Aimee and Owen

[Lisa B]

how are things goin? I havent heard from you in a while, and am wondering how that little love is doing!

[Aimee72]

Hi Lisa and all!
Sorry it took me so long to answer this post. I haven't been around for quite a while and hadn't seen it.
I wish I could tell you that I had good news about Owen. But I don't. He has reverted back to his previous behaviors of plucking and constant screaming when anyone is near him. We didn't change his environment, schedule or anything. We have no explanation. We just noticed that he wasn't making as much progress as he had been and over the next week it was like watching everything in reverse. He no longer wants me to hold him, talk to him or anything. He throws such a fit when I change his food and water dishes that I now have to wrap him up in a towel before doing that. He opened up all of his sores that were almost healed and plucked out most of his beautiful feathers. He doesn't even go to sleep on his own. He stays awake unless he is put down for a nap or to bed at night.
I love him and I miss all the funny little things he used to say and seeing him play peekaboo. It makes me sad but what can you do? I just do my best and try not to beat myself up about it too much. I keep him fed, as calm as possible and safe. Maybe some day he will come around again...

I know it sounds horrible but I don't think I will ever take in a rescue again. For one thing I don't think Owen will ever be well enough for me to have the time to take care of another bird. For another it has taken a huge emotional (and financial) toll on me as well as my family. It has had many joyful moments, but for the most part it has just been tiring, unrewarding hard work.

And heartbreak.

This is only my situation and my experience. There are many, many birds who need good homes and I am in no way trying to discourage people from rescuing greys. I only wish they could be rescued before they have been neglected and traumatized so severely that they are robbed of a good quality of life. I also wish that there were better standards for screening people who want to buy/adopt greys. Then other people like me wouldn't be left picking up the pieces and literally paying the price for someone else's mistake.


Thanks for asking about us.
I hope all of you and your fids are doing well.

Aimee and Owen

[Lisa B]

Aimee,
you are a wonderful human being and an exceptional mother. Most would have given up. Thank you for not doing so.
Owen does seem to be the exception and when they are so scared its hard to break them. One only knows what he went through.
I too hope that he will revert back to letting you hold and spend time with him. the slightest thing can set them off.
Please stay in touch just to let me knwo you are both doing well. I think of you often.