Barely audible over the cackle of hundreds of birds surrounding him, Ron Johnson explained his dedication to saving parrots.

"Years ago, I had two birds that I had to give up for work and family reasons," he said. "I promised them that I'd make it up to them one day."

That day came in 1998 when Mr. Johnson, 57, founded the Feathered Friends Forever Parrot Rescue in Harlem.

The eight acres of bird sanctuary property in the 600 block of the appropriately named Byrd Drive holds about 500 parrots. Many of its 30 species are endangered.

Amazon parrots, macaws, cockatoos and dozens more species call the sanctuary home. Mr. Johnson said the property maintains about $500,000 worth of parrots.

He says his parrot sanctuary is the largest in the nation, receiving new birds for rescue nearly every day.

Some of the birds came to Mr. Johnson and his wife, Tammy, after owners who were moving away had to give them up, or because the parrots, with life spans that can reach more than 100 years, outlived their owners.

However, most came from pet owners who were unprepared for the rigors of maintaining a parrot, Mr. Johnson said.

"Many people don't understand that when you get one of these birds you're getting the equivalent of a permanent 3-year-old child," he said. "They just see something pretty that can talk to them and don't bother to research what it takes to care for one."

Each month, Mr. Johnson said, his parrots go through about 1,500 pounds of bird food, 600 pounds of bird pellets and 400 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables. About 98 percent of the birds at the sanctuary are permanent residents, Mr. Johnson said. The rest he might adopt out to qualified bird owners.

To raise awareness of the parrots' plight, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson will conduct numerous classes during the four days of Birdie Stock, a fundraising festival organized by the Johnsons from May 26-29 at their sanctuary.

In addition to classes conducted by the Johnsons and other pet experts, the festival will feature a parrot park, petting zoo, children's games, live music, wrestling and more.

One-day tickets cost $15, and a four-day pass can be purchased for $40. Children 12 and younger will get in free.

Despite the frills, the biggest attraction will be the birds, Mr. Johnson insists.

"There will be a lot of fun things to do, but I want to educate some people while they're here," he said. "My wife and I are in this for the birds."

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.