In Praise of Older Birds

[dyeman]

I wanted to urge anyone considering adding a new bird to their family or even their first feathered freind to consider adopting an older orphan. I have a Macaw I adopted last year at 3 and a Meyers I adopted this year also at 3, both were birds that the owners didn't want to give up, but had to do so for health reasons. Although there was a period of adjustment with each, they are now a joy.

I also have helped 7 unwanted birds find homes through my store in the last year including a 25 YO B&G that is the delight of her new parents. I am not opposed to people adopting babies, I sell weaned babies in my store as well, but I think many people miss out on a beautiful feeling when they don't consider adopting a otherwise wonderul companion just because they aren't a bappie.

If all of us that are owned by multiple birds considered just one older bird, maybe the unwanted bird problem wouldn't be what it is today.

Just a thought..

[Casa Amazona]

I couldn't agree with you more. Over the past two years I've taken on a DYH Amazon male (20 years old), a Tres Maria DYH Amazon male and female (11 years old) and an OW/YC Amazon (9 years old) and each of them is a wonderful addition to my feathered family. Of course, I also adore my BF Amazon, had since she was a bappy, but I see no real difference in pet quality and it's so much fun to see these guys in a home where I do my best to make them happy -- they certainly do the same for me!

[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by dyeman

I wanted to urge anyone considering adding a new bird to their family or even their first feathered freind to consider adopting an older orphan. I have a Macaw I adopted last year at 3 and a Meyers I adopted this year also at 3, both were birds that the owners didn't want to give up, but had to do so for health reasons. Although there was a period of adjustment with each, they are now a joy.

I also have helped 7 unwanted birds find homes through my store in the last year including a 25 YO B&G that is the delight of her new parents. I am not opposed to people adopting babies, I sell weaned babies in my store as well, but I think many people miss out on a beautiful feeling when they don't consider adopting a otherwise wonderul companion just because they aren't a bappie.

If all of us that are owned by multiple birds considered just one older bird, maybe the unwanted bird problem wouldn't be what it is today.

Just a thought..

Here! Here! Good post and I agree with you, there is a lot to be said for an older and usually more settled bird.
Linda & HRC~

[The Outlaw]

I also agree. I have a 20 year old YN Amazon that is a joy. Frankly, one of the good things about an older bird versus a newly weaned baby is that they don't revert to handfeeding. Each bird is a treasure. Its up to us to discover their true worth.

THE OUTLAW

[Lisa B]

I too have several older guys I've adopted. I wouldnt trade them for the world...They know they have found the place they will stay forever.
I agree with Outlaw..


Each bird is a treasure. Its up to us to discover their true worth.

very well said....

[Vankarhi]

if i had the chance i would adopt an older bird as long as i could spend time with it before taking it home, to see what it's personality is like. I realise their true personalities do not come out for some time, but I would prefer to have some time with the bird before bringing it home, just me I guess. But who knows, I would probably jump in feet first, has been done before with other animals.

[Chariclo]

My guy Ramone is a 35 yr old amazon that just came to me last year - and I cannot express to you how rewarding our time together has been. Any progress we make is enormous to me. His spirit often brings me to tears. I am overwhelmed sometimes at his capability to adapt to pet life after being an exhibit bird for so long.

He is absolutely different from Maia- 1 yr old baby macaw - but I am so greatful for having the opportunity to make his retirement comfortable, and I can't imagine not hearing his morning call, and after dinner coos.

(Can you tell I'm in love?)

[smallonion]

I couldn't agree more and I can't wait for the day that I can take a few more in. As soon as I own my own home, or move to America, that is! Humphrey was a year or two old when I brought him home, so not a new one.

[Cheeky beaks]

I have 2 Goffins, Little Bit I got as a weaned baby and I wouldn't trade her even on her worst day. But Pedro who is 13 is such a joy, I really believe he knows he's been rescued and he gives nothing but love.
Its been different with Pedro, he had a lot of bad problems with trust, and to see him changing is really a feeling like no other. yesterday he said up for the first time and even lifted his leg. He realized what he was doing and backed off, but I know he's building trust and one day he will step up. An older bird is as good if not better than a baby. Joan

[Willow]

Willow came to me as a rescue at 2 weeks, Aspen I purchasec at ~13 weeks, Mulberry I purchased 2 years 7 months, Cypress was given to me at ~8 years, and Maple was adopted at ~17 years. Each one is amazing and special and I would absolutely not hesistate to take in another older bird when the time is right.