Question regarding age, adopted/re-homed birds.

I was just thinking, while I believe I found the bird I'm looking for, (younger female from good home) it seems there are quite a few "unknowledgeable" owners. I can understand not knowing the sex, but know can you have NO IDEA the age? Nor the type? My gut says avoid these owners, logically it makes me think that they either a) don't really know or care or b) they are hiding the truth.

Am I over-thinking it?

I just got off the phone with what sounded like an older lady, very mono-tone. She just listed 2 birds for sale....suspiciously cheap. (Actually listed the cages, "Birds included") So I called, first 2 questions: How old, and sex. Old... "No clue, we took them in 10 years ago. But then she proceeds to tell me she knows the sex. (Not DNA'd)

Ok...she then says she has 4 birds, and just has too many, which is why she's selling them.

In a way, I want to check it out, maybe they are only 10-ish and great birds. I just really don't want to get vested in an animal that is at the end of it's life; I know that sounds bad, but I'd rather not get emotionally (or financially) attached in that manor.

Thoughts?

Unfortunately, because parrots show few signs of aging (so long as they are healthy and have been on a healthy diet) it is next to impossible to tell an approximate age once the bird is sexually mature. Some (not all) older (40+) birds may develop arthritis or cataracts and if they've been on a poor diet for 20+ years, some may develop fatty liver and kidney problems. Even sadder, because the average large parrot goes through up to 10 homes in it's lifetime, a 5th or 6th or 7th owner may genuinely have no idea how old the bird is or anything about it's past. Being that parrots live 60+ year (some up to 100!), even a 20 or 30 or even 40 year old parrot is still quite young. Ultimately, it's up to you, but I personally always encourage taking in a bird in need of a good home rather than getting a baby. There are just so many older birds who deserve to stop being passed around and NEED a forever home.

Kiwibird said:

Unfortunately, because parrots show few signs of aging (so long as they are healthy and have been on a healthy diet) it is next to impossible to tell an approximate age once the bird is sexually mature. Some (not all) older (40+) birds may develop arthritis or cataracts and if they've been on a poor diet for 20+ years, some may develop fatty liver and kidney problems. Even sadder, because the average large parrot goes through up to 10 homes in it's lifetime, a 5th or 6th or 7th owner may genuinely have no idea how old the bird is or anything about it's past. Being that parrots live 60+ year (some up to 100!), even a 20 or 30 or even 40 year old parrot is still quite young. Ultimately, it's up to you, but I personally always encourage taking in a bird in need of a good home rather than getting a baby. There are just so many older birds who deserve to stop being passed around and NEED a forever home.

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I suppose I could have been clearer on the "age" part.

I'm not totally scared of an "older" bird.... I know they average 40-60+ years. I expect that if I pick up the Umbrella I intend to, she'll likely out-live me. (I'm 30)

If an owner says "She's 40 and always had a healthy diet and not too many fatty foods" and seemed knowledgeable, I'd have no problem picking up an older bird. It just seems that the majority throw up the "I don't know" when I ask.

I know I was considering a Goffin (before I settled on Umbrella or Sulfur) that the owner kept dodging the question, they they threw out the "I think he's 10." Just 2 days later they post the bird (same photos they sent me) for sale and list it as cage-bound and in it's 30s. :52:

Kiwi, I love the quote on your sig pic, btw!

I've never believed in "breeder" animals. Back when I had ferrets, I had bought 1 in the store, and adopted the next 3. (2 rescue, 1 re-home from a friend)

Other than that ferret I had never paid for an animal, this will be the first time since then.

Many of us who adopted older birds got little to no background. It's very common. As I said, some people are the umpteenth owner who have no idea, or they are a bird flipper or sometimes they lie to make the bird sound more appealing. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. If something doesn't feel 'right' then don't do it. Is there any way you can meet the bird before committing to buy him?

