Re-Homing of a Bird (Please Read) before making the decision....

[mtdoramike]

The decision to rehome your bird can be a very difficult and emotional decision to make. Finding a suitable home can be very challenging and this decision should not be made lightly. You should challenge every aspect of your decision for the benefit of the parrot and to make sure you are making the right and justified decision to rehome your parrot.

There are several ways to rehome a bird.

You can advertise in a local form to sell your bird and/or bird and cage and hope that someone reputable will have the interest and is willing to pay what you ask. This would be considered a sales transaction and once the bird leaves your home with the stranger that bought the bird you no longer have rights to the bird.

You can decide to set up the bird for “adoption” by deciding on several aspects of how you would proceed.

1. Decide if you are going to charge an adoption fee. This subject is controversial because many people feel that by charging monies is selling. The thought behind an adoption fee is to help weed out people who only want a free bird and probably would not value the bird and/or to weed out “flippers” who would be people who would sell the bird to anyone who was willing to pay their price. The adoption fee would not be a very high amount and should be set lower to what “selling” the bird would be. The logic is if the person can afford the adoption fee they should be able to afford to properly take care of the bird.

2. Draw up a contract. If you want certain conditions placed upon the adoption preparing a contract stating what expectations you want from the adoption should be created and then agreed upon before the transaction takes place. Although the contract you create is not legally binding in a court of law the contract can be used as guidelines between the owner and the adoptee.

3. It is important to disclose all information about your parrot. The good, bad and the ugly. This will help the adoptee be able to understand the parrot’s personality along with the needs of the bird. This will also be very helpful for the rescue/sanctuary to be able to understand your bird and be able to place the bird within a suitable home. It is also very helpful to supply veterinarian records or the very least the clinic’s information of phone number and location so the health records can be made available.
You can decide to surrender the bird to a rescue or sanctuary.

1. Some organizations will charge a surrender fee.

2. Be prepared to supply a full background and history of the bird. They will want to know the vet history. Did you take the bird to the vet for regular visits? Has the bird had any health problems? Does the bird have current health problems? Species and age of the parrot and gender if known.

3. Decide if you are going to surrender the bird’s cage/toys/food with the bird.

Depending on what route you take you should always take the time to perform a simple investigation of the person/s or what rescue/sanctuary will be taking your bird.

1. Have the person supply proof of who they are. Make sure Tim Johnson is really Tim Johnson.

2. Get an Avian veterinarian reference. At least call the clinic the person uses or plans to use to make sure they are an actual client.

3. If you are using the internet to find new owner for your bird be careful of scams.

4. It is always a risk to open you home to strangers that want to come by to see the bird. Try to build a level of trust before allowing anyone in your home. Perform an investigation of the person first.

5. You can always meet somewhere in public first before allowing them into the home. There is always the option of taking the transaction in public as well.

6. If you rehome your bird to a private party conduct a home visit to the person’s home so you can ensure a healthy home environment.

Written by noblemacaw, edited by jtbirds

 

[JerseyWendy]

Very good points Mike.

The article was written by noblemacaw with input also from Jtbirds.

 

[JerseyWendy]

No offense taken. I just wanted to make sure everybody knew who wrote this great article.

 

[Merlee]

Noblemacaw and JT did an awesome job with this!

I would like to add that a bill of sale or something in writing should be given to the new owner as proof of ownership if there is no contract.

Will there be more? I was hoping to read information which would guide the adoptee/rescuer with the following after bringing a new bird home:

1. Explaining quarantine
2. Explain the importance of getting a vet examination
3. What to expect with the bird's behavior
4. Transition period
5. How to gain a bird's trust
6. How to introduce a bird to an existing bird or flock

The information covering both aspects, surrendering and adopting, will help a lot of people who have to go through the rehome process.

If this information was available in January, my dealings with another member would have been a lot more pleasant.

Again, thank you gentlemen for doing this.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Great work!

