Under My Wing Avian Refuge was called to help these birds who lived in a private home in Wantage, NJ. Once the situation was assessed the NJSPCA was notified reporting the 29 birds found along with several dogs and cats, a pig, several chickens and a donkey found in deplorable conditions. Most animals were living in a small room off the kitchen. NJSPCA responded immediately. The birds were relinquished to the refuge and the owner seemed relieved to receive help and cooperated with NJSPCA for future care of the other animals.

What started with just a few pet birds spiraled out of control withing five years,  culminating in an emergency rescue operation on Jan. 16, 2016 where volunteers removed nearly 200 birds, many of them exotic breeds, from deplorable conditions.

More than 100 cockatiels, about 40 mourning doves, and dozens of other birds — including a cockatoo, four Amazon parrots and eight sun conure parakeets — were discovered in the back room of the business after a series of city inspections last week, authorities said.

The rescuers found mice scurrying about, cockroach-infested nesting boxes and birds living in cramped, less-than-ideal living quarters of the shop’s back room. Cockatiels were stuffed 16 to a cage made for two, while two Amazon yellow-naped parrots were living in a small crate. Some 30 wire cages were stacked one atop the other, some reaching the ceiling of the back kitchen.

Ashfield wore rubber gloves and plastic covers on her boots while she removed the birds, and left the room grimacing.

“We got roaches flying off the walls, into breeding cages, everywhere,” she said. After the birds are tested for diseases, most will go up for adoption by various groups, Ashfield said.

Under My Wing called in three rescue groups to assist.  No birds were found dead, but some newborns that were removed last week did not survive, said Ashfield, founder of Under My Wing Avian Refuge in Wantage. She spent hours scrubbing the back room on Thursday and took with her some finches and canaries.

“Most of the other birds were distributed among different rescue groups and sanctuaries on Monday – two in New Jersey, one in New York and one in Maryland.

Paula N Ashfield received a call to aid in the rescue of a bird hoarding case.  Lisa D. of NJSPCA informed Paula that the birds were left in the home alone since the owner died over a year ago.

“Daughter attended to them sporadically, with minimal care since the owner died, but did not live in the home.”

Upon their inspection they found both property and front door buried with overgrown bushes. The birds lived in an unhealthy environment,  with poor husbandry, dirty water and minimal food.  NJSPCA ordered the deceased owner’s daughter to relinquish the birds to the sanctuary or face charges.

The five birds were brought to Under My Wing Avian Refuge for proper Veterinary care, and husbandry on Aug. 15, 2016.