Fostering – Terms & Conditions

LAST UPDATED: May 2022

This page sets out the main terms and conditions under which the Owner [Birdline U.K. Ltd.] makes an agreement with a Foster carer to provide long term care for a Birdline bird and its progeny (if any).

This document is for reference purposes only and is provided here so that prospective Fosterers may understand the obligations which they will be agreeing to. Please ensure you read the actual Foster contract prior to signing, as it is subject to change from time to time.

Definitions

In this Contract the terms have the meanings set against them:

a) “the Bird(s) means the Bird(s) fostered to the person herein named, and item number Birdline Ref.

b) “the Property” means the items which have been included in the foster programme as described in item 4 of the particulars that belong to item number Birdline Ref.

c) “the Permitted Use” means the use described in item 5 of the particulars.

d) “the owner” means the charity Birdline UK Ltd or its authorised representatives.

e) “Foster Carer” means the person that shall be contracted to care for this bird(s) but not to at any point own the bird(s).

Interpretation

The Owner is entitled to make amendments to this contract by way of 14 days written notice to the foster carer.

  1. I understand that the bird(s) (including any and all progeny) is the property of the owner and will remain so for the rest of their natural life, and that if, for any reason, I am unable to keep the bird(s), I will immediately notify the owner and arrange to return the bird(s). I agree not to pass the bird(s) to anyone else without the prior approval of the owner.
  2. I understand as the bird(s) is the property of Birdline UK LTD., permission from the owner must be granted in order to microchip the bird(s). The microchip must be put in the owner’s name, that being Birdline UK LTD. Any existing microchip will also have been put in the owner’s name.  
  3. It is the responsibility of the Foster carer to purchase and keep the dietary requirements of the bird as laid out by the owner.
  4. It is the responsibility of the Foster carer to view all information pertaining to health/welfare/husbandry and any other additional information about the bird(s) made available by the owner on the website.
  5. I will provide the bird(s) with fresh water, food, toys, perches, supplements and a clean, well ventilated and light living space.
  6. I will provide an owner approved bird carrier of suitable size and bar spacing for the bird(s). Cat carriers are not approved.
  7. I will immediately take the bird(s) to the owner’s recommended qualified avian veterinarian for a complete examination immediately upon any sign of illness; and notify the owner within 24 hours of any such instances. I will not authorize the bird(s) to be euthanized without the owner’s permission.
  8. Insurance:
    • At all times to keep the bird(s) insured for all insurable conditions and incidents.
    • To produce to the owner on demand the current insurance policy schedule.
    • It is a requirement of this contract that one year’s premium paid in full, or schedule of monthly direct debit payments, is provided to the owner prior to the collection of the bird(s).
    • To upon request release any or all information relating to treatment of the bird(s) and/or post-mortem results and findings from a qualified Avian Vet to the owner or their representatives.
  9. I will notify the owner if I intend to move house/accommodation or change my telephone number or email address and ensure the new details are given to the owner.Birds are not to be moved out of the UK.
  10. I understand that birds can live a long time and I have made, or will make, the appropriate arrangements for the bird(s) to be returned to the owner in the event of my pre-deceasing them.
  11. I understand that birds are highly intelligent and need regular interaction, constant care and patience. I agree to give the bird(s) all the attention, affection, interaction and mental stimulation they will need and treat them like a member of my family.
  12. I understand that a bird may need time to adjust to their new environment and agree to work with them to safely assist this adjustment.
  13. I understand that questions or concerns will arise as to the proper care and behaviour of the bird(s), and I agree to contact the owner with these questions/concerns. I agree that it is in the best interest of the bird(s) to ask rather than to guess.
  14. If advised by the owner that the bird(s) wings need to be kept clipped, I will only use an owner approved wing clipper.
  15. I will keep the bird(s) in a smoke-free environment and will not put the bird(s) in harm’s way by mixing fur and feathers.
  16. In the interest of the bird(s), to permit the owner or its agents to inspect said bird(s) and their health and living environment, on giving reasonable notice and presenting a written authority from the owner or representative of the owner.
  17. I understand that the bird(s) and the property supplied (if any is supplied) belong to the owner.
  18. Payment of Membership –
    • To pay the annual membership on the day and in the manner stated within the website without any deduction whatsoever. 
    • If at any time the membership payment is twenty-eight days in arrears (whether formally demanded or not) the owner has the right to enter the Foster carer’s premises for the return of the bird(s) and/or property.
  19. If at any time, it becomes the opinion of the owners that these conditions are not being met, I understand that the owner or their
  20. I understand that this is a legal and binding contract, and that the owner may terminate my right to keep and foster the bird(s) in my possession and that, by virtue of the Foster care relationship, I do not and cannot obtain any right, title, or interest in the bird(s) or the property.
  21. I understand that failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions of this agreement may constitute grounds for demanding the return of the bird(s) and the property.
  22. I understand that reasons for demanding return are not restricted to any such breach of terms and conditions; that being within the discretion of the owner or their representative.
  23. I will return the bird(s) and the property within twenty-four hours upon oral or written demand by the owner.
  24. I understand that, upon oral or written demand, should I fail to return the bird(s) and the property, my actions constitute a theft and will result in criminal and/or civil action being taken against me.
  25. I will be responsible for any and all expenses associated with the result of my failure to return the bird(s) and / or the property, including legal fees associated with obtaining the return of the bird(s) and / or the property.
  26. The Foster carer must not use the bird(s) for any business or commercial activity, without prior consent of the owner. This includes, but is not limited to, using photographs of the bird(s), selling feathers, and attending fee paying events with the bird(s).
  27. I understand that in the event of my failure to comply with any part of this agreement, the owner may be caused concern over the safety and welfare of the bird(s) and may request that an inspector or a police constable effect entry (by force if necessary) into premises to seize the bird(s) in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
  28. Except as set forth above, the owner makes no representations, warranties or guarantees, and assumes no liability for health, age, temperament (including the capacity to bite), behaviour, talking ability or condition of any bird(s) available for placement. I the Foster carer, agree that all information that is available for the bird(s) has been given to myself and that by signing this agreement, I am responsible for all veterinary bills associated with the bird(s) and any matters arising both ongoing and historical and that I am happy to continue all treatment deemed necessary by both a qualified Avian vet and/or the owner. The owner shall not be responsible to the Foster carer for any injury suffered or damage to or loss of any chattel caused by the bird(s).
  29. Quiet Enjoyment – that so long as the Foster carer is not in breach of any of their obligations hereunder, they shall be entitled to peaceably and quietly enjoy the bird(s) without any lawful interruption by the owner or any person claiming under or in trust for the owner.
  30. I will not, by any action or deed either spoken, or written, suggested or by any other means, bring the owner into disrepute. Nor will I make or cause to be made any entry on any social networking media, relating to the owner, its members, its staff or its property, including any bird(s) that may be seen as to bring the owner into disrepute.
  31. This document must be co-signed by an agent of the owner. The agent must not be related to or in an interpersonal or professional relationship with the fosterer. No Person may sign as both the agent and the fosterer, otherwise it will deem the Foster Agreement invalid.

Appendix A – Show Bird Terms and Conditions

  1. Foster Carers of show birds are responsible to ensure the birds attend all fund-raising events as requested by the Owner. This may include chaperoning the bird to the event or arranging for collection by an agent of the Owner, and transportation to and from said even.
  2. The Owner may show discretion when instances of being unable to comply with some events.  If the Owner deems this term is being breached or the Foster Carer is unable to comply with this term the bird must be returned to the Owner or his agent.