Today is the day!

Mayden

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After ringing the pet store many times yesterday and getting frustrated I couldn't get through, I tried again twice today (early then afternoon) and finally the lady answered!

She told me she got my message and that she's actually closed on Wednesdays - oops! Apparently things have changed a lot since I volunteered there (in regards to opening times and such :eek:).

She told me that since me and Andrew had been so insistent that we were coming back she decided to get Charlie dna'd (He's a boy, but we knew that!) and that she'd been keeping him for me. :21:

So today is Andrew's payday (and he's getting a bonus too. aka. Charlie loan to me!) so I'm literally waiting for that money to hit his account so I can go racing out the door and across the country to go and pick him up! The reason I'm not already there and waiting is just in case he doesn't get paid today (even though we've been told it's today :().

I'm sat here, dressed (it's not a work day, I never get dressed!) eagerly waiting on that phone call. Cat carrier ready (with a perch in), small low dish ready, bagged up bit of parrot food (he'll be on harrissons as soon as I can get him on it!) and me dancing around like a fool with eagerness.

Merlin is upstairs having a whinge that I'm not sat with him, but he's doing okay. Last night he was good as gold for me and I thought "do we really need Charlie?" then I thought - it wasn't that we NEEDED Charlie anymore, it's we WANTED Charlie.

I'm still absolutely terrified, he's going to be a big commitment and his health and background are going to be questionable (despite seeing him for long lengths of time twice and checking him over myself). We're worried about the stress of the move bringing something out. Although he was only recently moved to the pet store (end of Feb.)

Spoke to our Avian Nurse yesterday about Charlie before we decided it was official that we were bringing him home and told her all our concerns and queries. She said that behaviourally, we were on the right idea. As long as we're content with two birds who might never be best friends - if we try and do things such as interact with Merlin first, always. etc then we should end up in a somewhat balanced flock.

Healthwise she said that she trusts my judgement in regards to feaces and discharges, head bobbing, etc so that to "bring him home" is okay. She wants him quarantined for at least 4 weeks though just in case stress does bring something out and then after he's settled with us, THEN to bring him in for an check up with out Vet. She said she doesn't see the point in us bringing him in so soon (aka. stressing him out) if he appears health and fine to start with. But of course, to bring him in if I've got any concerns.

Having got sick birdies, physically, with a splayed leg and things such as chronic conditions I think she's trusting my judgement instead of demanding we have the full works done immediately before we let him near Merlin.

ANYWAY, doom and gloom of potentially bringing home a sick birdy - we're bringing home a birdy!

He's going to be (hopefully at least!) a 30+ year commitment. I'm terrified, birds are terrifying! With my rabbits I know that in around 6-15 years they'll have passed away. But birds... wow they live long. Andrew chimed in though and said that Merlin is younger so technically a longer commitment and I didn't bat an eyelid at that haha! But I didn't "plan" on Merlin so to speak, this waiting game and knowing exactly who I'm bringing home and when is terrifying!

I'm so terrified, anxious, excited and more anxiety. I can't wait to get him home and I hope he's as sweet as he was in the store. & furthermore I can't wait for quarentine to be up so they can at least see each other! It's going to drive Merlin mad hearing another bird in the house that he can chat to but not see!

So scared!
 

JerseyWendy

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Oh wow!!!! You just sound a tad bit excited here. ;)....and a WHOLE lot anxious! HUGS!!! It'll be all right. Your phone will ring soon, and then you'll be heading out that door with lightning speed. :) Just please be careful driving cross country.

And PLEASE post some pics of Charlie when you get him home safe and sound. :)

...now I'm anxious with you.
 

tab_xo

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Awwww Cat!!! :D That is so exciting! I saw your post the other day with the video, Charlie is definitely a sweetie!

Congratulations, it was definitely meant to be!

Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!
Looking forward to lots of pictures :D
 

tab_xo

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Ohhh damn, Wendy beat me to it.. Why do you always have to be first??? ;) hahahahaha

and yes, you seem just a LITTLE excited? hehe :p
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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I'm not driving Wendy, will be getting a train and bus etc. :) I wish I could drive, that'd make my journey a whole load shorter! Going to take me maybe 2 hours each way to get from home to the store and back again. + lets face it, I'll spend a lot of time in the store cuddling him first :p

Like I said, TERRIFIED! Silly birds with their long lives, but of course, I'm grateful for that too! If it doesn't work out between Merlin and Charlie then we'll find Charlie the most loving home -and we won't rehome him in a rush either. He'll only be going to the best of the best, no rescues no nothing, a real loving home where I can get updates too! But that's worse case scenario, I'm hoping that these two just hit it off asap and get along with each other or at the very least can be out at the same time without flying attacks!

Going to set up Merlin's old playstand for Charlie (Merlin HATED it). and see how he is with that in a few days. He's only got a tiny cage :)() at the moment, so that'll be upgraded asap, but until then he'll get as much out time as possible without leaving Merlin in the dark.

Thanks both of you! He really is a sweetie, I'm so excited. Finally my flock should feel complete. Andrew has been incredibly surprised that I've stopped asking for a german shepherd dog (dream pet really!). I said I don't need any more pets now, just a friend for Merlin! All the pets are pretty much paired up (except Steve the Gerbil, he hates other Gerbils so he's a loner!)

