Might have to pick a YNA over the CAG I originally wanted

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Althought the African Grey needs a new home, I found a bird that needs me more. A bird was surrendered to the rescue I adopted from. Their owner passed away from terminal illness and the YNA began plucking badly. She's at a foster home now, but their home is foreclosing and they are looking for a new home for her. Wish I knew how to upload pictures from my iPad.

The CAG I wanted is a 4 year old with a little bit of plucking probs, she will find a family fast due to her age and beauty. This YNA might be in trouble. I think in this case, I may have to do the right thing over what I originally wanted. Supposedly she is very friendly and loves people. Her chest and lower body is totally plucked bald. Same with her tail. Do you think I could potentially break her bad plucking patterns?

 

[cdog]

She might stop plucking if she is in a good home where she is happy, but since she started after her owner died it might be hard because she probably thought the owner was her mate. Plus she could give the bad habbit to your other birds.

 

[Mozzie]

That is wonderful that you are thinking about which parrot needs you the most. I think once the YNA settled in there is a good chance she would stop plucking. Although you never know for sure. It sounds like she needs a good home and I am sure you could provide that for her. You would just have to be very patient with her and give her plenty of time to settle in, but I am sure you already know that. Good luck with your decision.

 

[lizardsmells]

Look at some of my past posts. There's one thread I started called "kazi - then and now" and it shows him the day he came here and 4 months later. You can also read his story at my blog. He was a plucker. He is fully feathered now. It's totally possible she'd stop plucking in a loving home again. Or she may never stop. But I'd be willing to bet she'd stop in a stable home with plenty of attention and love.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Hi lizard - I just looked and it's an amazing improvement. Looks like Kazi had down feathers filling in. This girl I may take in is TOTALLY naked to the skin. I am worried about the plucking.

Plus, as CDog said, I'm worried of my other birds catching on to the plucking habit...

Taking in a new bird is so nerve racking!!!

 

[henpecked]

IMO you don't have to worry about the plucking spreading through your flock. Not as a learned behavior anyway. Plucking is rare in Amazons,i have about 40 and have never had a plucker,never seen a plucker in person. Yes i've had mates pluck one another (like on the head/neck area) and parents pluck the head of weaning chicks (because it's time for them to leave).I would take the bird to a vet and make sure there's nothing physically wrong ,that might cause plucking (like mites). I would think that if the plucking was caused by stress then it could be fixed,however ,like i said i've never had a plucked amazon. In response to your OP ,i advise people to pick the bird they click with.It doesn't sound like your using your head,only your heart.I know from personal experience that you can't save them all. Make choices that you can live with for a long time. Who knows maybe that amazon will feel some connection with the next person to come though the door, flourish in their care instead of just surviving. By all means meet the different birds but go with the one that "clicks" with you. Just my 2 cents worth. I think it's great you are giving these older birds a new chance at a happy life, my hat's off to you.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Thank you for the replies. I will know in the next week what we will do. The womans home is foreclosing and she has two birds she's fostering that need to be Rehomed fast, at least temporarily. We may take Paco, the 28 year old FEMALE yellow crowned amazon in just to help out. You're right - I should choose the one I feel best about, I can't help them all. Since you said that, I've really kept it in mind. I still have my heart set on a CAG, and recently a BFA came in to a shelter in my area, so we are all over the place trying to decide what to do. I will let all of you know very soon!

 

[mtdoramike]

What I think is a shame here is these folks who fostered this bird while they allowed their home to go into foreclosure because of not paying the house payments. They couldn't afford to pay their bills, but yet they took in an exotic animal.

NO, please do not take in this bird if you are thinking that you can stop the plucking because it probably won't happen. Some birds start plucking due to stress or medical reasons while most start plucking from boredom. But once started, it becomes a habit that is all but impossible to stop.

You could get lucky and the bird stops on it's own. But it's doubtful. So if you bring the bird home with the intentions of stopping the plucking, you willprobably be disappointed.

 

[luvmytooo]

Good luck with whoever you choose .
Follow your heart.

 

[KatherineI]

May I just say this: If it is in your heart that you want a CAG, then I think patience, is what you need. Your baby just may not be here yet. It may be here, but not yet ready for you, or you for them. While I think your desire to help the other Amazon's is commendable, I think that for now you should focus on Beako and Kiwi. These guys need you just as much as the rescue Amazons. Stick with what you want, which is the CAG. But be patient, because it's probably just not time yet. It could be another 2 months, or another 2 years.

That's just my opinion.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Hi Guys, thanks a lot for your input, I really appreciate it. I am definitely torn. No one has stepped forward to take this bird in, and my boyfriend says he is really upset that it doesn't have any stability, and so am I. There are so many birds that need help. My head is just spinning over it. I know you guys said to be patient and wait until I find the right bird, but I think for now, we are going to take her in, especially since she has nowhere else to go. We will keep her in quarantine, take her for a full exam, and get a feel for her. If we click with her, wonderful, if not, we will give her some stability as a foster home. She lost her person of 28 years due to a terminal illness, and she needs love. My boyfriend and I have a meeting near the current fosters home on Friday, so we will meet her then. If we feel the need to take her, we will take her home with us on Friday. I know some of you may disagree to us taking in another bird, but without us, who knows where it may end up. We have been told she is very talkative, gentle (no bites), steps right up, so she may be a good addition to our home if all that's said is true.

 

[Mozzie]

I think it is wonderful what you are doing! Poor baby must be very confused and scared! Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Thanks so much! I will definitely keep you posted. My boyfriend is really into bringing another bird in as long as it's really in need, so he is also on my side in this decision. This little bugger supposedly loves men and climbs off the cage chasing men saying "I loveeee youuuu". If this is true, I can't wait to record it and share it with you. She also makes up her own songs. I'm a little irked that her name is PACO. Wish I could change it, but she says "Hi Paco" and calls herself "Paco" so that would be totally mean. Ugh All in all, I'm pretty excited.