Should I Take Them Under My Wing?

(Pun intended)

My friend has a pair of female budgies (Lutino/Albino) that she is rehoming and she asked me if I was able to take them in because I was the only one she was able to trust with them.
The initial rehoming price which is 55 isn't really bothersome but its what I'll be doing after. This is because they'll be needing new perches (instead of the dowel that came with the cage), a lot more toys, and a better diet. The first part isn't as worrisome but I don't feel like I can financially continue that kind of care after I poured out half of my money for Izzy and while I am trying to save up for a Poicephalus (trying to get up to 700, 800 is my goal).

I also forgot their backstory. They were purchased in 2012 from a local pet shop (sort of horrible conditions) and were hand tamed. They don't go outside as often, and seem scared of being on hands (viewed from a snapchat). Also, I believe they eat a seed diet and and have two perches and one toy.

I'm just needing help if I should take them, right now, the owner said that I can take my time whenever I'm ready. But Im not sure if I am, I don't want to get rid of my plans for another parrot but I really don't want to disappoint the owner and the birds.

Thank you for reading, any advice is great, sorry for writing a Twilight Book.

Chances are, two lovebirds living together are bonded to each other. Mostly, you'll just be taking care of them and not hugely interacting with then (I had a bonded pair back in the day) however, that can still be satisfying and doesn't take a huge amount of time or money/effort to do. If you like the lovebird sounds and don't mind some hands off birds, I say go for it...if you have the extra time. I don't see why it would mean you couldn't get a parrot someday. Two of my 5 are pretty hands off, so they don't really cut into bonding time and are super easy to care for.

My opinion is if you're not "feeling" it, then you should suggest she find someone else. It sounds like you already have your resources (time, money, etc.) reserved and your heart set on your current bird plan. Which is completely understandable! That said, 2 budgies probably wouldn't be a huge time or money sink should you decide to take them in.

That $55 rehoming fee really pricks my nerves though. When I first became chronically ill over a decade ago I admit I went through a divorce and cross country move that required I rehome my animals. I never expected anyone to pay for the animal or the supplies that came with them. I wouldn't have accepted if they offered. I'd rather they spent the money on new things for my babies. They weren't "possessions" they were family. I can maybe see asking for money if it were something REALLY expensive like a stainless steel cage or something, but any decent person eats $55 if they are actually concerned about the birds.

Phlox said:

Chances are, two lovebirds living together are bonded to each other. Mostly, you'll just be taking care of them and not hugely interacting with then (I had a bonded pair back in the day) however, that can still be satisfying and doesn't take a huge amount of time or money/effort to do. If you like the lovebird sounds and don't mind some hands off birds, I say go for it...if you have the extra time. I don't see why it would mean you couldn't get a parrot someday. Two of my 5 are pretty hands off, so they don't really cut into bonding time and are super easy to care for.

Click to expand...

I'm really stupid, i honesxtly never thought of that :headwall:
i guess the main concern now is becoming way too bird obsessed lol , I have to double check the allowed birds in the house.

Dustbunny said:

My opinion is if you're not "feeling" it, then you should suggest she find someone else. It sounds like you already have your resources (time, money, etc.) reserved and your heart set on your current bird plan. Which is completely understandable! That said, 2 budgies probably wouldn't be a huge time or money sink should you decide to take them in.

That $55 rehoming fee really pricks my nerves though. When I first became chronically ill over a decade ago I admit I went through a divorce and cross country move that required I rehome my animals. I never expected anyone to pay for the animal or the supplies that came with them. I wouldn't have accepted if they offered. I'd rather they spent the money on new things for my babies. They weren't "possessions" they were family. I can maybe see asking for money if it were something REALLY expensive like a stainless steel cage or something, but any decent person eats $55 if they are actually concerned about the birds.

Click to expand...

I'm sorry, i posted after you posted and I didn't see that you posted.

I'm just really confused because I really really want them, but I'm not sure if I'm ready yet.

