Exotic birds in need as recession deepens. Every sector of the community seems to be suffering from the economic downturn, but perhaps it might not be so well-known that our feathered friends are also being affected. Birdline UK Ltd is a registered charity with regional offices across the country.  Its aim is to rescue exotic birds and find them new homes. Husband and wife team Tony and Sheila Downes from Brixham are a couple dedicated to the cause.  They have no less than nineteen birds being fostered at their home at the moment. 

 “We are fundraising like crazy,” said Tony who has been rescuing animals since he was fourteen.  More and more birds are in need of rescue as people struggle financially to pay their upkeep and vets’ bills.

 Birdline is sometimes referred to as “parrot rescue” but it also handles macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, budgies, canaries and finches. 

Tony and Sheila’s mission is also to educate people about exotic birds before they take one as a pet. The couple can make school visits and are regularly seen with their birds at local events such as the Brixham steam rally, encouraging people to handle the birds and get to know potential problems.  

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