I came across this rescue in a time of need, I never asked for extra assistance besides advice for my new surprise family of budgies. They helped me get a new cage for an aggressive father budgie and helped me thru their random moods. I was included in a test for their "Littles Grassland Blend" for small birds and I keep it as a steady feed for my budgies. It's excellent food and great customer service. They are a wonderful organization and always there for people who reach out.
I’ve know if Mardens Ark for quite a few years now. What I’m most impressed with is this; not only does she take abandoned or rehomed birds, but will do everything she can to help have a bird stay in a home where love is abundant. Be it helping paying a vet bill, donating food or just her knowledge to help that bird have a productive and happy life through education, not belittling. She also has finally been able to start selling her “littles” parakeet food that was formulated with a lot of input from avian vets and research. I highly endorse Mardens Ark.
I had already known Dee & Brian Hicks, and done a little volunteering with Dee at Marden's Ark in March of 2016 when Dee became involved with the Humane Society of Northwest Pennsylvania regarding a B&G Macaw that had been a resident at an indoor water park in Erie for some 12 years and had recently had some complaints filed against the water park for neglect. The bird had been housed with the Humane Society while a new home was being searched out and Dee, having been informed by FB Friends of Marden's Ark about the situation, offered her assistance in any way that might be useful to them. She and I were chatting about the situation and I was particularly drawn to this bird because of my history with Macaws, especially B&Gs.
Long story short, after going through the full application process with the Humane Society, and being approved to adopt the bird, with Dee facilitating each step, when it came time to pick this bird up it needed to be handled quickly. The hitch in the git-a-long was this; the bird was located in Erie, PA, and Dee and I were each located an hour outside of Raleigh, NC. I was told not to worry and Brian rearranged his life for the next 2 days to go pick up the bird and bring him to his new parronts, via Marden's Ark, arriving at 12:54 am at our K Kritter Korral on March 21!
I use this as an example of what most people would consider an extreme effort on the part of a Rescue/Sanctuary that is actually the norm for Marden's Ark. Not only have I seen it and been the beneficiary of this kind of extraordinary effort "for the bird's sake", but I have since accompanied Dee on a number of road trips (although not nearly of such distance, but certainly of the type that covers a day's travels). I have enough stories of going well beyond the extra mile that I could write a biography of the service efforts of Dee and Brian already in their existence as a Bird Refuge. From providing service for retrieving lost/escaped birds, keeping such birds and searching for their families, providing food for families who are in a situation where feeding their birds is difficult for the moment, to seeing to it that birds needing critical veterinary care get it even if the family cannot afford it at the moment.
This is a Refuge that will do what it takes to do what is in the best interest of the birds to the very best of their ability, in every case. And it is a Refuge that, when I was asked to serve on the Board, I couldn't say "YES!!" fast enough.
My parakeet had something wrong with her face and I went to this group asking questions. Since we didn't have any bird vets around here, Dee from Mardens Ark came all the way from Raleigh NC to Belmont, NC to get my bird and take it to a vet to get help for it. Don't know what I would have done without them. They were a Godsend.
This refuge goes OUT of the way to help people AND feathered babies! From money(little to be had but they make it happen time after time when there are those in need), to fostering, outright adopting, to time spent(where there is also VERY little "extra" to be had)--to simply answering questions and easing minds of concerned parronts(they have done this for me SO many times)&a great deal more. Anyone who knows of this refuge and these people could go on at length. This is the home of the best, freshest bird-seed blend on the market IMO and a GREAT deal of research went into that blend long before production came close to beginning. These people care like nobody's business and I'm so grateful to have come across Marden's Ark--& know them-- even online-- a bit. They are the best& I'm thankful to and for them.♡♡♡
I started feeding my little guy LGB a few months ago. The change is amazing. More energy more affectionate. The blend looks so great and smells wonderful.
Marden's Ark goes above and beyond just helping the birds in residence, which in and of itself, is a major feat. All parrots there get quality food, an amazing home, vet care, enrichment, etc. from the Budgies to the Macaw! Marden's Ark also helps countless people through it outreach program with everything from advice, financial assistance, help with vet bills, cages, and too many things to list. The Littles Grassland Blend Marden's Ark makes is by a far the best blend available for Budgies. We are proud to assist in any way we can with this wonderful organization that constantly amazes anyone blessed to know about it!
Dee is wonderful. When my budgie was sick, she sent some Littles Grassland Blend. Since then we brought home 5 more budgies and after planning a trip to Florida we didn’t quite figure out the best thing to do for our little flock, Marden’s Ark allowed us to drop them off there so they’d be safe and entertained. A few months later we ended up moving to Florida. A couple days before the big move, one of our birds seemed sick. Needless to say, I was frantic. Dee not only helped me look for vets near me but she shared our situation where a few people Donated to help with the cost of the bill!
Littles Grassland Blend will be the only food they ever get because not only has it transformed the health and behavior of our birds but all proceeds go towards helping all types of birds
I am Director of Care and on the Board of Directors here and went to say that our volunteers are absolutely wonderful and GREATLY appreciated. They give freely of their time and many go above and beyond in their help with cleaning, fixing things, donating toys and other things for the birds, and supporting the work of caring for the birds who call Marden's Ark their home. We have such wonderful and dedicated volunteers!
