Unwanted parrots

Is it just me or are others saddened by ads in their local newspaper? The latest today: African grey for sale £400, talks, selling due to being bullied by another family grey, reluctant sale. Then there was this one last week: Parrot for sale, great talker selling due to no fault of his own. I'm always sorely tempted to buy these parrots but where would it end? With the eviction of hubby and son I guess, we simply do not have room for anymore birds oh how I wish we did! I think if I had a big lottery win I'd open a santuary for unwanted birds and buy from every ad such as these. I'm so saddened by these ads...

Why oh why don't people think before they make additions to their family, I guess I shouldn't be surprised as it happens with human kids too, unfortunately we live in a throw away society, it's all too easy to have and then give away when things don't go to plan.

Sorry had to vent...

I agree totally with you...
I have wanted a parrot for many years... but I knew I was not ready to take on the responsibility. Then when my friends house burned down and I became the guardian for their Yellow Nape Amazon and took care of her for several weeks I knew I was ready to be a guardian.

I know when I am ready to have another fid I will look for a rescue bird.

Mike

It is rather sad, and it does make me angry. I was talking to someone last week, who gave away a Cocakteil because he started to get on her nerves. Fred was on the patio, and she met him while visiting next door. I remember hoping that she wouldn't decide to get another bird, because of how much she seemed to like Fred.

The one I see the most is....we just don't have the time to spend with him/her anymore, and he/she really deserves better.............simply translated, we ignored the bird so much that now it won't stop screaming...or...now we can't go near the bird without it trying to tear off a limb

I agree with all of the above!!!

There are some instances where "we just don't have the time to spend with him/her anymore, and he/she really deserves better" genuinely is the case and they love the bird very much. Sometimes things just don't work out the way you hoped, life/money/family get in the way. What if you suddenly got transfered overseas, were forced to work long hours away from home, finished uni and took your life in a different direction or just something that you never expected? I don't blame those people for re-homing their birds. In those cases I actually applaud those owners for finding "good" homes for their birds as it clearly would be better for them. However, I do hope that they 'screen' the potential new guardians carefully.

Having said all this, you are all correct in saying that this is not usually what happens. Birds are sold cheaply or given away free, just to solve a screaming or biting problem that has gotten out of control. I always cringe when I read 'loving parrot free to a good home', that is a recipe for disaster IMO. Whatever the reason the bird is being re-homed, its never the birds fault....... we really did screw some of these birds up by bringing them into captivity.

Ben, I agree with your post. Sometimes, rehoming is the best thing. People can get ill, have to move....sometimes life just gets messy. Finding a GOOD home is quite OK, IMO. My philosophy is that I will give my birds a good place to live for as long as I can. I'm 55 years old...I can't see what health issues I may have coming. Fred could very well outlive me. My 29 year old daughter jokingly asked if she had to take him, if the need arises.. She's not a bird person, and has no desire to own birds...plus her life is too busy to be a good place for any bird. I will ask that she makes sure he goes somewhere where he's loved...

Finding a GOOD place for the bird is the key in my opinion. My Budgies and Fred are rehomes...and I truly think that they prefer their life with me, to their old one.

I don't like when birds, dogs, or any animal is rehomed due to owner impulsiveness when buying. It's irresponsible to just rehome anything because the novelty has worn off.