ARG. I can't wait! Pics will be up asap :)
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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Arg. Work called, they want me in tonight if possible. So won't get to spend all evening fussing with him (if he'll let me!). I'm hoping they find someone else to cover the shift! Ii just want to get there, get home and watch him settle in!
 

mtdoramike

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I don't know who I'm thrilled for more, you or Charlie. I think Charlie because he's going to a great home. But take a deep breath and don't let your expectations override reality. A bird can act one way in the store and another way when you get them home especially for the first few days. Soooooo slow your roll a bit and be prepared. Good luck on your new baby. The way to look at it is, twice the birds, twice the work:)
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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PS. You folks who have me on facebook, say nothing! ;)

He's being kept a heavily guarded secret from anyone who isn't me, andrew and you lot until he's out of quarentine etc. Don't want anyone thinking we've got another birdy if we have to deal with sickness etc. Want him all perfect and healthy before he's introduced or known about by anyone else. :)
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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I don't know who I'm thrilled for more, you or Charlie. I think Charlie because he's going to a great home. But take a deep breath and don't let your expectations override reality. A bird can act one way in the store and another way when you get them home especially for the first few days. Soooooo slow your roll a bit and be prepared. Good luck on your new baby. The way to look at it is, twice the birds, twice the work:)

Oh I know! I've got high hopes but at the same time I'm anticipating a scared and anxious birdy when he's in his travel cage and going into his new cage at home. It's probably going to be an exhausting long process but I'm still very excited! I think he'll be one to come around pretty quickly once home though, a few days perhaps. We're patient with pets anyway, but I'll be honest, I wanna snuggle him!

I've had my hand in the cage with him in the pet store and he's very nervous and gives warning signs of a bite. Such as bluffing but no actual bite. So he's very different when you're in his space and when he comes to you. Standard really, but I kinda know what to expect with him. :)

When I say I want them to be friends "asap" I literally mean as possible, not a case of. "In a few weeks", just "as soon as they feel comfortable". :)

Thanks for that Mike! I really am excited. I'm so happy he's coming to me and not being sold off as a breeding bird. The nurse confirmed he's probably a previous pet bird as he regurgitates to people - so identifies more with them being his mate than birds apparently. :) Not saying he wouldn't regurgitate for birds either, but just the probability is higher. Combining that with his sweet nature, wow. Yeah.

Excited. Anxiety is riding high now though as Andrew still hasn't been paid! (It's almost 1pm here btw :))
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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My train has just pulled in. The journeys began for Charlie! Its lashing it down outside so I'm hoping to keep any walking to a minimum if the rain hasnt stopped by the time I'm there. Crying kid on here too though, boohoo!

My stomachs all fluttery and I haven't eaten yet either. Weeeeeee!
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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:D :D :D Have a save journey!!!! And hurry back!!!
Halfway there! Hoping to be home by 6pm as that's when Andrews home. Hoping tl have him settling in by then.

how do you guys do this, PLAN on all this emotion?! Its crippling me! I managed to eat half a pastie bit that's it. The store is open till half 7 so its no mad rush to get there before closing but I just cant wait. Wish I could drive, be there and back in 2 hours! Friend offered me a lift for tomorrow but I'm working in the evening and that's mean waiting another day. I know hes reserved but if someone had offered her more for him then I think shed have sold since I haven't put a deposit down. I remember my anxiety with Merlin just nipping to the cash machine which is 2 mins away. "Don't you dare sell him!" hehe.

Cant wait to get home and crash out with the sounds of happy birds!
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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On the first train home with him now. The lady is going to post me his dna cert (with ringnumber) when shes home tonight. He reeeally doesn't like her but he's an absolute sweetie to me. He makes his dislikes know with a grumble rather than a bite but he'll still do things for you despite that. Hes REALLY hormonal at the moment. Head bobbing and wings spread etc. Got a good bunch of cuddles out of him, lots of step ups, lots of scritches and now he's in the carrier (doesn't like that) and we should be home by 6pm :). Will post pics as soon as I'm by the computer. He doesn't really make a sound other than clicking his beak and a really low whistle, so heres hoping he doesn't pick up Merlins screams!
 

Mitchan

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Oooooh, I am so excited for you!
My Alaska is a screamer (she screams when she's happy, grumpy, hungry, entertained, bored... Pretty much all the time, haha), but my Miley is definitely not, she's only vocal when she's in her cage and someone is talking to her, so I don't think Charlie will pick Merlin's screaming up unless you encourage it, which I'm sure you won't haha! :)

Can't wait for the pics! :D You must be so happy and excited right now!
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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Second train home!
Will edit these posts with pics later :). Hard to get internet so I'm just posting as I go and not reading things!

My friend who offered to take me for him yesterday is going to pick me up from the station so that's handy!

Hes being very quiet but I anticipate he'll settle in very quickly when actually home as he's still nervous but offering me his head for genuine scritches (not bites!). Hes finally settled on his perch now and stopped hanging on the side of the carrier. Cant believe how well behaved he has been and was at the store. Shoulder perching, stepping up with NO issue.

So excited! :)
 

JerseyWendy

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Are you home yet? :D How's he doing????....and how are YOU doing after such a super eventful, SUPER happy day???? :D
 
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Mayden

Mayden

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Thanks all! I'm exhausted already, was tempted to snooze on that last train! Just waiting on my friend to pick me up (traffics HORRIBLE atm as its rush hour) but then we'll have him home and set up. Going to see if he'll step up or play with us for a little first but if hes anxious we'll just put him away and let him settle. Hes so well behaved I can't wait to show him off!

but yes, exhausted, excited and still a little anxious but a lot less than before :)
 

MikeyTN

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Congrats!!!!!! Do you still have to work tonight??
 

Blancaej

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Congratulations! Sounds like things are going smoothly so far. Can't wait to see pics!
 

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