Feathered Friends Forever is the largest parrot rescue in the United States. Out of the 15 legal bird sanctuaries in the country, all are full except for the one operated by Ron Johnson and his wife, Tammy. Currently they house just less than 1,000 birds in their eight-acre plot in Harlem.

They started in 1999 just north of Atlanta and have moved several times because of outgrowing their location.

The birds they keep have either been discarded, abandoned or willed to Mr. Johnson by their owners.

"We have right now 186 birds that will be willed to us when their owners die. I just hope they (owners) don't die on the same day," Mr. Johnson said.

Each of the birds has a name. It can be difficult to remember all the names unless Mr. Johnson studies the birds to figure out what their name is.

Just what does Mr. Johnson like about birds?

"Well, they are better than people," he said with a laugh. "Seriously, you can own all the dogs and cats you want, but they don't talk back to you. With the birds, you can actually hold a conversation with them. Some of them speak in full sentences and some just say normal words. But you never know what they're going to do. So, always think of a permanent 3-year-old and you can deal with any bird anyone has ever had. They are little people with feathers."

The biggest problem Mr. Johnson sees is that parrots have become just as disposable as dogs and cats. It is hard to imagine that the more than 900 birds in his sanctuary are unwanted.

Still, the parrots are noisy, messy and can bite and eat the furniture if you turn your back. So, Mr. Johnson says, people tire of the bird after an average of two years. Part of the reason for people discarding parrots is that many can live from 30 to more than 100 years, in many cases outliving their owner.

Mr. Johnson suggests doing a lot of research, education and soul searching before you buy a bird, especially a parrot.

He and his wife spend about six hours a day with the birds, which includes feeding, watering and playing with them.

Feathered Friends Forever accepts donations, volunteers and visitors to see the birds. They also speak to school groups about bird education.

Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no admission charge. They are open during holiday weekends.