Several have fostered and/or adopted birds, to allow us to help even more. Many come very regularly, and work very hard. Some come and help with big projects. Many have volunteered to attend events on our behalf and come early to set up and stay late to put everything away. Thanks to all of you who volunteer, we can continue to uphold our mission of improving the lives of companion birds.
Dee and Brian truly care about and love parrots and everything they do shows that! They try every day to do things to improve the lives of the birds in their care AND do lots of outreach to spread education and help others care for their pets! They are generous beyond measure and will always do whatever they can to help any birds in need. A great sanctuary and great people!
I can honestly say, I have never been more impressed with a rescue organization in my life. If that’s the only sentence you read, that was the one you needed to read.
(rambling starts, next two paragraphs are skippable, review actually starts 3rd one down)
My husband and I found an injured canary on the stairs outside our house (okay, my husband found him as I walked right past him ;). From his colors and the non-fear of humans relatively close to him, we assumed belonged to someone as he was very keen on getting our attention. He also seemed to be drawn to a higher female voice, which helped us wrangle him in... after I sat outside with him for an hour because sucker. We fed him a few pieces of bread and watermelon, along with some water, as we knew with an injury, having some energy and hydration were important (especially since we weren’t sure we’d be able to catch him as night was approaching fast). He'd fly away to "escape" but then fly right back to where we were and talk to us. He wanted us to catch him, but he was also scared and in pain. The only semi-suitable cage we had was a small dog carrier, which we had quickly and amateurishly added some dried leaves, pine needles, and two sticks to so it might feel like nesting materials. We got him in the cage, added the food and water, and then got him safe for the night inside. I know we broke all the rules of finding an injured bird, but we knew we had to help him even though we knew nothing about caring for a bird, let alone an injured one.
Since it was a Sunday night by this point, I knew getting emergency vet assistance would cost a fortune, and we barely make it by as it is. I couldn’t afford a vet bill for a creature that didn’t even belong to me. But I also knew he needed medical attention. Monday morning the search began, and it seemed no one would help an injured bird that I found outside and didn’t own.
It was this time that I was referred to Marden’s Ark and I explained what happened. Dee asked for my address and replied, “I’ll be there shortly.” Now, you need to understand, we have a hurricane [Florence] headed our way as I write this. This organization is in the middle of prepping the sanctuary for one of the worst hurricanes this area has seen since the 1950s. In spite of all this, she stopped what she was doing, and came to pick up this injured little creature that neither of us even knew to take him to get medical attention. I know nothing of birds, but I knew I had to save this adorable little guy. She knew nothing of me, but she knew she had to save this adorable little guy, sight unseen. If that doesn’t impress the %&#! out of you, I don’t know what would.
Dee has kept me up to date with his medical details at the vet and has been absolutely amazing. I sincerely want these guys to get the praise they so truly deserve. A beautiful little canary is alive and well in the world because of them. That to me is the happiest ending you can have… especially with a canary involved in the story!
Thank you, Marden’s Ark, and thank you Dee. The world is truly a better place because you guys exist in it.
This sanctuary and the people who care for the birds are incredible! They go out of their way to help find a solution and if they can't, the endless resources they have supporting them, can usually help. My first go to for any avian needs!
Marden’s Ark
I started rescuing parrots with medical and/or emotional issues in 2012. At the time I had a nice place for them to live and a decent income. I lost both my income and housing in 2015. I found myself in a bind when forced to relocate from Florida to Texas with my rescued birds. Dee at Marden’s Ark heard about my plight and befriended my flock by assisting with veterinary costs and sending care packages of donated food. Through the struggle to get back on my feet she has periodically blessed my babies with food and treats.
Aside from the financial assistance her rescue has shared with my babies she has been a wonderful friend to me during the trials as I rebuild my life. Every concern I expressed about the well being of my flock was met with moral support and sound advice. Every question I asked about the best care to provide was answered with the knowledge of her years of experience. Her genuine love for my birds (which she never has and probably never will meet) far surpasses what anyone would expect. A truer heart toward birds never existed.
Anita Mullins
Denison, TX
I have volunteered and made donations of food to this organization. I've found it difficult to find such caring, compassionate people to compare these folks to. They will travel many hours and miles in the middle of the night if it means saving a tiny little life. They work endlessly to make sure this is a safe place for birds to land. They are appreciated more than words can say.
I have worked with birds for many years. Sometimes it can be simply to much. We get called from multiple people asking for help. Many times I've had to call Dee and ask her to step In to help people where I simply couldnt. She has resources that I do not so I have sent people to her for assistance who otherwise may have had to surrender their birds due to hardships that were temporary.
Her assistance is a thankless job. All to often in what we do, that's common. But she tends to go above and beyond stretching herself out further than many would.