I agree with a home visit! Kenji's parents didn't do a pre home visit, but they drove him over and I showed them where his cage would be after QT and let them feel he would be alright in my home. I also brought photos with me(on my iPhone) of Rosie's cage set up and such.

 

[Merlee]

A home visit would be nice, but not always feasible when dealing with interested parties who live long distances. Sometimes you have to go on faith that people, who are interested in adopting your pet, are who they project themselves to be.

I drove 12 hours one way to get my yellow nape. It was impossible to do a home visit and time was of the essence to pick him up. I had to believe the owner that the bird was healthy and as nice as the owner said he was.

 

[noblemacaw]

Merlee - I didn't want to make the sticky too long to read so I kept the information to just rehoming a bird. I think your points would be another write up dealing with "What to do with bringing home a new parrot" kind of sticky.

Is there already a sticky for new parrot ownership?

 

[crimson]

I thought the article was well thought out and informative.
learning thru personal experience I really like # 6.
I once had a lady come to buy a budgie from me. we got to talking about birds, and she mentioned she was looking to sell her male(which I happened to be looking for at the time)but told me she would give it to me for free.
while she was here, I sort of got a weird vibe from her, something was just off a little. her appearance was well....almost like she was poor, even though she was very very nice to talk to.
I drove down to her place with my nephew, and my jaw literally dropped, when I went into the room. she was a hoarder!!, the room reeked of urine, the cages were vile, and my heart went out to the poor budgie I just sold to her.
I couldn't get out of there fast enough, I took her budgie home with me, and found out it had feather mites....surprise surprise. fortunately I had treatment here for them.
Unfortunately I did not realize the bird had feather mites until days later, I had forgotten to wash my hands after handling the budgie, and passed it on to my baby cockatiels.
let me tell you that was a lesson well learned!!!....environment is everything.

 

[Merlee]

Merlee - I didn't want to make the sticky too long to read so I kept the information to just rehoming a bird. I think your points would be another write up dealing with "What to do with bringing home a new parrot" kind of sticky.

Is there already a sticky for new parrot ownership?

I understand your point. Then let's do another covering the other end.

When I inquired about having a sticky made regarding rehoming birds, I wanted future adoptees to avoid what I went through. See, the previous owner of my yellow nape had no idea of the whole process because she constantly asked for updates and didn't understand how much time was involved and why I did this or that. Of course, I was cautious about everything because I didn't want to end up with a bird having health issues or start plucking.

If a person who is surrendering a bird understood the rehoming process, then s/he would not have anxiety about letting go.

 

[mtdoramike]

Very good points Mike.

Thanks, but I can't take credit for such an insightful article. I amended the article to include the author and editor.

 

[noblemacaw]

Merlee, I believe it was your situation that started the creation of the document. I do want both parties to be as informed about their decision as they possibly can. Not only for the person giving up the bird but for the person adopting the bird.

Do you think the document is clear enough for both parties??

 

[Merlee]

Merlee, I believe it was your situation that started the creation of the document. I do want both parties to be as informed about their decision as they possibly can. Not only for the person giving up the bird but for the person adopting the bird.

Do you think the document is clear enough for both parties??

Yes, I do.

What makes me sad about rehoming a bird is that most owners want to be compensated in some way. Many dogs and cats are given away due to a move, divorce, etc., but when it comes to birds, most ads say adoption fee or for sale. Why can't birds be treated the same way when rehoming as a dog or cat? If you truly love your bird, wouldn't you rather give the bird and all its accessories to somebody who truly will love and care for it? I am sure I just stirred up a hornets' nest with my comments but that's just how I feel.

 

[Jtbirds]

Merle there are huge discussions about adoption fees and honestly I agree with an adoption fee that is suitable for the bird adopting, the people must know that the initial cost is only the beginning as all birds and animals will defiantly override the initial cost quickly in a year or so. It is debatable but upto the owner, rescue, etc...


