Birds to rehome

[jenni0482]

Hi All,

Unfortuneately I've decided I need to rehome my birds, 8 finches and 2 cockatiels because they are not getting the attention they deserve. I want to make sure they go to a good home and not really sure how to interview the respondents about it... I know that dogs and cats often get taken and abused, and I'm not sure if this happens in the bird world too. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

[FoxersArtist]

Birds are often subject to being placed in home after home after home. The most important thing I can suggest that will help is to get to know interviewees and make sure that they have been clear about their intentions. Many people compulsively decide that they want a pet ________ right this second! Having these people commit to coming to visit the bird regularly for a few weeks or a month with show that they are really commited and not just acting compulsively.

Here are some questions I ask regularly of those I am considering for adoption:

SPECIAL INTERESTS:
1) What type(s) of parrots are you interested in?
2) Please list at least 5 specific qualities that you desire in a pet parrot.
3) What type of parrot(s) do you have now or have owned in the past?
4) If you no longer own these parrots, what became of them and why?
5) Is there a specific species of parrot that you get along with exceptionally well?
6) Please list any other pets that you currently own as well as any pets you have owned within the past 5 years. If you no longer have these pets, please specify why.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
1) Do you own your own home, are you renting, or do you have an apartment?
2) Are you married, and if so, is your spouse also interested in parrots?
3) Do you have children? If so, what ages and will they be assisting with the care of your parrot?
4) If you do not already have children, do you plan on having any in the future?
5) Does anyone else live with you? If so, are they interested in parrots?
6) Are you closely involved with those in your neighborhood?

HUSBANDRY:
1) Do you already have a cage that you are planning to use when adopting/fostering a parrot? If so, please list the dimensions of the cage (L x W x H) and bar spacing.
2) How frequently do you plan to clean your parrot's cage?
3) How frequently do you plan to change your parrot's water bowl?
4) What type of foods would you offer your parrot on a daily basis?
5) How frequently do you plan on bathing your parrot and how will you do this?

SAFETY:
1) Where in the home will your parrot be kept?
2) Will small children or other animals have regular access to your parrot or it's cage?
3) Would you clip your bird's wings or are you planning to leave your bird flighted?
4) Do you own any houseplants?
5) Do you use non-stick (Teflon) cookware?
6) What will be used to line the bottom of your bird's cage?
7) If you already have a cage for this parrot, what condition is it in? Is it powder coated, stainless steel or other? (If you know the brand, please specify.)
8) Do you or does anyone in your household smoke? If yes, do you smoke indoors?

VET CARE:
1) Do you have access to an avian certified veterinarian?
2) How frequently do you plan on having your bird seen for a well check-up?
3) If your bird became ill or was injured would you: take it to an avian vet, try to correct the situation yourself based on your knowledge of parrots, or keep a close eye on the bird, hoping that it recovers on it's own?
4) Do you know how to hand feed a parrot using syringe and formula? If not, are you interested in learning?
5) Are you comfortable clipping your birds wings and nails yourself or will you be taking your bird to a professional? Are you interested in learning how to properly groom your parrot if you do not already know?

EMOTIONAL NEEDS:
1) Are you willing to adopt a parrot with special physical or behavioral needs?
2) Are you looking for a specific gender? If yes, please specify.
3) Are you currently breeding parrots or interested in breeding parrots in the future?
4) Are you willing to spend a considerable amount of time getting to know a parrot before deciding to adopt/foster?
5) Do all of the adults in your household work? If so, how many hours per week?
6) How much daily one-on-one time can you commit to spending with your parrot?
7) How much daily out of cage time will you be able to provide your parrot with?
8) Do you feel that toys are an important part of a parrot's environment? Why or why not? Would new toys be provided to your parrot, if ever, on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis?
9) How many years do you feel you will be able to commit to a companion parrot?


FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
1) Can you afford to pay a reasonable adoption fee for a parrot?
2) Can you afford to buy a cage that is large enough for your parrot to be physically and emotionally healthy?
3) Would you be able to cover the cost of vet bills, should there ever be an emergency?
4) Can you afford the frequent cost of a high quality parrot seed or pelleted diet as well as fresh foods?
5) Can you afford the cost of frequently replacing toys that have been destroyed?
6) Would you be willing to invest in a play gym or activity center for your parrot?

CONSENT:
1) Are you willing to consent to a home inspection?
2) Are you willing to assume full responsibility for a parrot once it is in your care?
3) If you are adopting a parrot, are you willing to surrender that bird back to us if you can no longer keep your feathered friend?

Good luck.
-Anna

[Freedomoflight]

This is a GREAT list of rehoming questions, and has been stickied for future reference! Thanks FoxersArtist

[jenni0482]

Thanks so much for your help! I found them a great home!