To Rescue or Not To Rescue?

That is the question.

I would love to rescue a bird. I rescue all of my other animals because I don't like the idea of breeding when there are so many that need homes. But... I'm concerned. This will be my very first bird and if I rescue I am afraid that I won't be able to handle the problems that come with it. Or that the bird will have so many trust issues that I will never have a true bond with it.

So... Should I rescue as my first bird or should I go with a hand raised baby?

I am visiting a rescue in two weeks and I'm very excited about it. I have a feeling that I'm going to fall in love with one, but is it a good idea to rescue for a first bird?

Thanks

My advice is this: Visit the birds. See if any of them "click" with you. See if any of them even seem interested in you. You may not feel that you are "feeling" anything with any of them. Then you can either wait and see if any more come in to the rescue, or you can look around via Craigslist or find a breeder.

Yes, rescue birds can have issues. But diligence, love, patience, understanding and sometimes even hard work, can often overcome those things. I see nothing wrong with a rescue as a first bird, as long as you're willing to ask for help when you need it which doesn't seem to be an issue for you I do think that your doubts aren't so much about having a bird with issues, as it's more about you being concerned about yourself and whether or not you can measure up to the task. In most cases, that speaks volumes about just how seriously a person takes this type of responsibility. It's usually people who have had no experience with these types of situations and are overly confident that seem to not be able to handle the problems, those that aren't willing to listen to others suggestions, those who aren't willing to ask for help or those that take it for granted that a bird (or any rescue animal, as this can be applied to dogs and cats and horses as well) will bond with them that have the trouble.

You don't have to adopt a rescue. You don't have to get a bird from a breeder. Neither one is a guarantee on anything anyway, just remember that. You could be that birds first and only home, but you may find that the breeder bird doesn't bond with you either. It happens. You could find that a rescue bird you meet latches on and refuses to "let go". It happens, either way, all the time. Good luck!

A rescue bird can be a great addition regardless of experience. That being said explain your concerns with the rescue, and don't adopt the first bird you see. A responsible rescue organization will work to find the best match for you and will want the right situation for the bird and the adopter. They should be less pushy than a store because they are not making money from the deal. This is a decision that should no be made over a short time. The other thin about a rescue is that they should offer a foster period so that if the bird does not adjust well to the new environment you do not pay an adoption fee and another bird can be found for you. Make sure that the person you work with is willing and able to answer any questions you have as a new bird owner.

i think alot depends on what type of bird. A rescue tiel as a first bird yes. a rescue too as a first bird ,no.

henpecked said:

i think alot depends on what type of bird. A rescue tiel as a first bird yes. a rescue too as a first bird ,no.

Click to expand...

I believe that the intended bird is a conure or goffin's

RescueMe said:

henpecked said:

i think alot depends on what type of bird. A rescue tiel as a first bird yes. a rescue too as a first bird ,no.

Click to expand...

I believe that the intended bird is a conure or goffin's

Click to expand...

You are correct. Also considering an Amazon (Lilac Crowned, Mealy, or Orange-Winged), but still thinking.

Thanks so much to everyone who has posted. I completely agree with everything that has been said. I am very excited to go visit this rescue. I have been in contact with the owner and she is extremely nice, welcoming, and very educated.

I will definitely not be adopting the first bird I see, although I have "fallen in love" with a BCC they have there at the rescue... Obviously, I won't dare just go in and adopt him. (They wouldn't let me do that anyway! On their website it specifically states "We do not sell our birds. We will consider adopting a bird to you if we see ourselves that there is a bond and that the bird has taken a liking to you." I appreciate that they do this. I really do want the bird to "pick" me. I am in NO rush to get a bird. Yes, I want one, but I want to be 100% prepared and I want to get the RIGHT bird for me. So, if that comes in a month, or if it comes in 2 years, so be it. I know I will find the right one eventually (or he or she will find me!).

jaimmorr said:

RescueMe said:

henpecked said:

i think alot depends on what type of bird. A rescue tiel as a first bird yes. a rescue too as a first bird ,no.

Click to expand...

I believe that the intended bird is a conure or goffin's

Click to expand...

You are correct. Also considering an Amazon (Lilac Crowned, Mealy, or Orange-Winged), but still thinking.

Thanks so much to everyone who has posted. I completely agree with everything that has been said. I am very excited to go visit this rescue. I have been in contact with the owner and she is extremely nice, welcoming, and very educated.

I will definitely not be adopting the first bird I see, although I have "fallen in love" with a BCC they have there at the rescue... Obviously, I won't dare just go in and adopt him. (They wouldn't let me do that anyway! On their website it specifically states "We do not sell our birds. We will consider adopting a bird to you if we see ourselves that there is a bond and that the bird has taken a liking to you." I appreciate that they do this. I really do want the bird to "pick" me. I am in NO rush to get a bird. Yes, I want one, but I want to be 100% prepared and I want to get the RIGHT bird for me. So, if that comes in a month, or if it comes in 2 years, so be it. I know I will find the right one eventually (or he or she will find me!).

Click to expand...

Have I hit you up for money for the rescue we are undertaking for the FL birds? If not I would like to personally invite you to get involved and donate!

