Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Meika’s Safehouse relies on adoption fees to help cover the essential costs of caring for our birds. Here’s where your adoption fee goes:

    Cage Costs

    Every parrot adopted from us, from small to extra-large, goes home with a cage.

    • Some birds come with their own, but many do not.

    • We provide a clean, properly sized cage to ensure the bird has a safe and familiar environment.

    • Cages can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on size and type.

    Veterinary Care & Microchipping

    All of our birds leave with a recent Avian Veterinary Health Certificate.

    • Small to extra-large parrots are also microchipped for identification and safety.

    • A full vet check and microchip typically cost several hundred dollars per bird.

    Food, Enrichment & Daily Care

    Caring for birds isn't just about food, though we do feed them well!

    • We provide a high-quality diet of seed, pellets, and daily fresh fruits and veggies.

    • Birds enjoy toys, social time, and enrichment to stay mentally healthy.

    • We cover ongoing facility costs like cleaning, heating, and electricity.

    • Many birds also require medical treatment, surgery, or long-term care, especially if they have special health needs.

    Long-Term Commitment

    Some birds stay with us for months or even years, especially larger species that live decades. Your adoption fee helps offset these long-term care costs.

    Ensuring Responsible Adoption

    By charging a fair adoption fee:

    • We help ensure adopters are ready for the long-term commitment of bird ownership.

    • We discourage birds from being adopted and then resold for profit.

    • We promote thoughtful, permanent placements for every bird.

  • Donations make up most of the funding received, with occasional related grants awarded. Please visit our Donor page if you wish to donate.


  • No, we do not breed birds—ever.

    At Meika’s Safehouse and Meika’s Bird House, we believe it is unethical to breed pet birds.

    Parrots and other companion birds are wild animals at heart. While many now live in our homes, they were never meant to be pets in the traditional sense—and certainly not bred for profit or novelty.

    Why We Don’t Breed:

    • Birds deserve freedom, not cages.

    • They cannot survive if released into the wild, especially in Canada’s climate.

    • Breeding contributes to overpopulation—there are already far too many unwanted birds in shelters, rescues, and homes that can no longer care for them.

    Instead of adding to the problem, we focus on rehoming and caring for birds already in need.

    Want to Help?

    If you believe in giving birds a second chance, like we do, consider donating:

    Click here to donate

  • We only foster out birds under exceptional circumstances, and when we do, we call upon the Greater Edmonton Parrot Society members and our veterinarian. We have a strong working relationship with them.

  • Depending on the bird, our volunteers’ schedules, and the situation, it could take between 24 hours to a few months to complete the process. If you applied for a bird, please be aware this is not a fast process, especially for our larger parrots, as we wish to ensure they are going to the right home and to owners with realistic expectations.

  • We want to ensure that both you and the bird are a perfect match! Here’s what to expect when adopting a bird from Meika’s Safehouse:

    1. Visit the Bird(s)

    Schedule a visit to meet the bird(s) you’re interested in. We recommend multiple visits to make sure the bird is the right fit for you and your home.

    2. Fill Out an Adoption Application

    Complete and submit the adoption application form to get started.

    3. Background Check

    We will conduct a background check with the SPCA and Animal Care and Control to ensure everything is in order.

    4. Virtual Home Visit

    We’ll schedule a virtual home visit. Please note, this may take some time as we coordinate schedules.

    5. In-Person Home Visit (if required)

    If necessary, we may schedule an in-person home visit to ensure your home is ready for your new bird.

    6. Health Check

    Before adoption, the bird will receive a full health check from our trusted veterinarian.

    7. Complete Parrot Care 101 Course

    To ensure you’re fully prepared for bird ownership, you’ll need to complete our Parrot Care 101 course developed in partnership with Parrot SOS.

    8. Pick-Up Date

    Once all steps are completed, we’ll coordinate a pick-up date and time for your new feathered friend!

    Ready to Adopt? Visit our Safehouse to get started!

  • We truly value and respect the knowledge that experienced bird owners bring to the table. Many of our most successful adoptions are with people who already understand the needs of companion birds.

    However, experience alone isn’t enough. As a rescue, it's our responsibility to ensure every bird is going to a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.

    Home visits—virtual or in-person—help us look for potential concerns such as:

    • Other pets in the home

    • Possible household hazards (e.g. fumes, open windows, ceiling fans)

    • The general setup and daily environment for the bird

    These visits also give us a chance to answer your questions and help set you up for success. It’s all about creating the best possible match for you and the bird.

  • For the safety of our birds and volunteers, we require all volunteers to be 18 years or older.

Have More Questions?