Ceri

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Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
Hi all. I have previous parrot experience and now that my daughter has gone to college, I am looking for a feathery kid to care for. I have been bamboozled by scammers these past 2 weeks. I AM EXHAUSTED. When I got my scarlet macaw, in 1997, it was so easy. When did this get so crazy, sheesh!

I live in MT and there isn't a huge selection of breeders here or many people re-homing birds. (We have 1 cockatiel breeder, 1 rescue that has slowed their process on adoptions)

So, here I am! I'd like to re-home a bird, preferably, but am trying to remain open minded. Of course, I am willing to travel.

I am interested in all kinds of parrots. Quakers, IRN's, Senegals, Goffins, CAG's, Hahn's, etc.

Can anyone point me into the right direction of Aviary's within 500 (negotiable) miles of Montana? Or share birds available for re-homing or adoptions?

Excited to talk with everyone.
:57:
 
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noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
You should probably narrow your interests.
What is the extent of your past parrot experience? Cockatoos are particularly tricky, even when compared to other large birds. CAGs/TAGs are practically the opposite of cockatoos...Your interests are really all over the board...you should really consider what you are looking for in your lifestyle etc. Also, remember that birds change at sexual maturity, so a "cuddly" pre-pubescent bird should not be petted anywhere other than the head or neck (as this is sexual for adults and leads to behavior issues). You need to keep this in mind, as many people mishandle their birds and create major sexual issues.
Furthermore, many of these birds can take up to 6 years to hit puberty, at which point, many things change.
I just want to reiterate how different these species are...

People can likely make recommendations based on what you are looking for and past experiences.
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
113
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Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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Narrow my parrot interests? That's simple. I am open minded to any parrots needing a new home.

Parrot experience consists of my mother had love birds she bred while I was growing up, so I got to experience weaning the little guys, caring for them, making their chop, taking them to the vet, etc.

I owned cockatiels for 12 years until they passed from old age. They were so awesome. Both Sammie and Sassy were free flight gals, taught them a lot of tricks.

My scarlet was given to me by a family member when they fell onto hard times. I had her for 15 years, she was already 21 when we got her into our house. Ruby was supposed to be my mother's bird but she chose me to be her person. (when I moved out of my family home, she came with me) She was a lot of fun. GREAT learning experience. Ruby was trained in free flight, so I got to take her outside and wear her out. She was so smart! She knew how to let herself out of her cage in the morning and would come into my room to wake me up by kissing my forehead or cheek and singing me the Barney song. We went hiking together, camping trips. She hated going to the Vet but never bit anyone. She liked when I vacuumed & she'd hide in boxes, behind the couches, under blankets and pop out to say PEEK A BOO! She bossed my cockatiels & dogs around as well as everyone else in the house. Just a Normal Macaw.

EDIT: I noticed you edited your reply. I appreciate you sharing the information with me but I am not looking for a snuggly bird as much as I am looking to open my home to a bird in need. I am not a professional bird anything but I have the ability to learn to care for which ever breed. In realistic terms, Quakers and Conures are by far my preference. BUT if a bird I meet has an awesome personality that I feel I could help, I wouldn't want to pass up the opportunity to provide a safe and loving home. I hope that makes sense, I'm just trying to not be biased in "what kind of bird are you looking for" department.
 
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noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Sounds like a good background. I just want to emphasize though that Greys and cockatoos are not really at all like any of the birds you mention. Yes, "toos" are related to tiels, but there is a massive difference in their behavior, noise etc.

Cockatoos are super super needy and I would not recommend them to 99% of the populous. They also are very hormonal and the most-re-homed of all species. I love them, but unless you have specific cockatoo experience, don't go there. They can be great, but they are their own thing.

Greys are not as needy but they till require a ton of time etc. They have a very different vibe...

Then throwing in IRNs and Quakers...

It's hard to even know where to start.. That's like saying, I want to order a salad w/ a diet coke OR a pile of butter and steak with extra mashed potatoes. Both can be good meals, but so very different..not bad, but SO different.

Have you considered your own age and the fact that a young bird could live 80 years in some species?
It is really really hard on them to be re-homed, so think about that when shopping.
A quaker or IRN would live a long time, but not as long as a grey, cockatoo or macaw.
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
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Bozeman, MT
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Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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I understand completely and appreciate the guidance on the specifications.

