Adopting an Old Peach-Fronted Conure?

[Ametrine]

Hello!

I'm a veterinary technician at a clinic that happens to be connected to a parrot/bird supply shop (owned by a member of the vet's family). They don't do much of selling the birds themselves anymore, but there are "breeder" birds on the clinic side that were originally and are on occasion used for this purpose. They're all over 10 years old (a good deal of them >20, actually) and are mostly cockatiels, conures, and parakeets.

One bird in particular, a peach-fronted conure, has no cage mate. I was told that he died a few years back. She doesn't even have a name anymore; the labeled cage was switched with a new one and everyone seems to have forgotten it. She is very likely to be one of the birds that's a little over 20 years old and has never been hand tamed...her living conditions are rather sad as well, just a sparsely funished tiny black box of a cage that she's never once been let out of in all the time she's lived at the clinic. That being said, she will clamber up to the front of her cage whenever I walk up and eat hand fed treats through the cage bars (a bit bitey w/ just hands, though). I make a point of interacting with her whenever I'm working and she seems to enjoy the attention and sometimes calls to me/talks when she sees me now.

I asked one of the bird shop employees about her and they informed me that they were actually probably going to be looking for a home for her soon (mostly because she takes up space/care for no profit, I guess). Something about her kind of gets to me, so I'd be interested in taking her home as soon as I move out of student housing. I had a few questions, though: could a bird this old be hand tamed/enjoy human touch? Should I get another bird to keep her company, as she's used to being around a *lot* of other caged birds? Is there anything I should do in particular carewise, knowing that she's probably near the end of her lifespan? Any tips at all would be welcomed!

Thank you!!

 

[LeslieA]

I have adopted and rescued senior birds for decades. Please know she will need to relearn most things and this can take months to years. Here are some basics but first some questions.
(If you know, great; if you don't know, great.)
Do you wish to form a trust bond with her or just keep her alive in good conditions? (Either is okay.)
What is her AV exam history?
What is here current diet?
Does she have any disabilities or health problems?
You mentioned STUDENT HOUSING, do you already have plans and will you be alone or with others and how big is the area?
You said you were a vet tech at a clinic. Is it an AV clinic?

Okay, generally, birds do not change significantly as a senior until about 1 month prior to death. They should not be treated differently.

You will need to slowly switch her to a senior pellets. I recommend LaFeber Cockatiel for her. I use Harrison's. Chop should stay the same or be added each morning initially. For treats, try Avicakes and apple slices.

Again, assuming no disabilities or health problems, I try to make environmental including schedule and diet changes very slowly. Senior birds should be both allowed and encouraged to figure things out. There's a fine line between letting them do it for themselves and doing it for them.

This can't be avoided. About a month prior to death, she may not want freedom and may stay by a favored toy and sleep more. She may forego bathing and preening.

Please know that every bird is different and needs to be respected as such.

 

[Ametrine]

Do you wish to form a trust bond with her or just keep her alive in good conditions? (Either is okay.)

I was hoping to form some kind of bond with her if possible.

What is her AV exam history?

I don't believe the breeder birds have wellness exams; they only receive veterinary attention if there's something wrong with them. However, being in a clinical setting, they are under pretty much constant medical supervision.

What is here current diet?

It's some type of pellet mixed with seed. I'll take a closer look next time I go in and see if I can find the brand names.

Does she have any disabilities or health problems?

No. She's looking a bit raggedy at the moment, but I wouldn't be surprised if she plucked to some extent. Or she might be molting?

You mentioned STUDENT HOUSING, do you already have plans and will you be alone or with others and how big is the area?

I plan on living in a pet-friendly apartment with no other roommates next year.

You said you were a vet tech at a clinic. Is it an AV clinic?

Not exclusively, but yes, the doctor sees birds and is a CAV. Which I find a little troubling, considering the cage sizes and conditions of the birds in the hospital. I suspect a lot of it is him being old and not keeping great track of things anymore, though.



Thanks for the help! This would be my first bird besides a few cockatiels that my parents owned back when I was a kid. I do have some experience with them, though (vet job, pet sitting, and working at an exotic pet shop).

 

[LeslieA]

BTW, when you get here to a permanent area, which may even be the clinic, leave her cage door open with a piece of almond on the ledge. Let her choose when to come out.

My birds know the bedtime routines, the breakfast routines and the weekly cleaning schedules. Patient changes are fine and entertaining after a short while. Certain things, such as scheduled things and diet should only change slowly as necessary. For example, my GCC visits my WCP two times per day, at 530pm and for bedtime. This previous couple of months, . it was only at 530. Initially, never. My WCP for the first time in almost 6 months, bit a new toy. It takes time and baby steps.

 

[noodles123]

Have you had a bird?

 

[LeslieA]

Since your intent is to adopt her none the matter, I would prefer you know what to do. This is only based on her need, their intent and the fact that you are in an AV's office! I'd rather see her in the care of an AV than bought by a totally inexperienced owner.