RescueMe said:

jaimmorr said:

RescueMe said:

I believe that the intended bird is a conure or goffin's

Click to expand...

You are correct. Also considering an Amazon (Lilac Crowned, Mealy, or Orange-Winged), but still thinking.

Thanks so much to everyone who has posted. I completely agree with everything that has been said. I am very excited to go visit this rescue. I have been in contact with the owner and she is extremely nice, welcoming, and very educated.

I will definitely not be adopting the first bird I see, although I have "fallen in love" with a BCC they have there at the rescue... Obviously, I won't dare just go in and adopt him. (They wouldn't let me do that anyway! On their website it specifically states "We do not sell our birds. We will consider adopting a bird to you if we see ourselves that there is a bond and that the bird has taken a liking to you." I appreciate that they do this. I really do want the bird to "pick" me. I am in NO rush to get a bird. Yes, I want one, but I want to be 100% prepared and I want to get the RIGHT bird for me. So, if that comes in a month, or if it comes in 2 years, so be it. I know I will find the right one eventually (or he or she will find me!).

Click to expand...

Have I hit you up for money for the rescue we are undertaking for the FL birds? If not I would like to personally invite you to get involved and donate!

Click to expand...

Hahaha, you have not! Oh, I feel so special now. How do I go about donating??

I wanted a bird every since I was a teenager - and I felt guilty buying a bird from a petstore or breeder. Then I found a rescue in the area, and my life has forever changed. One of my rescues came from being neglected by a drug abuser, and then passed around to several foster homes... the other was passed around from family, to a professor, and foster homes, and was not being properly treated for Aspergillosis. To give a rescued bird stability and love is such a big thing to do. It might take patience, but you also may get lucky and find a rescue that has had a good life and was recently surrendered, and will be easy to get a long with. A rescue may already know some neat tricks and talk, and will appreciate the love and commitment you give to it after it was less unfortunate. I say don't support breeders, and since there are already so many in need...please consider rescuing.

Another benefit of a rescue is that you can get a good idea already as to their preference for men, women, children, other pets in the home, noise level, etc. where as buying a bird - those are all new discoveries

All you have to do is go to the second page of the Funding for FL bird rescue in the active topics section. Follow the link which will take you to the web page set up to accept donations. If you have any trouble feel free to ask for help. Donations are accepted via paypal or you can use a debit or credit card. If this is not ideal for you, you can also send a check to Sulphiria by PMing her.

Hahaha, you have not! Oh, I feel so special now. How do I go about donating??[/QUOTE]

index this is the link

I read about those birds! I didn't know that they were finally being placed. That's wonderful! I don't have much to give right this moment, but I can give some.

jaimmorr said:

RescueMe said:

henpecked said:

i think alot depends on what type of bird. A rescue tiel as a first bird yes. a rescue too as a first bird ,no.

Click to expand...

I believe that the intended bird is a conure or goffin's

Click to expand...

You are correct. Also considering an Amazon (Lilac Crowned, Mealy, or Orange-Winged), but still thinking.

Thanks so much to everyone who has posted. I completely agree with everything that has been said. I am very excited to go visit this rescue. I have been in contact with the owner and she is extremely nice, welcoming, and very educated.

I will definitely not be adopting the first bird I see, although I have "fallen in love" with a BCC they have there at the rescue... Obviously, I won't dare just go in and adopt him. (They wouldn't let me do that anyway! On their website it specifically states "We do not sell our birds. We will consider adopting a bird to you if we see ourselves that there is a bond and that the bird has taken a liking to you." I appreciate that they do this. I really do want the bird to "pick" me. I am in NO rush to get a bird. Yes, I want one, but I want to be 100% prepared and I want to get the RIGHT bird for me. So, if that comes in a month, or if it comes in 2 years, so be it. I know I will find the right one eventually (or he or she will find me!).

Click to expand...

I love your attitude. I wish everyone had this attitude. My first parrot is Kazi and he's a rescue who had issues. If you've worked with rescued cats and dogs and turned them around, you can probably work with a parrot.

You can find Kazi posts in my blog where I went into great detail for the first couple of months he was here. It's been a learning experience on both our parts, but we're developing an amazing bond and he's a lot of fun to have around. Most of the time Sometimes he can be trying, but most of the time he's just a great little friend.

If at all possible volunteer with the rescue for a few hours a week. You'll get to know all the birds, learn a ton and have the opportunity to meet The One That's how I got Kazi and I still volunteer up there when I can carve out time.

Rescuing my birds is one of the most rewarding things I have EVER done! I changed their lives and they changed mine! I am sure it would be a very rewarding experience for you. Good luck with your search.

I say rescue, or at least adopt a bird that needs a new home. I don't feel that I "rescued" Puck, but his old owner needed to find him a new home.

Also, I did pay for him, but I paid a lot less than I would have paid for a caique in a pet store. The price of the bird itself is only a small part of what a bird costs, but anything helps. =P

Are you sure you want a big bird like a 'too or an Amazon as your first bird? As much as I love those birds, but honestly, I'm kind of afraid of the big beaks. Puck bites regularly, and I couldn't deal with this many bites from a larger bird.