’s important to know where your birds are coming from, and take precautions when adding to your flock.

🦜Birdie Spotlight 🦜

We have a few longer stay friends who are still looking for their perfect match ♥️

Flick (love bird) was scheduled to be adopted but it ended up falling through. No fault of her own!

Please see description under photos for details about each.

Applications can be filled out on our website, please follow with photos/video of the space you would keep a bird as well as photos of any current birds and their enclosures.

Keep in mind these birds are Located in IDAHO, we have been receiving many applications from states that are on the east coast or southern states. We do not ship birds, all adoptions must be done in person.