Birds are not easy, not cheap, not cute. They need lots of care. I suggest you talk to the bird owners you sit for to get their takes on bird ownership!

 

[GaleriaGila]

You're my hero, just for considering this!

Yes, I'd start over with bonding/etc., just as if it were a totally wild (or wild-ish) bird.
Here's a great thread.
Some reading we often recommend here.
Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html

I won't overwhelm you with a ton of reading, but... bad housing, bad diet, stress... it can all make a bird raggedy. We can give you advice on all of that.

An old bird? Mine is 34... life span was supposed to be 30 or so, and he is looks and feels great!

I say... I would love to see you open your heart and life to this darling. I'll hold your hand!

 

[LeslieA]

Make sure you check those PMs!

 

[noodles123]

As others have stated, your heart is in the right place..My fear is that you have NOOOOO IDEA what you might be getting into. If it doesn't work out, can you bring it back to the vet?

I wouldn't attempt it unless you get them to agree to this...
The thing is, birds are creatures of habit and a move will likely upset him (even if returned after attempting a move, he may be traumatized temporarily by the disruption)..then there is the lack of commotion (to which he has grown accustomed) and then there is the fact that your live in an apartment and could get noise complaints from a screaming bird. A bird who is constantly surrounded by noise/motion is NOT going to be the same bird when caged alone all day.

Bird time moves in SLOW MOTION---You literally may have to wait a year+ before this bird allows you to handle it (IF EVER). I am assuming that it rarely (if ever) gets out and if that is the case, then you are looking at an extreme situation...basically, a bird with a mental disorder (on top of the "crazy" that comes with the average bird)....Not saying this bird is at fault, but like a human who has been caged, it will come with issues. Think of an abused 3-4 year-old with no outlet for his/her energy ---then add a beak and wings and a voice that can shatter glass lol.

If you have never had a bird, you will have to totally revamp your lifestyle (no more cleaners other than avian safe products or vinegar+water)...perfume, hairspray, candles, nail polish, paints, markers, shoe-polish, air fresheners, scented oils= TERRIBLE for respiratory systems of birds (pretty much anything with a scent).

Then there is the Teflon/PTFOA/PTFE issue---THIS IS SERIOUS AND NOT AN EXAGGERATION! You must not use teflon/PTFOA/PTFE around birds. Most people think that it is easy to spot and confined to pots/pans but this is NOT the case. Manufacturers of heated appliances (kitchen or other) often use aTeflon clear-coat or amalgamation within their products...SOOOO that means that your current blow-dryer, curling iron, hot rollers, iron, ironing board, air-popper, popcorn bags, self-cleaning oven, space-heater, humidifier, drip-trays, roasting pans, bake-in-a-bag meals, rice-cookers, slow cookers etc could all kill your bird in less that 5 minutes AND they do not say that they contain Teflon/PTFE/PTFOA on the package--- you will have to call the company and tell them all of the names (plus the full words for each abbreviation, polytetra...something...Google it-- remember--- most people don't own birds, and among those who do, MANY die early out of ignorance.

As others have stated, birds are VERY tricky to spot when ill----as prey animals, they hide their illness and so it is not uncommon for inexperienced owners to come home/wake up and find a dead bird. They are not like dogs and cats----a bird will hide problems until they are in DIRE need of medical intervention. By the time you notice symptoms, you will need a vet appointment ASAP. A bird who is bobbing its tail or hanging out on the cage-bottom is extremely urgent....


ps: Unless your vet (for whom you are working) is a certified avian vet, don't bother cross-referencing responses---regular vets are notoriously ignorant when it comes to birds---exotics and birds are not the same. That having been said, any vet will be able to spot some illness better than an inexperienced owner(unless that owner is VERY well-read).

 

[LeslieA]

Noodle123, as stated in her posts, she works for a CERTIFIED AV and understands the lifestyle and requirements. Additionally, she has been around and had birds before.

Your concerns and attempts to save lives are noted and appreciated.

 

[LaManuka]

Nonetheless the warnings and info noodles123 has given are worth restating, if not for this member in particular then definitely for other readers. Teflon and other nasties lurk in the most unexpected places and it’s always worth repeating (and adding to) the list!

 

[noodles123]

Noodle123, as stated in her posts, she works for a CERTIFIED AV and understands the lifestyle and requirements. Additionally, she has been around and had birds before.

Your concerns and attempts to save lives are noted and appreciated.

Just because someone works for a CAV doesn't mean that they would ever encounter the dangers of home in the vet's office. Although I am sure she has some knowledge about birds (having worked with them), I think it is better to be safe than sorry. People often say they "know" things (without realizing what they don't know---you can't know that you don't know something if you don't know what you don't know lol). I can speak for myself and many others when I say that throughout our lives, the things we think we "know" often surprise us and cause us to reflect (as in, "hmmm well, I thought I knew....") I wasn't trying to negate OP's background, but taking an animal into your home involves a whole new set of circumstances and routines (very different from life inside of a vet's office)/


If the vet provides the cleaners and the vet doesn't burn candles or use things containing Teflon, then it is quite possible that the conversation about fumes/household products may never have come up....If she (OP) already knows, then it is just more info for someone who doesn't. Additionally, many people don't know that Teflon/ptfoa/ptfe ARE hidden in non-cooking items---even if the vet told her that Teflon was unsafe, OP may or may not have known about possible sources outside of the kitchen.