I have a flexible work schedule that allows me to work from home and when I work in the office 7 miles away, I have space in my office for a cage (if needed) I also have the ability to go home for my 2 hour lunch break everyday. My husband works 4 days a week, I have weekends off. I've really evaluated my work schedule when thinking of adding a new feather friend into our family and it can work out. I am only gone for 4 hours a day.

I am fairly young, yes my daughter has gone to college but I had her extremely young, so I feel I can absolutely take in a bird that isn't a baby. Hence me wanting to re-home/rescue a bird instead of locating a breeder. I am really trying to provide a forever home, not a temporary situation.
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I think it's great that you want to rescue! I am 500% for it. I would still suggest working with cockatoos to gain experience with them before getting one.

Considering the fact that there are a bunch of other birds that need homes as well, I'd steer you toward something you have experienced...like a macaw or something...unless you volunteer long-term of something.
Now, I am not saying that all macaws or parrots in a species are the same...you still will want to meet the bird etc...but remember, the larger the bird, the greater the potential for injury and intimidation and noise. Your bird may love you but hate your husband and vice-versa...so don't bank on both of you having a great relationship with the bird (yes, it could happen, but it could also be more complicated). Adult parrots can make great companions--- again, I applaud you for wanting to adopt instead of shopping.

If you can volunteer at a rescue, that is one option...but that's tough during COVID. I would definitely bring your husband with you when looking at birds if you cannot volunteer.



You sound very smart and committed-- wish I had more advice lol!
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
113
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Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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Well you talked me out of a cockatoo. Well done!

I really appreciate you taking the time to educate me on the species. You must be a cockatoo owner? Or have had one?
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Lol yes- I have a cockatoo (Unbrella). Goffins are not as notorious, but they still are cockatoos. They are just really unique and can be super super needy...very high energy too.

I am not saying no one should get one EVER, but I would say not to unless you have spent a lot of time working with them in a rescue or something...They can be great, but they are different...If you find yourself in a situation where you are able to spend a ton of time with one and things click, then that could work, but you just need to research them a lot and spend enough time with them that you see the way they are when your novelty wears off.

My experience with my cockatoo has been totally unique when compared to macaws, greys, parakeets etc. I grew up with birds as well.

I hate saying these things bout cockatoos, but given the stats on re-homing, I just feel very protective of them because they get so attached and they get bounced around so often. So...just keep that in mind. They obviously need homes, but so do many other birds and I hate seeing people re-home a bird that has already been re-homed numerous times...They are just different, so again...not saying they are bad, but it's hard to describe them if you haven't spent a lot of time with them, which is why experience is important.
They also are tremendously different depending on age and whether they are around other cockatoos etc. That could be said of all birds, I suppose...but the neediness factor is very high with cockatoos. I am also not suggesting that you get multiples, but some would say that goffins do better in "flocks"...again, big gamble and very expensive, but that is what I have heard from some...but having multiple birds also can change your ability to bond with the bird and lead to issues with hormonal behavior etc.
 
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Laurasea

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Try Craigslist sbd hoobly, there are Usually parrot looking fir new homes
Eastern Montana Craigslist has green cheek conure, Amazon, Indian ring neck , African grey etc... give Craigslist a try I’ve gotten a parrot I found in Craigslist
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
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Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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Noodles, you're a fantasticly knowledgeable person that I am glad to have 'met'. Don't be surprised if I bug you!

I think my godparrot, Romeo, is a fluke then. He isn't rambunctious, he is too sweet. Quiet and observant, like a man of mystery. He dances like most do, but I've only heard him scream once in the 10 years I've known him. It was from a wild Robin crashing into the window near his cage, he yelled but that was pretty much the only time I've heard him raise his voice. I think in a past life he was the queens army guys that stand super still and don't talk. My friend has had him since he was a baby, so I wonder why he's such a good boy.

It truly is sad that most vocal birds are passed to the next person. They're just doing what they were born to do my it truly breaks my heart that I can't save all the birds that need saving but I'm trying for the 1st one.
 
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Laurasea

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There is even a Senegal parrot listed in Montana Craigslist

“Senegal parrot for sale. Asking 450. Comes with a medium sized caged and everything in it and bird food.. I sadly don't have time for him. He needs to be out of his cage more. He is a good boy. He is 8 years old. My sweet old man. He cannot be with other birds he would get too jealous. He knows how to step up and loves to ride on shoulders. Please reply to the email.. dont trust having phone number on here.”
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Thank you- anytime. Not everyone will agree with me, but the stats are what they are.

