Annoyed

The owner of the shop where I buy toys for my fids also raises and sells different parrots and toos. He has a policy for any bird he sells he will take them back and rehome them for any reason, rather than see the bird go on craigs list etc. Over the past year he has rehomed a few birds for owners that got sick and another whose job grew too demanding.
Yesterday I stopped in to grab a few new toys and there was a beautiful scared eclectus sitting in a cage. When I inquired about her I was told she was indeed a rehome. The owner had bought a B&G and decided two parrots was too much work. I was instantly angered because I was there when the guy bought the B&G only a month ago. I watched him eagerly scamper off to the bank to withdraw the money to purchase to B&G.
I am lost why a person would get another bird and the discard the bird that is already bonded to them I favor of the new one. I was glad to hear the owner if the shop won't sell him anymore birds.
Sorry for the rant.

Through no fault of their own, parrots are stunningly beautiful, exotic looking and the bigger the bird, the more EXPENSIVE. Unfortunately, some people feel owning one (or several) is more of a 'status' symbol than the opportunity and responsibility to provide lifetime care to a highly intelligent animal capable of rather complex emotional bonding. They look at adding a parrot to their home as little more than adding an expensive statue that should sit there and look pretty and be a bragging point about how much they can spend on a pet.

I would be willing to bet good money that man did not think about the implications of owning 2 birds (or how his first bird might feel), got way in over his head, and decided the B&G was "flashier" than the eclectus, so the ekkie got the boot. I would also be willing to bet good money when that macaw either hits sexual maturity or just gets bored because it is likely not getting the attention it need, he will "rehome" it too because it bites, screams, has chewed up something in the house ect... I know this "type", and when I meet those who look at parrots more as decorations than intelligent beings, I just want nothing more than to introduce their face to my hand as I slap some sense into them

Some unfortunately, after having a bird, decide they're over their "starter bird".

goalerjones said:

Some unfortunately, after having a bird, decide they're over their "starter bird".

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OH thanks Goaler, you had to bring it up... I will never get over this!!:17: About 20 years ago I gave up my first parrot, a male lutino Cockatiel named Terry. Oh, now I'm getting depressed thinking about it . Terry was such a "good" bird. At least I gave him to a bird store employee who's family member wanted him. They had kids. I just hope he was happy there :17:... I just wasn't interested in keeping him when I made up my mind to get Robin my Red Bellied parrot. Robin became my most beloved pet ever, and he'll be 20 this July. Still pains me a lot though, thinking of Terry :17:

That is the ONLY time I've rehomed a bird under "those" circumstances, and never ever would rehome unless it was in the BIRD'S best interest. With Terry, sadly I don't think it was in HIS best interest.

Ok, I'll think about something else now... Just kidding Goaler... I'll be okay. Don't worry about me, I'll be okay. lol

RavensGryf said:

goalerjones said:

Some unfortunately, after having a bird, decide they're over their "starter bird".

Click to expand...

OH thanks Goaler, you had to bring it up... I will never get over this!!:17: About 20 years ago I gave up my first parrot, a male lutino Cockatiel named Terry. Oh, now I'm getting depressed thinking about it . Terry was such a "good" bird. At least I gave him to a bird store employee who's family member wanted him. They had kids. I just hope he was happy there :17:... I just wasn't interested in keeping him when I made up my mind to get Robin my Red Bellied parrot. Robin became my most beloved pet ever, and he'll be 20 this July. Still pains me a lot though, thinking of Terry :17:

That is the ONLY time I've rehomed a bird under "those" circumstances, and never ever would rehome unless it was in the BIRD'S best interest. With Terry, sadly I don't think it was in HIS best interest.

Ok, I'll think about something else now... Just kidding Goaler... I'll be okay. Don't worry about me, I'll be okay. lol

Click to expand...

Actually I've known all about you and your rehoming for the last 20 years! Ha! Never saw that one coming, did ya! You're a terrible person who has probably committed many felonies recently and you eat babies.

We had a parakeet in our house when I was in high school, my brothers bird. I never had much time for him back then. And actually, now that I think about it, I have no idea whatever happened to him.

goalerjones said:

RavensGryf said:

goalerjones said:

Some unfortunately, after having a bird, decide they're over their "starter bird".

Click to expand...

OH thanks Goaler, you had to bring it up... I will never get over this!!:17: About 20 years ago I gave up my first parrot, a male lutino Cockatiel named Terry. Oh, now I'm getting depressed thinking about it . Terry was such a "good" bird. At least I gave him to a bird store employee who's family member wanted him. They had kids. I just hope he was happy there :17:... I just wasn't interested in keeping him when I made up my mind to get Robin my Red Bellied parrot. Robin became my most beloved pet ever, and he'll be 20 this July. Still pains me a lot though, thinking of Terry :17:

That is the ONLY time I've rehomed a bird under "those" circumstances, and never ever would rehome unless it was in the BIRD'S best interest. With Terry, sadly I don't think it was in HIS best interest.