Edit: We turned down quite a few birds before we found Kiwi (for a variety of reasons). As you know, parrots are lifelong companions and you need to connect with the individual you ultimately bring home or else you will have a very unpleasant life or possibly even end up rehoming the bird yourself. You'll KNOW the right bird when you meet him/her You won't have any doubt in your mind that this certain little avian individual needs to be with you.

Kiwibird said:

Many of us who adopted older birds got little to no background. It's very common. As I said, some people are the umpteenth owner who have no idea, or they are a bird flipper or sometimes they lie to make the bird sound more appealing. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. If something doesn't feel 'right' then don't do it. Is there any way you can meet the bird before committing to buy him?

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Probably....didn't ask to be honest. Seems all the ones I find are a few hours away. The one I'm hoping to pick up Sunday is 2.5 hours.

I guess I just think the owner's personality will reflect more on the bird. The U2 I'm hoping to pick up is getting re-homed due to a too-busy home with kids, and lack of time. The owner is very specific in her knowledge, and more worried about the owner/owners home than the price. She obviously cares very much about the bird.

Whereas the lady I talked to today could have been selling a dirty pair of undies from the way she talked about it.

I learned a long time ago that people who are dumping birds are generally not trustworthy in terms of their history.

You go, you see the conditions they are kept in, you judge their health by looking at them. I could usually tell right away if there were health problems.
Then you take them to the vet, and get the bloodwork done, and it usually confirms your suspicions...

The oldest bird I ever fostered was a 60-something amazon.

My lilac crowned was 35 when I got her... Pecker was 35 when I got her... Woody was 32 when I got him... Bob was a 20-something... I could go on, but I've made my point.

Of those, only Pecker died young as a result of the horrible diet she had been on for 35 years. But she was near death when I got her, and she lived for another 3 years with me, and she turned out to be the most bonded bird I ever had... (And I've had plenty of those!)

Losing her hurt, but I don't regret a thing!

Flip side of that coin: No one likes being lied to... and when it's obvious... that's kind of insulting.

Is the bird you are looking at worth it? When you never have to see the liar again? Is it a fair price, given the uncertainties? Does the bird need to be gotten out of there, cuz you can care for it better, even if it means possibly rehoming the bird to a better situation later on?

Those are the questions I always asked myself.

Your call.

Follow your gut.

Best advice I can give you.

Been there. Done that.

Birdman666 said:

Is the bird you are looking at worth it? When you never have to see the liar again? Is it a fair price, given the uncertainties? Does the bird need to be gotten out of there, cuz you can care for it better, even if it means possibly rehoming the bird to a better situation later on?

Those are the questions I always asked myself.

Your call.

Follow your gut.

Best advice I can give you.

Been there. Done that.

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This is my thought process. I just get attached to animals....yes, even as a man, it can happen, lol! (I like animals more than people most of the time, lol)

My biggest worry is getting a very unhealthy bird, and lots of very bills. Personal/property damage being my second worry. The lady was asking $250 per bird/cage combo, so I could afford it upfront easily. But I'm very hesitant, especially where this is going to be my first parrot(s.)

The U2 I'm looking to adopt Sunday is 4yo, and has a cage as well, but again, the seller is very through. (Also asking a lot more.)

Interesting question! I was told my red bellied parrot was two but later found out that he was owned by an elderly woman who moved out of state. I've doubted he was two from the first week I had him home since he talks up a storm and already seemed trick and stick trained. He could be more like 20 years of age instead of two! Either way I don't care because I'm happy to adopt an older bird in need.

I see you are located in Maine.... I grew up there and my mom and brother still live there. I would say a good portion of mainers view pets (especially exotic ones) a little rougher than most. Exotic pets also aren't as common up there.
Most people just believe they're animals so don't focus on the details and might just treat them like farm animals.... Cuz that's how they were raised to treat them.

Just my view on why the lady may have sounded callous...