I never assume anyone knows something, as many "bird people" are unaware of common dangers. That having been said, this vet may or may not be maintaining "best practices" (based on descriptions of the bird's living conditions), so since he seems to be cutting corners there (vet), I felt it better to mention the risks, than risk omitting them.

 

[LeslieA]

I specifically addressed a concern noodles123 had. Although you couldn't know, she and I have PMed about these items. She seems intent so should do this correctly at the very least.

As I told her, I do not recommend breeder birds to even well-versed bird owners. Making these changes requires time and patience as well. If not handled carefully and delicately, we may end up with an unrescuable bird. I know someone who worked with a breeder senior for well over 6 years and still couldn't consider her friendly when she died.

If so concerned that members should be told, place it in a thread for others to read. Constantly bump it up and/or suggest it to others consistently. It actually may already be a sticky in some forum as this is not new information. Do the membership a favor and present all of this to them

 

[LeslieA]

BTW, in your thread, please include comments about the life stages/changes as many younger members inquire about birds. You may also wish to include adoption and fostering as possible options as well as potential rescues and rehomes. Also, you might also consider a piece on bird flipping.

This could go on and on. There are many concerns to be addressed. This is SO cool. I can hardly wait! Best wishes. I look forward to your thread.

 

[noodles123]

I specifically addressed a concern noodles123 had. Although you couldn't know, she and I have PMed about these items. She seems intent so should do this correctly at the very least.

As I told her, I do not recommend breeder birds to even well-versed bird owners. Making these changes requires time and patience as well. If not handled carefully and delicately, we may end up with an unrescuable bird. I know someone who worked with a breeder senior for well over 6 years and still couldn't consider her friendly when she died.

If so concerned that members should be told, place it in a thread for others to read. Constantly bump it up and/or suggest it to others consistently. It actually may already be a sticky in some forum as this is not new information. Do the membership a favor and present all of this to them

Eek...It is possible that we PMed but now I am worried I am losing my mind, as I don't remember this at all (NOT BEING SNARKY---REALLY HAVE NO RECORD)...and I don't delete messages (at least that I can recall). Did I send you a message without ever getting response? If not, Are you sure it was me? I just checked my sent messages and inbox and I cannot find anything from you or to you. Weird.....

If there is a glitch or I somehow managed to delete both the sent and received files, then my apologies. I honestly don't remember reading any PMs from you, so now I feel bad if I missed them.


As you stated, I do think it is important for people to understand things about parrot dangers etc though.

 

[noodles123]

Noodle123, as stated in her posts, she works for a CERTIFIED AV and understands the lifestyle and requirements. Additionally, she has been around and had birds before.

Your concerns and attempts to save lives are noted and appreciated.

Also, when trying to verify that she had previous birds, I saw this in one of her replies: "This would be my first bird besides a few cockatiels that my parents owned back when I was a kid."


So, she hasn't owned her own bird, and that is partly where my advice came from. No offense intended, just explaining why I felt the need to share all of the warnings etc.

 

[LeslieA]

Again, I addressed one concern. Geez.

Anyway, forgetting all that, can we look forward to the thread or no? Did I get all giddy too soon? Personally, I think it's a great idea!

 

[noodles123]

I am so darn confused.....Not angry (SERIOUSLY--just lost)...I am not being passive aggressive. I do not know what you are referencing and my intention was only ever to explain my posts, not to offend. I am assuming you are frustrated now and I swear that was not my intention. My confusion is genuine.


I can make a thread! I am down with that. Historically though, new members tend to ignore those and ask the same types of questions anyway. I guess if I made one, at least I could save time by posting the link.
It is a good idea and I hope it works. You can be giddy lol! Just give me a minute to recover from this week---as if my bird biting as a result of my absence weren't enough, students today decided to take similar actions lol. ARG..I hope my limbs make it through Friday.

 

[LeslieA]

...
Your concerns and attempts to save lives are noted and appreciated.

I think this has all been hilarious!!!

Hey, noodles123, I even recognized your concerns and thanked you. I don't get it either!?! HAHA

And to stop any future comments or misunderstanding, I'm very serious about the thread. I was going to recommend Word, Notepad or Notebook, but they mark all breaks and contractions are even worse. I don't know how else to save it. If you do, great.

My greatest concern is whether those new members will bother with any link. I figure most beginners make up their minds BEFORE joining.

 

[noodles123]

Lol! Maybe it can be a collaboration of sorts? I DO love the edit function on here..hmmm...now the wheels are turning.