Also, I'm sorry to hear about your divorce, I hope everything settled down and everything is good again
That was the lowest they could go, because I agree, that the rehoming fee and be used to benefit the growth and health of the birds along their life. But money is money, I could see myself doing that as well D:

Truthfully I think she's got some nerve asking you for a dime...if she's so concerned about their well-being. 55.00 is nothing, but it's the principal of the matter. These birds are obviously coming from a neglectful place, and she still wants money for a place of improvement? If I had to re-home my birds for whatever reason, they would be going well stocked with many months supply of food, toys, etc., and I would be grateful if someone could take care if them if I couldn't. The situation just leaves a bad taste in my mouth...which is probably because of the bad-taste situation. Just my 2 cents.
(Not to mention, she's a friend as well? Ugh!)

EAI said:

I'm sorry, i posted after you posted and I didn't see that you posted.

I'm just really confused because I really really want them, but I'm not sure if I'm ready yet.

Also, I'm sorry to hear about your divorce, I hope everything settled down and everything is good again
That was the lowest they could go, because I agree, that the rehoming fee and be used to benefit the growth and health of the birds along their life. But money is money, I could see myself doing that as well D:

Click to expand...

I misunderstood then. It seemed like maybe you didn't want the birds so much as you wanted to help out a friend by taking them. In that case, you could always just slightly postpone getting the poi. The birds are tiny and you could make a bunch of cheap toys for them to save money. I doubt they'll mind. In fact, I can only think of ONE toy I purchased that PB prefers over handmade ones. Buying her toys is like throwing money away. (I'm really hoping Fozzie likes her rejects.)

Oh the divorce and all was a long time ago. I'm still disabled, but I have a husband now who can accept that and loves me just as I am. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it just takes a while before we can see what the reason might have been been.

Kalidasa said:

Truthfully I think she's got some nerve asking you for a dime...if she's so concerned about their well-being. 55.00 is nothing, but it's the principal of the matter. These birds are obviously coming from a neglectful place, and she still wants money for a place of improvement? If I had to re-home my birds for whatever reason, they would be going well stocked with many months supply of food, toys, etc., and I would be grateful if someone could take care if them if I couldn't. The situation just leaves a bad taste in my mouth...which is probably because of the bad-taste situation. Just my 2 cents.
(Not to mention, she's a friend as well? Ugh!)

Click to expand...

My mom was quite offended as well.
She's also one of my really good friends, but I do sense a bit of uncertainty--especially since they don't have annual checkups (there were worms on them when she first got them) and adding diseases in the house is not my top priority.
But also, I know some of my friends and classmates also don't have annual checkups for their parrots.

And in all honesty, I'd probably have a small rehoming fee as well, mostly for the time and effort and investment I put in to their health and well being--and also, given the worst situation, the money can be used for food or other necessities

Adding:
She has to rehome them because she hates looking at them and not seeing them happy and she trusts me with them. And since school is starting up she doesn't want to neglect them. And thats part of why I'm seeking advice since I'm also afraid of neglecting the birds and or my schoolwork and grades. Not to mention, it doesn't help when I have a horrible sleeping pattern (right now its 4 15 am) and I have all these things in my life at the moment.

I have to agree with the comments on here- I know it shouldn't matter but why is a friend charging so much? We all know the value of a rehoming fee to get a genuine home rather than flippers, but to a friend you've asked to take them on..? Really?!

It sounds like your heart isn't really in this but you feel sorry for them and want to do what's best for them, so are considering because you are like all of us on here - a sucker for a bird in need

I also don't understand the comment "that was the lowest they could go". That's what a seller will tell you is their bottom line to still make a profit. Don't want to sound harsh, but it sounds like your friend is just outright selling them for money rather than rehoming them with the birds best interest, and trying to guilt you into it

Worms?!! Look, I can see the point of charging a re-homing fee for a stranger..as it weeds out some of the crazies, flippers, and people looking to feed their snake something different. But this is a friend who asked you for help.
Did she ever have them vetted?
If you're not fully confident that you can care for them, handle any medical situations that could arise, and really, really give them a much better life, then maybe reconsider. It might be better to help her find a better home than putting yourself out and taking on more birds than you can easily handle. good luck to you, hopefully this will all work itself out for the best for all involved.