Doublete said:

I see you are located in Maine.... I grew up there and my mom and brother still live there. I would say a good portion of mainers view pets (especially exotic ones) a little rougher than most. Exotic pets also aren't as common up there.
Most people just believe they're animals so don't focus on the details and might just treat them like farm animals.... Cuz that's how they were raised to treat them.

Just my view on why the lady may have sounded callous...

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I can't disagree with you there, but that kinda reinforces my hesitation, as you can imagine.

I guess I have been lucky. My two birds <Amy and Smokes> I knew there ages when purchasing them. Smokey was 6 months old and Amy was 16 weeks.

After Smokes passed I adopted Jonesy, The Cockatoo Man from the brother of a good friend. I knew of how Dennis cared for his birds,having had seven 'Too's all at one time. And Arleen <Dennis' sister> told me how well he treated his flock.
Dennis was at first leary of ME! LOL But after he came to my house to see Amy and where Jonesy was going to live he was very happy with the situation. He and I still keep in contact and greatly misses the little guy,but when I tell him how Jones has become attached to me and my son,and how he behaves and talks away he is happy.

Dennis had had Jonesy for 21 years and resqued him when he was eight.
When I took Jonesy to the vet for an initial checkup,it was the same vet that he had gone to and the vet confirmed Jonesy's age.

Sure people like "babies" whether it be a pup or a kitty or a bird. I really wanted a baby Grey after Smokey passed on.But Jones has been with my son and I for just over 3 months and I could never give him up! If Dennis' situation changes < he also has a U2> and wanted The cockatoo man back..it would break my heart,but knowing how much he cares about him, I'd prolly do it

Jim

Our Rocky has been in six homes, according to his last people, who probably didn't really know. They said he was 10 to 12. Then they said 12 to 15. Then they said at least 15. Who knows how old he is. I suspect he's much older than that because he moves slowly and deliberately when stepping on and off of things, and doesn't behave like a young bird should. So if someone asked ME how old my own 'too is, I would have to say I have no real idea. His diet was appalling in his previous home. Maybe his energy and behavior will become more like a younger bird with time. Maybe not. She may really not know. That doesn't mean you can't have a wonderful relationship with the bird no matter its age.

You know, you're always taking a risk no matter what. My partner's first "big" bird was a grey. The breeder had a good reputation, the baby looked good and a year down the road she found out it had PBFD. He lived another year and died.

Then there's a grey we just got. He's 15, looks great and acts healthy, but I also know he's been kept in a dog crate for the last 7 years and has only been out of a cage once in the last 8 years. He could have anything, but it was still worth it to us. Him/her and my partner have definitely bonded.

I say meet the bird and go from there.

ps, even though Corky hasn't been out of a cage but once in 8 years he has already stepped up for my partner and let my partner pet him on the head for a couple seconds.

thekarens said:

You know, you're always taking a risk no matter what. My partner's first "big" bird was a grey. The breeder had a good reputation, the baby looked good and a year down the road she found out it had PBFD. He lived another year and died.

Then there's a grey we just got. He's 15, looks great and acts healthy, but I also know he's been kept in a dog crate for the last 7 years and has only been out of a cage once in the last 8 years. He could have anything, but it was still worth it to us. Him/her and my partner have definitely bonded.

I say meet the bird and go from there.

ps, even though Corky hasn't been out of a cage but once in 8 years he has already stepped up for my partner and let my partner pet him on the head for a couple seconds.

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If things don't work out Sunday, I very may will. Good luck with rehabbing Corky!

I would be more inclined to meet the callous lady's birds first to make sure they aren't birds I can't live without (or have to save)

I'm with you on that one I'd go meet the lady and her birds..they may "pick you" in the end ..saving animals is my down fall though. I saw an ad on craiglist for a severe macaw, the owner sent pix,in the background you could see piles of cages all to small for the birds ( lots of birds)and no toys.i went to the flea market to meet this bird...she picked me that day..it's like she knew I was there to save her and every day she laughs and only goes in a cage at night to sleep...good luck in your journey.