Looking to foster or adopt an African Grey or Cockatoo in WI

[WI_CountryMom]

I've done a lot of research, and am ready to add an african grey or cockatoo to our family. I'd prefer to foster or adopt if possible, to help a bird in need of a good home. I have contacted the rescues in our state, and most of them are 3+ hours away. The one that is within 3 hours isn't able to take in new fosters/new birds at the moment, and doesn't have either of the birds that I would prefer. I would love to find a bird that really needs a home, and is maybe otherwise "unadoptable"...whether it's plucked, or has other issues, and isn't quite "perfect", that's fine!

A little bit about our family...we have owned our home since 2000. (We've been together since 1998, so I like to think we have a "stable" home.) No smoking, no drama, and we have 2 older children. A bird is a BIG time commitment, and so is running a small farm/milking. We raise all of our meat/milk/eggs, so I know all about keeping animals healthy, happy, and taken care of. I do have my own business, so the lucky bird would be able to come to work with me every day. (My shop is next door to our house.) Birds need a lot of enrichment, and that is something I LOVE doing for our animals. We keep all of our animals living as "free range" as possible, with various activities/foraging options. In winter I sprout oats for our pigs and chickens so they can still "graze". In summer I scatter treats around their field for them to find, so they have something to look for. We also have apple trees planted around the perimeter of our yard for fresh apples for the horses, goats, and mini cows. (Yes we have mini cows!)

I currently have 3 parakeets, and have owned a quaker in the past. I would love the challenge of a large bird, and am ready to start that adventure. If you are considering rehoming your grey, or cockatoo, please consider our home. If a trial or foster period is possible that would be great, but I would also consider just adoption the right bird, if it picks us. I'm hoping to find a bird within 2 hours of Phillips, WI. (It's hard to get away for much longer, with our little farm and also my teenager's work schedule.)

If you do pick us, I'd be happy to offer references, vet references, and pictures of the cage that I'm currently setting up. I would also be happy to keep in touch with you and update you with pictures as well.

 

[ParrotSnakeMan]

You could make sure any local rescues have your information that way maybe they can let you know if have one of those birds in need. I will note that my own experience with rescues is that they aren’t necessarily keen on people requesting specific birds. There are a lot of reasons behind this. Birds like Cockatoo’s and Grey’s are less frequent at rescues and due to their value in the retail pet trade rescues have to be careful as there are deviants out there who only wish to aquire such a bird to resell for profit.

The other factor I think comes into play is experience level with larger birds. Rescues fear that it is more likely someone who doesn't have large parrot experience will become frustrated with the bird if there are behavior issues and give up.

Lastly I think the reality for most parrot rescues is that they have an abundance of smaller more common birds that desperately need good homes . The mindset that I’ve noticed with rescues in my area is that you need to come and visit and see what birds work best with you. Not come expecting to adopt a specific kind of bird.

 

[LaManuka]

In addition to the rescues, you might also try the avian vet clinics in your area. They often take in "strays" who may have escaped from somewhere, and occasionally do have birds who might have come from their regular clients who are just unable to care for them any more. They may have a preference towards their existing clients, but there are SO many birds in need of loving homes that it might just be worth a try. Here's our list of avian vets worldwide, there's bound to be a few who are close to you...

Avian Vet Resources

Welcome to the forums, @WI_CountryMom, I wish you all the best!