Ok, I'll think about something else now... Just kidding Goaler... I'll be okay. Don't worry about me, I'll be okay. lol

Click to expand...

Actually I've known all about you and your rehoming for the last 20 years! Ha! Never saw that one coming, did ya! You're a terrible person who has probably committed many felonies recently and you eat babies.

We had a parakeet in our house when I was in high school, my brothers bird. I never had much time for him back then. And actually, now that I think about it, I have no idea whatever happened to him.

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I have not committed many felonies RECENTLY!

Your poor Parakeet!! He probably committed suicide after he realized he was owned by two teenage boys, one delinquent who didn't care AT ALL about him!:11:

Hehehe this has really been CRAZY post day if you've noticed :30:

Unfortunately, after working in sheltering and rescue for nearly 20 years, this is not uncommon. People get a puppy, dump the older dog. Get a dog, dump the cat. Have a baby, dump the dog. I've even had people give up dogs then IMMEDIATELY walk back into the kennel to look for a new one. Animals are disposable.

Don't even get me started on the "STARTER BIRD" concept...

That's why I tell people if you want a macaw, work with macaws. Don't buy a bird you don't want, and then discard the other one when you decide to "trade up."

Idiots!

And I'm sorry but what happens when this guy discovers that a macaw is twice as much work as the eckie was?! (With double the bite pressure!)

Birdman666 said:

Don't even get me started on the "STARTER BIRD" concept...

That's why I tell people if you want a macaw, work with macaws. Don't buy a bird you don't want, and then discard the other one when you decide to "trade up."

Idiots!

And I'm sorry but what happens when this guy discovers that a macaw is twice as much work as the eckie was?! (With double the bite pressure!)

Click to expand...

Before I worked from home, I had a picture of Kiwi on my desk. It never ceased to amaze me how many people would see that picture and tell me "horror stories" about how after they "cut their teeth" with a budgie for a year or two before they decided to "upgrade" to a macaw/too/zon (or whatever large parrot they did not have the experience/patience/time for). I heard multiple times- "I think there must've been something wrong with the bird" or "I just couldn't take it screaming/biting/chewing up stuff ext...":52: Since I was at work, I could not give them a pice of my mind, but a few I did ask what exactly they expected the bird to do since those were natural behaviors. When Kiwi bit my nose one morning, I couldn't exactly cover the wound, so I had to go to work with a big bite on my nose. Naturally, NO ONE could mind their own business and had to ask where I got it, and acted dumbfounded that I wasn't going to "put him down" because he bit me I honestly am 100% for requiring permits to own large parrots because it's obvious a lot of people can't be trusted to make wise choices.

April, I'd be offended at the stupidity too I mean, ignorance is one thing, but when people have the audacity to say certain things and think it's okay to say, that's just plain stupid! If it's not a mammal, many people act like you have a pet cockroach.

To be quite honest, it's the general public's ignorance of birds and this sort of attitude that keeps me from talking about or bragging about my birds with people, and even acquaintances or friends who aren't bird people. I just don't feel like I have the mental energy to try and educate people about birds as pets. Either you're "in the know" or you're not! Lol

We have a fear biting German Shepherd. He and I have had some major confrontations in the past with an ER visit after one. I wanted to have him put down after the last time but he isn't my dog. He belongs to my wife. It had to be her decision. He is still a problem even after all the training he has,and is still getting. But now I know his triggers and I'm safer for it. He kinda sucks at times but he's family.

I saw an ad on craigslist for an African Grey the owner was trying to rehome because she was getting an Amazon and couldn't keep both. WHAT!? I don't understand this mindset. Animals are not objects to throw away once the novelty has worn off. They are living beings and loving family members. It breaks my heart.

goalerjones said:

We have a fear biting German Shepherd. He and I have had some major confrontations in the past with an ER visit after one. I wanted to have him put down after the last time but he isn't my dog. He belongs to my wife. It had to be her decision. He is still a problem even after all the training he has,and is still getting. But now I know his triggers and I'm safer for it. He kinda sucks at times but he's family.

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As much as I love dogs, I've always been afraid of German Shepherds in particular. Well, ok to be fair I'll say that as an adult I'm not as 'afraid' as I am cautious. Maybe it's coincidence, but all my life (several times) I've been chased down the street, almost bitten, and warning bitten all by GSD. Goalerjones, good luck. I hope the training is successful!

Kiwibird said:

Birdman666 said:

Don't even get me started on the "STARTER BIRD" concept...

That's why I tell people if you want a macaw, work with macaws. Don't buy a bird you don't want, and then discard the other one when you decide to "trade up."

Idiots!

And I'm sorry but what happens when this guy discovers that a macaw is twice as much work as the eckie was?! (With double the bite pressure!)

Click to expand...

