CHARLOTTE--One of the only exotic bird rescues in the Southeast is relying on the kindness of the public to help care for seven parrots seized during last week's puppy mill raid in eastern North Carolina.

Officials say the birds were found in a single room, living in deplorable conditions alongside 22 doves.

"They had not been cleaned in weeks, even months. The cages were stacked so one bird was being subjected to the feces of the birds above them," said founder of Companion Parrots Re-homed Karen Justice.

The doves were sent to a separate rescue and the parrots were brought to Charlotte where two remain in the hospital. Justice said there is no room for the healthier five inside their facility. Therefore they are currently staying inside a volunteer's air-conditioned garage.

The Humane Society of Charlotte offered to clear out an office, but decided that would not be in the best interest of the birds, since they are at capacity as well after taking dozens of the puppy mill dogs.

"They were already stressed out but if you bring them into the environment of the shelter world with dogs and cats and people running, it's not going to help with their stress level. So we needed a quiet, tranquil place," said Jorge Ortega with the Charlotte Humane Society.

Due to the diseases birds can contract, Justice said each bird they rescue has to be quarantined for 30-days before it is allowed in to the facility. She said that process alone is nothing compared to the unique challenges to actually adopting one.

"They're going to live four to five times longer than a cat or dog so you're taking on a lifetime commitment and will have to make plans for it after you are no longer able to care for them," said Justice.

For more information on how you can help, details on providing a quarantine home or adoption, visit the Companion Parrots website.