You did not stirrup anything but bring up a void point, but many charge fees just to get the money out of it, the fee sould be looked at as more of a test I suppose I'm not sure how to put it, I agree with fees when it comes to some situations espically in rescue as you need to be able to support the other rescued birds ya know?

I strongly disagree and hate when people will not send the birds cage with the bird though, that is so rude. I is there home and safety and you will take it away to make a buck... Horrible IMO



Thank you everyone, but most credit should be given to noble I just added my little blurbs through it.

 

[mtdoramike]

Merle there are huge discussions about adoption fees and honestly I agree with an adoption fee that is suitable for the bird adopting, the people must know that the initial cost is only the beginning as all birds and animals will defiantly override the initial cost quickly in a year or so. It is debatable but upto the owner, rescue, etc...


You did not stirrup anything but bring up a void point, but many charge fees just to get the money out of it, the fee sould be looked at as more of a test I suppose I'm not sure how to put it, I agree with fees when it comes to some situations espically in rescue as you need to be able to support the other rescued birds ya know?

I strongly disagree and hate when people will not send the birds cage with the bird though, that is so rude. I is there home and safety and you will take it away to make a buck... Horrible IMO



Thank you everyone, but most credit should be given to noble I just added my little blurbs through it.

I disagree with fees as well. If I have to charge a fee to ensure that my bird is going to a good home then I failed to do my homework. If I had to rehome a bird, there would be no fee attached, but there would be stipulations attached such as thorough interviews, home inspections and a contract that the bird will not be sold.

What I hate is when people want to charge a rehoming fee then they also what to make you jump through hoops as well. To me, you can't have both. But it's only my opinion.

 

[mtdoramike]

I also like the part in the article about giving the new owner a bill of sale. We tend to forget that eventhough our birds or pets are family members, in the eyes of the law, they are considered property. I never received a bill of sale with either of my second hand birds. This could pose a problem if I decide to move to St. Thomas in the near future. Leaving the states wouldn't be a problem, but coming might be since you have to prove ownership and how you came about possession of the birds. Then there comes the question of the 30 day quarantine period. So if I decide to make the move I will more than likely rehome my birds rather than put them through the move.

 

[Jtbirds]

Well mike in order for rescues to thrive they must have money you see the world revolves around it sadly... And in order for that to happen you ether need donations or adoption fees so in that case if you have high donations one month then take the fees down low and the next you may have to raise it up, it is also an option to make the fee according to the person if they have volunteered, or done multiple other things to help out and still be interested. So if you are privately rehoming a bird you may not have the issues of needing the money and have no need to charge an adoption fee, but if you are a buisness or organization you may need.

This may stir a pot I am not wishing to but if what has been stated is what you believe then why should breeders charge a price for baby's? Why is it any different then rehoming a bird and charging a fee? Does this mean we should all have free animals because in that case many more people would just go and pick up and sell to people to make money, you can do background work all you like but besides that people are horrible and lie and backstab so no matter what you do not ensure the safety of an animal ever. I am not trying to come across rude, but this is how I feel in comparison to the option of no fee compared to fee.

You are less likely to get stabbed in the back and lied to if you charge a fee then if you just do a lot of background work.. Just how I feel, sorry.

 

[mtdoramike]

Well mike in order for rescues to thrive they must have money you see the world revolves around it sadly... And in order for that to happen you ether need donations or adoption fees so in that case if you have high donations one month then take the fees down low and the next you may have to raise it up, it is also an option to make the fee according to the person if they have volunteered, or done multiple other things to help out and still be interested. So if you are privately rehoming a bird you may not have the issues of needing the money and have no need to charge an adoption fee, but if you are a buisness or organization you may need.

This may stir a pot I am not wishing to but if what has been stated is what you believe then why should breeders charge a price for baby's? Why is it any different then rehoming a bird and charging a fee? Does this mean we should all have free animals because in that case many more people would just go and pick up and sell to people to make money, you can do background work all you like but besides that people are horrible and lie and backstab so no matter what you do not ensure the safety of an animal ever. I am not trying to come across rude, but this is how I feel in comparison to the option of no fee compared to fee.

