Need opinion on rehoming beloved Amazon

Hi everyone.

I'm new here. However, I desperately need your advice and opinion regarding my current situation.

My family has had Roman, my Amazon parrot, for fourteen years (since my grandma, his original owner, passed away). He's part of my family. He came to us while we had two other birds and all the time in the world.

However, my two other birds passed away over the years (natural causes), and my dad was diagnossed with terminal cancer. Then, my sister moved out, and now I'm moving out in two weeks. In other words, my mom is left with caring for our dogs, Roman, and my dad.

Over time, we've had less and less time for Roman, and you can tell he's no longer the permanently happy bird he once was. We've fought tooth and nail to give him as much attention as possible, but it's a sliver of what he deserves.

After a two-year debate, we've come to the heartbreaking decision of rehoming him. After being incredibly picky, we picked a couple with unbelievably happy parrots, a lifetime's worth of toys, and someone who already spends her days at home with her flock. These are just a few of the many qualities they have.

The reason I've mentioned this is that, although it's the best decision for Roman's health, my heart can't get over the idea that we're abandoning him.

I've cared for countless animals and not once have we rehomed an animal. We're usually the ones who take them from abused and neglected residences!

Thing is, I don't know how he'll react, and all I can imagine is him panicking and wondering where his family is and why he was left behind.

Would anyone have any information on the topic regarding parrot rehoming, and if you believe he'll be alright? I don't know anything about this, and I'm so heartbroken.

Any information or opinion will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Steph

Hi Steph,

I do not have experience with birds, but with other animals. I do believe your bird will be ok if the home she is going to is as described.

Animals are very resilient. It may be tough for her at first, but i suspect it will be much more tough for you. Just remember why your doing it, and that with time, your bird will be in a good place getting good attention. As well as lifting some burden on your mom.

It is always hard to let go of an animal that is a part of your family. Just remind yourself why your doing it.

Im so sorry about your troubles. You know when you put him up for sale and people come go with your gut, you can say no to people if you do not think its the right fit. You will know when that right person walks in the door. See how he responds to them.You have every right to not sell him to someone if you are uncomfortable with that person. That might just make you feel a wee bit better and so sorry about your dad.

If you feel that the new home is a good one, then do it for the bird. I have purchased ChuChu from a loving home because the couple had to return to the U.S. and he couldn't cross the border with them. He now knows his new name, eats a better diet, rides a scooter, plays on a tree gym with many toys, visits friends and restaurants. He had an extensive vocabulary which has increased in the four months I've had him. He and the new puppy are learning to play together so all in all even though he came from a good home, he's adapted well and enjoying his new life. As is common with most zons, he didn't like being touched all over, but I insist and little by little he's become accepting of my "all over" scritches. Yesterday he even flipped upside down in my lap and wanted to be tickled on his tummy and under his wings. I was caught by surprise, but after he did it 5 or 6 times, I could tell it was something new that he was having fun with as was I. So do what's best for him and try to feel good about it. Your Mom has enough and you will be doing it for her too.

You are not abandoning your bird. It sounds like you are going to continue providing it with a wonderful home as you described its new owners. You are doing the right thing for all of you and you know it in our heart.

My Amazon is a re-home, from a situation like yours where she just didn't get the attention she needed anymore. She's adapted beautifully and I imagine she's going to keep doing better as time goes on.

I also had to re-home a conure once, because our household and his needs weren't working out. He needed women only due to some issues in his past and I didn't think giving up my husband was the right answer. He's VERY happy in his new, all female home.

Finding the right home for an animal isn't abandonment; its care. You can't be the right home for every animal.....

I think you are doing a wonderful thing for Roman. Sometimes the things that are best for the animals we love are the hardest to do. It sounds like he will be going to a wonderful home where he will get lots of attention.
I am so sorry about your Dad.

I just wanted to say that you're in my thoughts during this hard time, it is allot to go through, and the added stress can make decisions like these seem much worse than they actually are.

Something you see allot on bird/pet related forums is "Forever home." And that is a wonderful thing to provide for any pet, but the REAL concern is the "right home". If everybody kept every bird they had ever brought home, be it intentional, a found bird, or other, there would be a LOT of birds in bad situations. Sometimes re-homing is truly the best decision, and there is no guilt in that, no reason to feel like you've "abandoned" your fid. It takes a strong person to make that decision. I hope you can keep your chin up during these hard times, the posts above me have shown that this forum is a great place for comfort and understanding during these situations. We're all here for you.

I'm very sorry to hear about your father. I know it's a terrible decision to have to make and the circumstances make it even more painful. Sometimes the best decision for the animal is not the easiest one to make. I think it's great that you are looking out for Roman's future and have his best interest at heart. It sounds like you have found a great home for him. Three of my birds are re-homes and they are happy and healthy. I wish you the best.

Thanks everyone, you've definitely put my worry to rest. Hearing about all your previously rehomed birds that are healthy and happy has had a necessary calming effect, and I'm a little more confident in Roman's wellbeing in his future home. I know they'll give him everything he needs, and now I can be certain he'll be happy and healthy for the rest of his life.

Thank you for being such a great community!

Sterling1113 said:

Something you see allot on bird/pet related forums is "Forever home." And that is a wonderful thing to provide for any pet, but the REAL concern is the "right home". If everybody kept every bird they had ever brought home, be it intentional, a found bird, or other, there would be a LOT of birds in bad situations. Sometimes re-homing is truly the best decision, and there is no guilt in that, no reason to feel like you've "abandoned" your fid. It takes a strong person to make that decision. I hope you can keep your chin up during these hard times, the posts above me have shown that this forum is a great place for comfort and understanding during these situations. We're all here for you.

Click to expand...

Good post . Yes, we do often see the phrase "forever home" regarding pets.
I agree it ISN'T always for the best decision to keep a bird (or any pet) in it's original home.
I think probably a lot of people who first get into birds hear about how many get bounced around from home to home and think how terrible it is, and say I'm giving this bird his "forever home" as if it's the only commendable thing to do.

Reality is, many of us who have had birds for some length of time have had to give up a bird to a more appropriate home or situation. Any experienced bird person knows it happens. Of course we don't ever get a bird thinking this is the way it's going to end up.

I have no shame in saying that I've had to give up a few birds. That's over a 20 year span though. Now I have my happy crew

MrsKay said:

You are not abandoning your bird. It sounds like you are going to continue providing it with a wonderful home as you described its new owners. You are doing the right thing for all of you and you know it in our heart.

Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Your feelings are normal (at least to us fellow bird/animal people). You are genuinely concerned about what happens to a beloved family member who represents an entire lifetime of memories for you. Not easy giving those away and it shouldn't be. When I accept a rehome or rehome a bird (extremely rare) I always have a 30 day written contract inwhich the person can reconsider giving or taking a pet back. I learned to do this when someone who gave me a bird decided to take it back. This also serves me well in the horse world.

Since the pet is in 30 days of quarantine anyway, it's not like the bird has been exposed to my flock so disease transmission is reduced. After 30 days the pet is mine and all decisions concerning the pet is mine to make.

I wish you the best in this situation, but I think you realize there is better place for your bird, and despite the guilt you feel, you know in your heart your bird may be happier in another home. You never know- someone else's Granny might love having a feathered companion just like your Amazon.

I had to rehome my parakeet due to the fact my U2 just kept trying to kill her constantly and I just didn't have time any more. What a great choice I made. He heats pellets now! Veggies, is in love with another bird they are constantly together. He is talking now! Just so many things that indicate how happy he is. I had no idea that he was that unhappy till he was actually happy with her and her birds. Don't feel bad. It's going to be a wonderful experience for him/her.