Birdman of Illinois: Home with over 350 live birds, and 100 dead ones, lead to animal hoarding charges

(CBS) AURORA, Ill.- A northern Illinois man has been cited for "companion animal hoarding," after he was found living in his townhouse with more than 350 live birds, and - perhaps even worse - 120 dead birds, CBS Chicago reports. 

A "companion animal hoarder" is defined as someone who possesses a large number of pets but is unable to provide proper care for the animal. 

Last month, the residence of 57-year-old David Skeberdis of Aurora, about 40 miles west of downtown Chicago,  was declared unfit for human habitation when a painting contractor alerted city officials to the hundreds of birds flying around uncaged in the home, CBS Chicago reports. 

A court ordered removal of the birds. They were given to a non-profit group. 

The charge against Skeberdis is a class B misdemeanor carrying a maximum jail term of six months along with probation, possible fines and counseling. He also may barred from owning an animal. 

Skeberdis said that he started with a small number of birds but that his collection grew out of hand over the years.