lucy1 said:

It sounds like your heart isn't really in this but you feel sorry for them and want to do what's best for them, so are considering because you are like all of us on here - a sucker for a bird in need

I also don't understand the comment "that was the lowest they could go". That's what a seller will tell you is their bottom line to still make a profit. Don't want to sound harsh, but it sounds like your friend is just outright selling them for money rather than rehoming them with the birds best interest, and trying to guilt you into it

Click to expand...

That's exactly how I'm feeling! Sorry, i'm not good putting together sentences anymore.
I'm not really sure as well either about the lowest they could go, I was hoping for maybe 50 at least (the original was 60 but I suggested 55 to start as the base). To me it doesn't sound harsh but that really opened my eyes on this situation

Kalidasa said:

Worms?!! Look, I can see the point of charging a re-homing fee for a stranger..as it weeds out some of the crazies, flippers, and people looking to feed their snake something different. But this is a friend who asked you for help.
Did she ever have them vetted?
If you're not fully confident that you can care for them, handle any medical situations that could arise, and really, really give them a much better life, then maybe reconsider. It might be better to help her find a better home than putting yourself out and taking on more birds than you can easily handle. good luck to you, hopefully this will all work itself out for the best for all involved.

Click to expand...

She said they were extremely small, but were gone in a month I believe.
And I'm not sure about the vet, I'll send her a text and let you know what she said.
Also, I suggested a breeder who could potentially take on the task since she wants the best but I have to run it by her since there's A LOT on her plate at this moment, and she's already doing so much for me and I don't want to keep piling her with all my issues.

And thank you, and everyone who is helping me through this. I appreciate it so much

The worms wouldn't be "gone" without medicine. They may be visibly gone because of the life cycles of the worms, but they (new adults and eggs) are still inside unless they got "wormed" from the vet. It sounds like maybe you'd be into a little too much if you still want your Poi? As much as we feel for these poor little birds, remember "you can't save them all".

Also, would be "ideal" have as much money as possible set aside for vet visits unless your parents are going to help. Talking about your Poi (the bird you REALLY want), regarding money, another concern is that you're a minor who has to have your parents agree on keeping the birds as well as be willing to cover expensive emergency expenses if you can't. I don't mean to come across bluntly, but I wanted to get that out there that if parents aren't on board, the poor birds can suffer. Also about Budgies - even if they were healthy and no problem, they're surprisingly loud, noisy, and messy for their small size! Just wanted to mention these things as some points to consider.

I am very concerned about this situation. First of all, I want to say as gently as possible that a "rehoming fee" should never approach the price of a young bird coming from a breeder or store. A "rehoming fee" is what you charge when you are trying to make sure the pet goes into a good home that isnt just out for free animals to feed to their snake or something. A "new" budgie in the pet store costs $20-$25, meaning that $55 for two is MORE than they cost at the store. Also, these birds probably need to go to a vet, which is $80 PER BIRD just to walk in the door. This person, sadly, seems to be trying to take advantage of your large heart, which is very unfortunate. If you want the birds then take them, but my gut feeling is that you will end up regretting it. There is no such thing as "as low as I can go" when rehoming a pet for the good of the pet.

My suggestion would be to tell this person that you are saving up for a parrot, and you really have your heart set on it (do NOT let them convince you out of this!) tell them you care about their situation, and if they really need a place for the birds to go, you can give them a home, but it would be as a favor to the owner; you will not be paying for them. Be firm on this - paying this person for these birds will only reinforce the idea to them that they can get their pets, neglect them, and then get money for them later.

If you do get the birds, have them tested for Polyoma,Psittacosis, and Giardia. All of these can be done through Avian BioTech online.

Another thing is that you need to check with your mom, or other adult in the house how many birds you can have before they kick you out I would hate to see you take these girls on and then not be able to get the parrot you really want.