The vocal part is very true-- that is often a huge issue for people...bigger birds= bigger noise (when they decide to make them).

Greys aren't usually super super loud, but they can be. They like to pick up various noises that they hear---sometimes it's something obnoxious, like the microwave beeps lol. They are dusty (as are cockatoos) and should not be housed with macaws (due to allergies).

IRNs and Quakers are 2 that I have less experience with. I know IRNs need to be handled often and I know that quakers have a bit of a reputation for cage aggression in some cases, but a lot of that is probably due to the fact that people give them those dang snuggle tents/huts which encourage hormonal behavior.

Cockatiels can be really cool little companions. They are like the chill side of cockatoos without all of the complications and with generally easy-going personalities. They also are powder-down birds, so if anyone is allergic, that is something to keep in mind.
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
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Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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There is even a Senegal parrot listed in Montana Craigslist

“Senegal parrot for sale. Asking 450. Comes with a medium sized caged and everything in it and bird food.. I sadly don't have time for him. He needs to be out of his cage more. He is a good boy. He is 8 years old. My sweet old man. He cannot be with other birds he would get too jealous. He knows how to step up and loves to ride on shoulders. Please reply to the email.. dont trust having phone number on here.”

Thank you! But I've messaged everyone on CL within a certain range. They either don't answer, are a scammer or live 800 miles away but put they were local to post their bird. (Amazon is in Iowa) I messaged for the Senegal 5 days ago, I'll try again right now.

Wish me luck!
 
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Ceri

Ceri

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Aug 6, 2020
113
10
Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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  • #14
Thank you- anytime. Not everyone will agree with me, but the stats are what they are.

The vocal part is very true-- that is often a huge issue for people...bigger birds= bigger noise (when they decide to make them).

Greys aren't usually super super loud, but they can be. They like to pick up various noises that they hear---sometimes it's something obnoxious, like the microwave beeps lol. They are dusty (as are cockatoos) and should not be housed with macaws (due to allergies).

IRNs and Quakers are 2 that I have less experience with. I know IRNs need to be handled often and I know that quakers have a bit of a reputation for cage aggression in some cases, but a lot of that is probably due to the fact that people give them those dang snuggle tents/huts which encourage hormonal behavior.

Cockatiels can be really cool little companions. They are like the chill side of cockatoos without all of the complications and with generally easy-going personalities. They also are powder-down birds, so if anyone is allergic, that is something to keep in mind.

I totally agree. I've been around Grey's and they're the sound effect parrots, for sure! Like honks and truck back up beeps. Lol it's so cute but I can see how aggravating it could be. IRN and Quakers are a miniature sized big birds. They're very chatty! Lol!

Do you know much about Senegal's?
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I know very little about Senegals, sorry! I have seen one, but that's about it.
 

Laurasea

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I love my Quaker’s,
No idea about Senegal, I too met one thought he was cool but that’s it
 
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Ceri

Ceri

New member
Aug 6, 2020
113
10
Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
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Y'all! GUESS WHAT!? The sanctuary in MT just contacted me and I have been approved to adopt!!! (They slowed down adoptions due to COVID for the past 4 months, but are back up and running) They have a lot of birds, so I get to go and let a bird choose me!! I am just so friggin' excited! Best. Day. EVERRR! I am defintely meeting the Meyers & the Quakers.

If you want to browse, click here
 
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Squeekmouse

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I'm leery of CL myself, I've heard a lot of horror stories involving scammers on there.
I've had good experiences with www.birdbreeders.com although that would mean not getting a rescue. They do have adult/older birds available from some breeders who use that site, though. I've had great experience with all three of the breeders/places that I found through that site.
 

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Y'all! GUESS WHAT!? The sanctuary in MT just contacted me and I have been approved to adopt!!! (They slowed down adoptions due to COVID for the past 4 months, but are back up and running) They have a lot of birds, so I get to go and let a bird choose me!! I am just so friggin' excited! Best. Day. EVERRR! I am defintely meeting the Meyers & the Quakers.

If you want to browse, click here

Congratulations! I'd avoid any w/ scissor beak (mine has that and its a massive pain--it can mess w/ their ability to breathe if you are lax on trims and they aren't that cheap). I'd also go non-expert..That sounds like a problem waiting to happen (unless you want a massive undertaking and are certain you won't reach a breaking point lol).
 
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Laurasea

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We look forward to hearing all about the parrot that chooses yiu !
 

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