Before I worked from home, I had a picture of Kiwi on my desk. It never ceased to amaze me how many people would see that picture and tell me "horror stories" about how after they "cut their teeth" with a budgie for a year or two before they decided to "upgrade" to a macaw/too/zon (or whatever large parrot they did not have the experience/patience/time for). I heard multiple times- "I think there must've been something wrong with the bird" or "I just couldn't take it screaming/biting/chewing up stuff ext...":52: Since I was at work, I could not give them a pice of my mind, but a few I did ask what exactly they expected the bird to do since those were natural behaviors. When Kiwi bit my nose one morning, I couldn't exactly cover the wound, so I had to go to work with a big bite on my nose. Naturally, NO ONE could mind their own business and had to ask where I got it, and acted dumbfounded that I wasn't going to "put him down" because he bit me I honestly am 100% for requiring permits to own large parrots because it's obvious a lot of people can't be trusted to make wise choices.

Click to expand...

I've been advocating that for years. They already require it for birds of prey...

Delfin said:

there are also people who think, that because we are supposedly at the top of the food chain and believe that if any animal bites a human then it should be destroyed, even if it's the humans fault. I will mention that in some cases there is no other choice but to destroy an animal that is dangerous to all other animals including humans. This is usually a dog that has been raised and trained with a complete lack of responsibly and competence. There is also a small amount of people who are just selfish and want something without thinking about the consequences of those decisions. unfortunately I believe that the B & G macaw will back at the seller's shop when this "man" is educated in the really of keeping very large companion birds.

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I am reminded of the old saying:

God loved parrots, so made them colorful, and he gave them wings to fly.
Man loved parrots, so he clipped their wings, and invented cages...

My cage doors don't close. and awhile back, somone asked about the advantages of going "cageless." That's about it. It's not advantageous to humans. In fact it's generally a lot of work.

I couldn't do big birds.
Not just putting my fear of them into question but the amount of care and time I already give my smaller fids.. I don't have time for a larger one and won't for a long time. In any case the largest bird I ever plan on getting is an IRN, I love the personalities and have already decided that a Galah is not the right fit after meeting a few.

I'll be working in a stressful demanding field when I finish school and won't have time to be home all the time, though my husband likely always will be.

I'm glad I've always been careful in that way.. dogs and cats are not a good fit for me; smaller birds are.

And besides why do I need another bird now? I've got Porter and he's absolutely perfect.

People who impulse buy animals that they will end up not being able to take care of.. just make me mad and frustrated at the system.

Any animal deserves a good happy home, but not all of them find them.

Because of idiots.

I feel right at home with small/medium birds, and I have settled on that decision .

I never need a larger bird. I have had larger birds in the past, and it is not all that it's "cracked up to be" (I know there are many, MANY smaller bird people out there who aspire to one day own a large bird). I was very fortunate to find them great homes with aviaries, attention, and enrichment they truly deserve.
Years later now I'm slowly building up my flock again to include just 2 more small/medium guys (Poi n' Pi). Ruppell's weaning now, ready in summer.

Still trying to talk my dear husband out of a large bird down the road (he's a newbie and REALLY wants a larger bird especially of a known harder to handle specie)... UGH. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it :52:.

Funny... I am completely comfortable with just about any large macaw... it's the friggin' lovebirds that chew me to bits! Give me a greenwing any day!

I totally agree with working within your comfort level, and even more importantly, knowing what that comfort level is. Budgies can be just as lovely of birds as macaws, just depends on how the OWNER interacts with and cares for the bird. It also makes a big difference how comfortable you feel with the bird, as feeling at ease with the size and species will lead to building a better bond.

Personally, I like amazons and I knew when we were looking to adopt a bird that being able to provide care for more than one bird would be WAY in the future, if ever. While I briefly entertained the idea of a large too', ekkie or CAG (which the shelter had a lot of), I ultimately decided I would rather wait for an amazon who did not necessarily need other birds to be happy. The other birds were lovely, but either too large or too needy for what I was able to provide them. I'm glad I waited, because knowing my limits and comfort zone led to finding the *perfect* bird for us. And even though he did end up taking to my husband, I still felt comfortable enough with his size and knew enough about zon temperament to be able to work with him and form a good bond, even if I'm not his favorite. Had Kiwi been a big macaw or too' who didn't take to me, I would've been timid and fearful of him, and probably not have been able to form any kind of trust or bond with him.

Thus the story of how I got my first bird, a blue budgie discarded when a pretty yellow one was purchased. People are clueless. I am glad the owner will no longer sell that irresponsible owner any birds!

As for "Starter birds" I could just SCREAM. Notice my signature?

I started breeding cockatiels when I was 12. A man once straight up TOLD me he really wanted a cockatoo but wanted to "start out" with a lutino cockatiel. I said "This bird will live 30 years, what are you going to do with her when you get your cockatoo?" He said he would sell her and I told him to hit the road. That cockatiel went to a home with 3 young girls who loved her. 2 years later the new owner contacted me to see if I had any more, they had been hit hard with bird fever and wanted to add to their flock as they had added to their family. Apparently each of the girls felt she didn't get enough time with the bird.