Gertjie is going to be adopted.. by me!

[BirdyBee]

Ok, so this is as much of a surprise for me as it is for you guys.

My mom's friend came over and mentioned her sister(friend?) needs a home for her bird as they are moving in October. Without hesitation, we said yes!

So, in October before they move, Gertjie will be coming to his new home!

My mom had the opportunity the other day to get two other birds when her brother said someone he knows has to rehome their birds, but she said no, so I told her to tell him about Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue so they can get a home too.

I'm sooo excited! When I get a pic, I will share it with you guys. Gertjie is white, with a cute crest! Also, I think "he" is a she because of his brown cere.

 

[Rozalka]

I'm trying to guess the kind of bird... crested budgie?

 

[BirdyBee]

I'm trying to guess the kind of bird... crested budgie?

Yeah, I forgot to mention it's a budgie.

 

[BirdyBee]

I've got a question. Since the budgie is on its own, do I need to quarantine it? Or not? I'm willing to quarantine if necessary. This is his cage so long:

 

[BirdyBee]

 

[Terry57]

He is gorgeous!!! I'm so excited for you, and for Gertjie, who couldn't ask for a better home to go to

 

[StormyPica]

Gerjie is so cute!

 

[LaManuka]

Gertjie doesn't know it yet but he (or she) just hit the rehoming jackpot! Congratulations to both of you and I know he will have a wonderful life with you

 

[BirdyBee]

Ok, I have another quarantine question.

I will not be able to properly quarantine her(by that I mean changing clothes, washing hands after each interaction, etc.) In that case, will quarantine work? I may still keep her separate anyway for diet conversion and bonding.

 

[ravvlet]

Do the best you can. If Gertjie has seen a vet recently & has never had issues with abnormal blood work etc you might be ok. There is always a risk when introducing a new bird that they’re a carrier of a disease that only rears it’s head when the bird is stressed. Remember that many people do not quarantine and it works out okay; and you are doing a lovely thing by providing a home. It can be a bit anxiety inducing when you can’t use best-practice (like full quarantine), but even just washing hands and keeping the birds in separate air spaces while letting Gertjie acclimate is better than nothing.

 

[BirdyBee]

Thanks for the advice. I'll ask my parents if I can have her checked by a vet to make sure she's ok. I'll probably pay by myself because usually my parents don't pay unless there is obvious symptoms of illness.

Washing hands is something I can definitely do. Changing clothes may be a bit too much because people will be around the bird occasionally. I will be keeping her in my brother's room for the first month or so for her to settle in and to check for any signs of illness.

 

[BirdyBee]

Off-topic, but my brother suggested I rename Gertjie to Gertjie Rodrigo. I am definitely doing that

 

[BirdyBee]

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for...





Gertjie is finally in her new home! I am so excited! I couldn't get a very clear pic of her, but here it is anyway:

 

[Cottonoid]

Congratulations Gertjie!!! You have won the parrot lottery We've all been waiting for this day and I hope you settle in well!

 

[BirdyBee]

Little Gertjie is so scared of me. She does angry squeaks when I am near her, and when I tried to do the night routine her owners always do(just cuddling and kissing for a few sec), she bit my finger and my lips, so I put her back.

Sigh. I mean, I understand it. She's in a new environment, her family just left her, and she's surrounded by strange people. I feel so sorry for her. Poor bird.

 

[StormyPica]

She's adorable!

 

[BirdyBee]

The video is in Afrikaans, but English and Afrikaans subtitles are available.

 

[BirdyBee]

Aww Gertjie is already adapting to me! She accepts kisses, and sometimes even allows me pet her head!

I think the reason she acts aggressive when I enter her cage or walk past her, is because she is territorial, since when I take her out of her cage, she is very sweet, but as soon as she returns to her cage, she is a totally different bird. Is there anything I can do about this?

 

[BirdyBee]

 

[HeatherG]

Aww Gertjie is already adapting to me! She accepts kisses, and sometimes even allows me pet her head!

I think the reason she acts aggressive when I enter her cage or walk past her, is because she is territorial, since when I take her out of her cage, she is very sweet, but as soon as she returns to her cage, she is a totally different bird. Is there anything I can do about this?

I would just accept it for the time being and keep in mind that as Gertje relaxes, maybe she won’t need to be so protective of her space.

My Quaker defends his cage from me but I’m the one who brings food, water, toys; and cleans. I was surprised at first but I guess most Quakers are cage protective. It’s not an insult; she just needs to get to know you and trust you. And I thought healthy girl budgies were a bit more bossy than males in general.

I think she’s really neat-looking. I had a canary with a Beatles shag for a few years. Wish I had a photo to show you! She looks like a Christmas ornament.