Also, are the birds living outside? It is very easy for birds here to get many diseases from the wild birds, especially budgies and cockatiels. Because the weather is always so warm, diseases are not killed off by winter like they are in some places. Bringing birds home that have been living outside is a big risk.

Anyway, in the end only your gut can really answer this question, but these are the things I would suggest thinking about. Keep us posted!

RavensGryf said:

The worms wouldn't be "gone" without medicine. They may be visibly gone because of the life cycles of the worms, but they (new adults and eggs) are still inside unless they got "wormed" from the vet. It sounds like maybe you'd be into a little too much if you still want your Poi? As much as we feel for these poor little birds, remember "you can't save them all".

Also, would be "ideal" have as much money as possible set aside for vet visits unless your parents are going to help. Talking about your Poi (the bird you REALLY want), regarding money, another concern is that you're a minor who has to have your parents agree on keeping the birds as well as be willing to cover expensive emergency expenses if you can't. I don't mean to come across bluntly, but I wanted to get that out there that if parents aren't on board, the poor birds can suffer. Also about Budgies - even if they were healthy and no problem, they're surprisingly loud, noisy, and messy for their small size! Just wanted to mention these things as some points to consider.

Click to expand...

For the worms, I still have to ask, it blew over my head.

So far, since I don't have a job my mom is paying for all their vet visits. Thank you mom! But I plant to become independent on them, and to stop relying on her money.

And the mess was something else I was considering, I mean I wanted to a flock but I really don't want to add more messes.

SilverSage said:

My suggestion would be to tell this person that you are saving up for a parrot, and you really have your heart set on it (do NOT let them convince you out of this!) tell them you care about their situation, and if they really need a place for the birds to go, you can give them a home, but it would be as a favor to the owner; you will not be paying for them. Be firm on this - paying this person for these birds will only reinforce the idea to them that they can get their pets, neglect them, and then get money for them later.

If you do get the birds, have them tested for Polyoma,Psittacosis, and Giardia. All of these can be done through Avian BioTech online.

Another thing is that you need to check with your mom, or other adult in the house how many birds you can have before they kick you out I would hate to see you take these girls on and then not be able to get the parrot you really want.

Also, are the birds living outside? It is very easy for birds here to get many diseases from the wild birds, especially budgies and cockatiels. Because the weather is always so warm, diseases are not killed off by winter like they are in some places. Bringing birds home that have been living outside is a big risk.

Anyway, in the end only your gut can really answer this question, but these are the things I would suggest thinking about. Keep us posted!

Click to expand...

I kept bringing up my plan for another bird up, but it might have gotten lost in the conversations. My gut also has a feeling I will regret this (I'm on a "bird budget" so I can't have too many).

And I will ask if they rehoming fee can be dropped. I'm not one to take the reigns and try to boss someone into something, but I really think that 55 dollars could end up for a use somewhere else.

Her birds also live inside.
Theres a strong feeling that I will just have to say a flat out "no" but I really want to help in another way.

Thank you guys for all your insight and thoughts, I'll be thinking about it longer-but right now my decision is now leaning towards the no side.

EAI said:

I kept bringing up my plan for another bird up, but it might have gotten lost in the conversations. My gut also has a feeling I will regret this (I'm on a "bird budget" so I can't have too many).

And I will ask if they rehoming fee can be dropped. I'm not one to take the reigns and try to boss someone into something, but I really think that 55 dollars could end up for a use somewhere else.

Her birds also live inside.
Theres a strong feeling that I will just have to say a flat out "no" but I really want to help in another way.

Thank you guys for all your insight and thoughts, I'll be thinking about it longer-but right now my decision is now leaning towards the no side.

Click to expand...

The fact your gut is telling you you will regret it is a clear NO you should not take on these birds.

Okay, so yes. I will have to inform her that I am not able to care for them but I'll be asking if theres anything else I am able to do.
Thank you all for helping make the decision WAY easier, I'd probably be still thinking about what I'd do ATM