Marden's Ark is Heaven sent ! They save birds with medical issues that others give up on. They save birds "too mean to be rescued". I have witnessed this. I adopted Honey "too mean to be rescued". Marden's Ark would not leave him behind when rescuing many other birds from the same situation. I first visited them when donating my Orange winged amazon's cage and other supplies after he passed away. I had him for 30 years. I was being shown around and introduced to the birds when Honey, a Yellow Naped amazon, caught my eye. He reminded me so my of recently passed Amazon. Without even thinking, I walked over and put my finger in the cage to touch Honey's foot, like I used to do to my Amazon. "Wait! Be careful, he's not so friendly.........." was half way out before we all realized that Honey was really responded to me. I ended up adopting Honey, or should I say, he adopted me that day. He is such a great companion and not mean at all. Marden's Ark saved him and gave him a chance to find me and fill the Amazon hole in my heart. They care so much for the birds. I told them about a desperate bird in need and they reacted within minutes and went to rescue the Sun Conure. Marden's Ark rescues, cares, and loves the birds first and foremost. They are a great rescue ! It is all about the birds for them !
I wouldn't believe this story if someone will tell me, but it is true! Our lovely parakeet flew away from the cage when we left it on patio Wake Forrest apartment. We were so upset
because we love that bird a lot and she is a part of our family.
So, long story short, three days later and 3 miles away for the apartment we found our bird and Dee was the one that helped us to bring our lovely parakeet back home! Now we have two our parakeets at home and we are happy to see that they are glad to see each other.
Thank you, Dee!
My little parakeet escaped and flue away from my patio last week. I posted ads on many different sites and received a comment to one of my postings to reach out to Marden's Ark for help. What a great advice! I sent an email through the "Contact Us" link on the website and received a phone call within 5 minutes from Dee. Dee gave me a lot of great advice over the phone straight away and told me not to give up hope. She also told me to call her if i need an extra cage or if i need help catching the bird when i find her. I was amazed to receive such offers. A week later i received a call from a person that saw my bird in her back yard 3 miles away from my home. We went out to that location and while on the way, I called Dee (I knew i would need all the help i can get to catch my birdie). And again to my amazement, Dee picked up the call and came straight away to our rescue! What an incredible generosity and commitment to the cause to be there for a complete stranger to help the bird and the family get reunited! Dee brought a cage and mullet snacks and bird sounds recording and all of her knowledge to help catch the bird. It took an hour and a half of luring tactics and we had the bird back in the cage. I am incredibly thankful to Dee and Marden's Ark for the help and support during this difficult time. She is truly an angel to carry her mission completely free of charge. I am donating to Marden's Ark and anyone who can understand the pain of being separated from a pet you love should support this great organization for the good they spread in the world.
Thank you, Dee and God bless you!
Dee, Brian, and Marden's Ark as a whole, has been one of the best things to happen to me. In February 2017, I took in a rescued african grey. Through a lot of delving,he turned out to be a wild caught, non-tame, 30+ yesr old male. Odin has been a trial at times, to put it nicely. I did all I could, with Dee's unwavering, wonderful advice. But it wasn't enough. We knew he was miserable. I contacted Dee about if she could potentially take him. But instead, she sent us a new cage. It was huge. Almost four times the size of his prior cage. And within weeks, he was different. He was nire active. He was more vocal. His screaming and growling stopped. Since then, he has become a different bird, and all of this, thanks to Dee, and Marden's Ark. She's even sent us care packages as well, which he adores! Dee has also been an advisor to me on tough times with other birds of mine (I take in a lot of special needs/rehomed birds), and she has always been a source of help and knowledge, even in trying times. I can't thank Dee, Brian, and Marden's Ark for all they have done for my flock and I. They are truly a wonderful sanctuary, and I hope they stay around for a long time to come.
After reading about Marden’s Ark and discovering they needed volunteers and having a Cockatiel as my soul mate, I signed up. After about a year and half of helping out, the little creatures have stolen my heart and witnessing Dee’s total devotion to them is amazing as well as watching Brian’s magic touch with them, I was hooked. Dee works faithfully to give the birds’ attention, medical care, the best and freshest fruits and vegetables, bakes birdie muffins and birdie bread almost daily. Observing the personality of the birds and their interaction is fascinating and they are so beautiful. If a companion parrot lands at Marden’s Ark, they will be loved and well cared for. I commend Dee and Brian for establishing Marden’s Ark and their commitment for giving these companion parrots a safe place to land.
Marden's Ark is awesome, hands down. Mrs. Dee has been so helpful to me and my mother's budgie girl. She has a tumor and Mrs. Dee helped pay for her vet bill when we were unable too as well as sending us care packages. Thanks so much for your generosity!
My story is about a precious budgie bird. When i noticed my budgie had a growth on her bottom i didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't have any money for a vet. I asked people what they thought it was and a sweet lady contacted me about it. She offered to help with the vet bill. I've noticed that alot of people don't bother taking their budgies to a vet. I did. Until i didn't have money for it. Mardens Ark stepped in and helped my budgie. Paid the vet bill and medicine. And that's just the beginning. They have given me emotional support and sent care packages. Words can't express how i feel about Mardens Ark. Love and gratitude are only two words that come to mind. All for a little budgie bird that is loved so much. Thank you Mardens Ark so much for helping me and my Budgie Girl.