ROMEO, Mich. (AP) — An animal shelter in Michigan has been inundated with hundreds of parakeets.

The Detroit Animal Welfare Group in Romeo said in a Facebook post that the small, colorful birds were dropped off Thursday night.

Director Kelley LeBonty told the Detroit Free Press that the son of an animal hoarder called to say he was surrendering 60 to 80 parakeets from his father’s house. But he showed up with 497 parakeets.

The shelter said the birds were “crammed in seven cages” and needed immediate help.

On Sunday, 339 more were surrender in boxes, the Detroit Animal Welfare Group said in a Facebook post, bringing the total to 836.

Temporary housing for the parakeets was found and food was donated for the birds.

Along with the animal welfare group, three other rescues — Jojos Flying Friends, Birds and Beaks and East Michigan Bird Rescue — have taken in some of the birds. Those who would like to help can donate to one of the four rescues, the Detroit Animal Welfare Group said.

“These birds came from a very unhealthy situation and the irresponsibility of the owner is infuriating,” the group said in a Facebook post. “It truly takes a village to help these animals and we are so thankful for everyone that works together to get them the care and proper homes they deserve.”

The Detroit News reports that adoptions were expected to begin Jan. 23.

—News 8 contributed to this report.