Making An Easeful Transition

I have been trying to find a new home for my beloved birds for some time now, but after I didn't find anyone I felt comfortable with, I decided to keep them. There is someone interested now who will likely buy them from me. He has lovebirds, sun conures, and recently acquired a 14mo african grey. He's a major bird lover, and said he plans to build a flight cage very soon. Overall, I feel really good about him.

I just want to know how I can make my birds transition to his new home as easeful as possible. For one, I won't be able to visit, because he lives on Oahu (and I on Kauai), so that's a 30min plane ride. The birds will have to endure a 30min plane ride, which I'm not stoked about, but since it is short lived I am assuming they will be fine.

I've had Chikoo for exactly a year and Rumi for 7months. They seem completely bonded to my fiance and myself. Chikoo especially. She lights up when she sees my fiance, and flies to her in a room off her perch, and looks like she just has this huge smile on her face when she is around. I feel heartbroken to tear them apart, but Chikoo also just turned 5, and I feel she has so much of her birdie life ahead of her that I hope she will form new bonds.

Rumi has always seemed more stable. His former owner had him for 10 years, making me only his third owner in 13 years. He didn't seem to really look back when I got him, we started bonding/trusting immediately. He really likes men as well, so I'm sure he will work out fine in the new home and form new bonds.

It's been a tough decision, because I don't want the birds to go through the level of change that they are about to. At the same time, my fiance and I both feel that they won't be long-term pets for us for various reasons, and better to find them a new home now, than 10yrs down the line, etc.

Just looking for any advice on making this as easy as possible on the birds despite the obvious "hard" realities of going to a new home all of a sudden and having your familiar world ripped out from under your feet....

They will be okay. It's nice they are going together even if they aren't super attached to one another.

You know my bonded pair, Rose and LaFitte who were raised with each other from shortly after weaning, split up after I acquired Bella. Rose will now hurt LaFitte under the right situation. I'm just telling you this to show that Eclectus are not like many other species of parrots. They will repair. This makes moving to a new home a bit easier on them, I believe. Of course they mourn the loss of loved ones like any living creature does, but I do think they are able to "move on" quite well.

I am very, very close to Rose, but honestly I know she would do just fine in another home.

Like you said, look how well they adjusted to your home.

I hope the guy really does build an aviary or at least has the means to give them lots of uncaged hours. IMO many Eclectus do much better when their cage door is open, regardless if they choose to perch in side. Choice is important to them.

Aww Chikoo, I know it's not an easy decision to make but I am glad you were able to find a good home for them. It's awesome that Chikoo and Rumi will be rehomed together. I applaud you for taking the time to search for the right home. Please keep us updated on how the transition goes.

Well, the guy came over yesterday. He is offering us $1200 for both. What do you guys think of that? We were asking for $1500...

He seemed like the type of guy who is into collecting different kinds of birds. He is also a collector of antiques and other things. I only observed him for 30mins-1hr but he didn't seem all that engaging with the birds, and seemed to relate to them rather objectively. The female didn't like him at all (but she didn't like me either when we first got her). I know all those things take time.

He already has birds and he says he works 4 days a week and is home 3 days a week. But he also travels to the other islands for a few days or sometimes a week at a time. He said some of his renters take care of the birds during those times.

I haven't been exactly "comfortable" in selling the birds to him yet. I'm even thinking of just giving them away if it means a better home...but I also could use the money.

It's just been a huge dilemma...

Last night I came home at 8:30 after going out to dinner and the birds were still in their aviary even though it was dark. When I walked in, I saw Rumi and Chikoo perching together, not even an inch apart! I had never seen them so close. Of all the perches in there, they decided to snuggle I guess...I thought maybe they have grown to really like each other.

Some pics for everyone of these beautiful birds: https://plus.google.com/photos/1103...ms/5899114842599538513?authkey=CITRwP-tqpKeXQ

Well, I did it. I sold the birds to the guy who wanted them. I feel like he will take really good care of them. He is coming in a few hours to pick them up. I can't believe how hard this has been. Already cried a little. I'm going to miss my feathered friends!! I typed up 8 pages worth of info on their diet and care and personality quirks, what they like and don't like, and then printed out 8 more pages worth of things from online websites about ekkies....plus I'm giving him a book. Having done that, I think I'll be able to sleep at night...

Best of luck to them and you.