Welcome to your first forum then
Forums are fantastic, great for information and support! You need to remember that this is all just words on a screen, you never know whats lurking behind the keyboard on the other end
LOL
It could be good or bad... but you definitely can't let yourself be offended by it or it will eat you up inside and keep you from the real benefits of the experience.
A flipper is someone who makes a profit from something which is heavily discounted... things which may either need slight repair (a coat of paint, a few bolts replaced... a flea bath or a hair trim...) before being sold at an increased amount...
or may be purchased from someone who through circumstance is desperate to sell and may require no attention prior to resale at a profit (this applies to not only animals but objects as well).
Someone who is looking for a cheap pet for themselves is not a flipper.
But flippers almost
always pose as someone looking for a cheap or free pet... or to adopt unwanted/neglected/abused pets.
Rescue is a completely different kettle of fish. They never specify that the animals they adopt must be healthy or behaviourally sound... and many come in with very expensive medical bills or behavioural issues due to neglect, abuse or just ignorance. Even an incorrect diet can mean years of medication and rehabilitation to get the bird back in balance. Because their job is so expensive, they do charge an adoption fee. An adoption fee also deters those who want something cheap and won't treasure it, their aim is to find permanent homes for these birds who have possibly gone through hell and back and who may not survive having to be rehomed again. And make no mistake, birds are fragile creatures who can die from the stress or associated behavioural issues that arise from being rejected and passed about continuously... it is very heartbreaking. Plucking can lead to mutilation which can lead to infections and death. Imagine being the rescue who has to deal with the heartbreaking sight of a bird who has chew through skin and muscle to its breast bone
Its a heartbreak I think I couldn't bear.
That doesn't mean all rescues are perfect or risk free either... there are the odd bird flipper who pose as a rescue! Like everything, its never black or white
I think most people are rescue advocates in some way, but in reality a rescue bird doesn't suit everyones situation and you should NEVER be forced into going through rescue rather than a breeder. Your available time, money, experience and understanding may determine whether you can deal with a rescue/rehome or not. Even a previously well loved and perfectly cared for well behaved bird can have issues based on being separated from someone they have bonded with. Its even more important these birds are treated with utmost patience and understanding and not prematurely re-rehomed.
If you are looking at adopting someones pet they can't keep... keep in mind not all of these birds will be abused, neglected or unloved.
It will definitely help you find a suitable bird if you remain sensitive to their plight.
Some people are in a really bad situation they never could have expected... health issues, financial issues... even facing homelessness. And they love their birds dearly.
If you do find one from a bad situation, for the birds sake, sometimes its best to bite your tongue about it until you get the bird out of the situation. Thats what I had to do, which cost me A LOT in the end, but she is safe and happy now. She is a troubled bird but I love her with all my heart and she will have a forever home with us where she wont ever need to worry about being shipped across country and separated from all she knows and feels comfortable with ever again
So, if you are genuinely seeking a pet bird to love forever, I hope you keep this all in mind
And be watchful of flippers yourself as well! Birds which come from flippers can have emotional issues from being passed around so much and sometimes abused or neglected. Its not always the case, but it often is.
) and ALL the time and care needed to provide for a macaw. Keep that in mind. Just because you get the bird and possibly the cage free doesn't mean it'll be a cheap road over time.
