An Illinois man under investigation for hoarding as many as 100 parakeets in his home admits "the birds got out of hand," Fox Chicago News reports.

Officials in Aurora, Ill., were slated to start their cleanup and rescue at the home filled with birds on Monday but were delayed because air quality test results for the home weren't yet available, Fox Chicago News reported.

David Skeberdis, the home and bird owner under investigation, told the broadcaster he didn't plan to use the hazmat suit and breathing mask the city gave him because he's used to seeing what's inside his house.

Skeberdis, 57, estimates he has between 80 and 100 birds, and that his bird collection has taken a toll on his home.

"It was all right when I had a few, but now, they've torn the place apart," he said.

He said his hoarding started seven years ago after the death of his mother and several other family members within about a year.

"I don't drink, I don't smoke, so I acquire things...the birds got out of hand, but I'll tell you the parakeets breed like mice," he said.

Skeberdis said he's looking at the city's investigation as a "chance to start over," though he hasn't yet decided whether to keep the birds.