One hundred and ten parakeets, or "budgies," were rescued from a University District apartment Tuesdsay. All have been adopted from the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) as of yesterday afternoon.

According to a shelter press release, Michael Kokernak, an animal-care officer, spotted the birds through a window while he was responding to a complaint about the number of birds in the apartment. The parakeets were being kept in a single, unsanitary cage by the owner, whose name has not been released.

"The apartment was pretty filthy," said Executive Director of the SAS Don Jordan. "They were living in their own excrement and feathers. There was only one cage that most of these birds were being housed in."

Despite the dismal living conditions, most of the birds seem to be in good health.

"The birds are in pretty good shape," Jordan said. "They don't appear to be unhealthy. However, parakeets are very good at hiding illnesses. Because of this, we're advising people interested in adopting the birds to take them to a veterinarian for examination."

Because the owner complied with the shelter's demand that the birds be released no criminal charges are being pressed.

"We've used discretion in this situation," Jordan said. "We believe he had no intent of committing animal cruelty. Because he voluntarily surrendered them to us, we view this as a win-win situation for both the birds and the previous owner. If he had not voluntarily surrendered, then we would be going down the criminal road."

It is believed that the owner's enthusiasm for birds led to the overpopulation, and in turn, the inhumane conditions.

"Over the last five years, he had been collecting them," Jordan said. "Perhaps rescuing them, buying them, and there might have been breeding involved. Eventually it just got overwhelming. Usually when people get into these situations, they clearly have other issues."

Jordan said that instances like this one are not common in the U-District.

"We know that there are animal hoarders that are out there," Jordan said. "However, they're good at hiding it and it's usually only brought to our attention when neighbors discover it and call in."

Adoption of the birds began at noon yesterday and was met by a positive response from citizens. The SAS is thankful for the community's support in the adoption process.

"I am overwhelmed at the wonderful response we received from the public, both bird lovers and the media were instrumental in getting out the word," Jordan said.

"As soon as we opened our doors today, there were 50 potential adopters lined up with cages in hand. And within two hours, all of the birds were lucky enough to find loving homes. This is a real testament to the compassion of this community. Thank you."

Reach reporter Camden Swita at news@thedaily.washington.edu.