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POSTED: Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Jeepers Cheepers looks out for the birds

Each week The Bellingham Herald takes a closer look at a business or construction update. This week: Jeepers Cheepers

What it is: Jeepers Cheepers is a bird supply store, boarding and rescue center. The business sells bird food and toys, with revenue supporting the rescued birds.

Ownership: Karleen Koehler.

Employees: Koehler said she has no employees, but she is "blessed with a couple of really good volunteers."

How it started: Koehler said she was working as a volunteer for Mollywood, a non-profit rescue organization for parrots, when she found herself lugging more and more parrots home for foster care and decided to start her own parrot rescue. As supporting the growing number of rescued birds became increasingly expensive, Koehler said she decided to create a bird supply business to help raise funds.

Jeepers Cheepers has a number of different birds, including zebra finches and cockatiels. "(Birds) are very intelligent. They bond an awful lot with their owners," Koehler said. Birds are easier to care for than some pets since they don't have to be walked - they especially make great pets for the elderly and disabled, she said.

"I didn't use to think I was a bird person," said volunteer Gayle Isaac. "It's similar to having a child; their personalities are so great." Isaac, who has an 8-year-old cockatoo named Wilber, said birds are very particular about who they like. "When they open their trust to you, you're being granted a very special place in their heart," she said.

What makes it different: Jeepers Cheepers has about 180 to 200 rescued birds; only 12 are up for adoption. Many of the birds have come from neglectful or cruel homes and will never be ready for adoption. Those birds will live out their lives in the care of Koehler and her volunteers.

Anyone who wants to adopt from Jeepers Cheepers has to take the time to get to know their bird and educate themselves about caring for the bird before taking it home; this process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, Koehler said.

People who turn in birds often didn't take the time to understand their pet - they didn't realize it may bite, make messes or loud noises, she said. "We try to prepare people," Koehler said.

Jeepers Cheepers

6775 Guide Meridian

Lynden, WA

398-0450