  In late April, DCAS received notification about 155 parakeets in a single residence. The birds were overcrowded in their cages and some lacked access to food and water on the day we arrived. All 155 birds came to DCAS with our animal control officers. Luckily, our brand new “Real-Life Room” (designed to give dogs a place out of the kennels that feels more like home) was available for use. It gave the birds a quiet, more stress-free area to decompress away from the typical shelter environment. Follow this link to see a video of our newest residents in the Real-Life Room.
On the first day, the officers and animal care team settled all the birds in with plenty of food, water, and perches in their original cages. The next day, we gathered ALL of our extra bird cages and supplies so the birds could be separated into more appropriate numbers. Our amazing partners Dr. Susan Brown and Dr. Richard Nye, experts in exotic, bird, and small mammal veterinary medicine, carefully examined each of the 155 birds for illnesses, injuries, and other abnormalities.
Luckily, many of the birds were relatively healthy. A portion of the birds had injuries to their beaks and nostrils resulting from bites from other residents in their cage. Biting is common in overcrowded situations with few resources. A small number of them had large masses on their abdomens affecting their ability to sit on their perches. Others had overgrown nails, beaks, and injuries to their limbs that also affected perching.
The team divided the birds into clean, spacious cages and provided food and water bowls in addition to ample perch space. Staff provided cuttlebones to allow the birds to sharpen their beaks and treat suspected calcium deficiency. Our rescue partners have already stepped up to take several dozen of the parakeets and the rest are now up for adoption! If you’ve thought about bringing a couple feathered friends into your home, now is the time! Our team can help you provide the right setup to give them an enriched, healthy life. Complete an adoption application if you’re interested. You’ll have the pick of the flock!
 Dr. Kristin Tvrdik, DVM
Deputy Administrator Veterinarian
Learn how you can help migratory birds as they start their first journey of 2025 this spring!
Nesting Waterfowl
With Officer Aimee Clayton
Spring is here and it's time for the birds and the bees to get busy! Unfortunately, that means sometimes birds nest in inconvenient places. There can be a steep learning curve for new bird mamas - and not everyone makes the best choices on where to start a family. If you have a new resident this spring, don't panic. We have some tips to help get you through the growing pains.
What to Do:
- Use visual barriers to provide the nest with some privacy and allow people access past the area
- Place signs to caution visitors about nesting birds on your property
- Keep pets and children away from the nest
- For serious situations (nest is in a dangerous location for example) contact the Department of Natural Resources: 847-608-3100
- Once the eggs hatch, mama will lead the ducklings to water within 24 hours and it is safe to remove the nest
- Next year you can put up deterrents to discourage nesting beginning in late February to encourage mama to find an alternate location
Things to Keep in Mind
- Migratory Birds are protected by federal law - which includes their nests and eggs.
- It is illegal to disturb a nest or eggs without a permit.
- Nesting doesn't last forever - ducks and geese nest for about a month.
- Do not touch the birds or nesting materials with your bare hands as ducks and geese can be carriers of avian flu
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May Adoption Promotion
Now through the end of May, all Adult Animal Adoption Fees are 50% off! That includes all dogs and cats over 6 months old, small animals, and our adoptable parakeets!
As an added bonus, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana have donated girl scout cookies for all adopters!
 DCAS is pleased to announce the return of our popular AniPals Summer Camp for Ages 6-9.
Understand what it means to be a true friend to our pets. Uncover what we do at the Animal Shelter and learn how to safely interact with different kinds of pets through crafts, activities, games, and stories.
Registration Open!
3 sessions available
Meets: Mon–Thurs, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 6-9
Cost: $225 / session
DCAS is pleased to announce our continuing partnership with libraries throughout DuPage County to reach more members of our community. See the current list of programs offered and contact your local library to register.
Children
Adults
Community Events
- 6/7/25 West Chicago Touch-a-Truck
We hope to see you at a program soon!
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