You are less likely to get stabbed in the back and lied to if you charge a fee then if you just do a lot of background work.. Just how I feel, sorry.

You brought up some valid points. If you are a business then yes, I can see a group, company or breeder charging for an animal. But they are a business with overhead that they must cover to stay in business. But the same is not true for private sales. They are doing it to recoop their investment or portions there of. They can claim that they are charging a fee because they want to make sure their bird goes to a good home, but putting lip stick on a pig doesn't change it from being a pig. It's what ever helps a person sleep at night. The best way to find a pet/family member a new home is to work at it, spend some time getting to know the prospective owner before relenquishing your bird to them.

I've seen way to many birds turned over to rescue centers by rich or well off people who never had to worry about where their next meal was coming from and most of the birds had some kind of issues from malnurishment, desocialization, cage bound and so on. Money never forces people to appreciate things especially when they have it. But like I mentioned before, to each their own opinion and this is one of those hot button issues that two people will never agree on.

 

[JerseyWendy]

A few years ago I had a pair of Red Sided Eclectus. Jasper & Gemma. They were truly magnificent, sweet and lovable, BUT, they were loud. You all may think how loud could they have been compared to 2 large Macaws. Well, they were certainly not as loud as the macs, but they were loud ALL day long. I would have NEVER thought of selling them. And I say "selling" because if someone has a price on something, then I consider that a SALE.

It so turned out that a friend of mine visited one day and completely fell in love with Jasper and Gemma. He turned his sun room into a bird room and after I inspected it, and with VERY heavy heart, I GAVE them to him. I still visit them time permitting (he lives several hours away), but I GAVE them to him willingly, with NO strings attached. He couldn't be happier with them - and I no longer feel guilty about it.

Having said all that, I agree with Mike. If you absolutely MUST rehome a bird (or any pet for that matter), don't put a price tag on him/her, just do your best and try and find a good, loving and permanent home.

 

[Merlee]

I understand why rescues charge fees and I believe they are entitled to them because of all the good things they provide such as a safe temporary home, rehabilitation, vet care, and provide cages if they don't have one readily available for a surrendered bird. An adoptee can even purchase a cage through the rescue at cost. I have visited a few rescue websites and one states that if the bird came with a cage, the cage goes along with it when adopted. I think that's awesome because it helps with the transition.

Regarding breeders, some are just in it for the money. If breeders cared about birds as a whole, they would put a moratorium on breeding because there are too many birds in rescues, abused, or passed from one home to another because owners are ignorant in bird behavior. Overbreeding won't stop until there is no longer a market for them. I foresee in the future a glut in birds just like dogs. At some point, society may have to put them down because there will be no place to house them.

I have owned my B&G for 12 years and feel that I already received my money's worth. I was given a yellow naped amazon because I could not afford the cost of the trip to pick it up as well as the asking price of $500. The amazon came with a medium sized cage, a table top wooden perch, and accessories. I was lucky that the owner believed that I would take good care of her bird.

I know the birds I have will outlive me so when the time comes, I will gladly give my birds away to those who I feel would be a good fit. I feel any animal I own is family and the pet's best interest comes first. Money is no longer important.

Just because a potential owner can afford the purchase price, it does not guarantee s/he will be a great owner. I have read too many ads on Craigslist as well posts on bird forums about birds who have been abused or neglected. I think contracts are worthless. Once the bird is out of your possession, who and how will a contract be enforced?

I have read about a few birds being rehomed through bird forums with great success. I think this is awesome and hope forum members will continue doing so.

 

[Merlee]

I think whether to ask for rehoming fees or not is a very hot topic among the members. If we continue discussing this, it's possible the thread may get off topic and even locked. Maybe a different thread should be started regarding this?